Technical Rear Tail Lights Fault

[Duxy]

Hi.........My 2000 Mk2 punto has recently been experiencing some problems with its rear tail lights. Initially the amber warning light on the dash board came up to indicate i need new bulbs as neither light was working. However since replacing the bulbs this warning light has still been flashing up, and i have discovered that the drivers side tail light needs to be knocked for it to come on initially. Once this has been done its fine until the cars been off for about an hour, and then when the lights are turned on this has to be done again. Can anyone shed any light on this problem?

Thanks
Duxy

 

[Gav]

It's a current sensing circuit, that checks the bulbs are working in spec. If your replacement bulbs are giving you troubles, I'd check that they're of the correct wattage and voltage for the car. It might be that the resistance is too high and so it thinks they're blown again.

I wish all cars had this as at least you know to check them.

 

[HardBoiledEgg]

I've got the same 'problem' sometimes when I press my brake pedal the light on the dash comes on I'd say once a day in a 50-100 mile drive. All my lights are working though
Someone at FIAT said it may be a 'bad earth' whatever that means :idea:

 

[pmbertron]

I had the same problem; all I did was to clean the contacts. As was previously said "It's a current sensing circuit" obviously if the contact are dirty it has an effect on this. Tapping the contact can have an effect some times & heat from the bulb can help stop this in subsequent times but when things cool down it needs tapping again...
Sounds plausible anyway!!