Technical Disco like tail lights!

[Djmunkster]

Good evening, all,

I am currently having a bit of an issue with my 2002 1.2's rear end! I noticed the dash warning light coming on when braking so got home and checked, sure enough the brake light was out. Off I popped to pick up a replacement bulb and as I indicated left, under braking, the speed of the flasher doubled and the rear lit up like a disco. Knowing this was probably due to a blown bulb I replaced them both but it now still happens.

I yesterday replaced the white connecter into the light cluster and that seemed to remedy the problem but using the car this afternoon, it has reappeared

One if the lads at the scrappies where I picked up the connector reckoned it was a common problem and down to a bad earth. Fair point, well made. What do I do about it? Any ideas on how I make it a good earth (apart from perhaps taking it to church next weekend?)

Great forum, btw, and looking forward to sharing our fiat with you all over the coming years (little minion (as she's called) is new to us a couple of months ago, you see)

 

[Ziggy122]

The white connector rarely to blame im affraid there

What you need todo is this

Take the light cluster out from the car - dont need to explain you seem to know what your doing already

Look where the Black Earth wire is on the connector and where it plugs into the rear light cluster

that pin probably is
Dull = Age and has just oxidised
Black = Poor connection, its arc'd developed carbon
Brown = Water ingress
Blue = Overheated, but plastic normally melts first
White = No idea how it turns white, but it happens

Eitherway - you need to clean the earth pin up on both sides properly
I used a dremel tip but it was tight and i did hit the casing, so i gave up with that

Some corse paper on a nail file may do the trick nicely

Electrical contact cleaner to remove anything left from cleaning up

its worth while noting how much crap is behind the light cluster

if there is lots of mud and dirt = Water can be held
Water + Electrics = Bad!

A simple damp cloth remove the dirt - not only does it look much better but worth it 100%

Ziggy

 

[Djmunkster]

Cheers, Ziggy,

I have cleaned behind the cluster as you say, it was pretty clogged with crud and does look much better, I didn't clean any of the terminals and so I will give that a bash tomorrow evening. Rather handily I have some small files and electrical contact cleaner in the garage and I will report my progress

Thank you

 

[Ziggy122]

Cheers, Ziggy,

I have cleaned behind the cluster as you say, it was pretty clogged with crud and does look much better, I didn't clean any of the terminals and so I will give that a bash tomorrow evening. Rather handily I have some small files and electrical contact cleaner in the garage and I will report my progress

Thank you

Just take care with a file that you
A - dont bend the pin
B - Take too much off

you just want to bring the surface back to a nice shine - fresh metal look
remember todo both sides, hence dont go to mad

the connector is a pinch fit - ie it sits fully closed anyway - but the more pressure the plug sits on the pins = Better connection = Less chance of it going wrong again

Ziggy

 

[Djmunkster]

Sorted!!

I cleaned up all the contacts and the black one was indeed a little dull. I also noticed as I removed it that a little moisture ran from the connector. It seemed the loop of the wiring loom was against the hole in the body (perhaps) and has subsequently acted as a bridge for the water running done the now shiny metal work behind the cluster. So, I use some silicone sealant and created a little 'upside down U' around the hole. Allowing enough room for the original seal to still sit flush against the car, all water running down the channels should now go around the hole! He hopes!

While their I baselines the door seals and cleaned out the roof gutters and seals so all grey water can now run free, away from my we minion

All in all! Job done and thank you very much, Ziggy.

I'm now moving onto to other little jobs to perk up my wee car (replaced drivers tweeter, replaced missing rear window wash jet' Vaseline the seals etc)

She's looking good

 

[Ziggy122]

My friend the silicone idea is genius - yet i never thought of that!
:idea:

Glad its helped
If water was on the cable i'd be tempted to leave the boot open a summers day (yea right) and let the car bake in the sunshine and dry out

Ziggy