I'm convinced there IS a problem in the rear hatch wiring. It creates a short when you press the brakes or engage reverse. Probably shorting out to the ground for the heated rear window.
gr J
gr J
Technical Earthing strap?!
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Technical Earthing strap?!
Your not wrong I’m hoping the op posts pics of the loom I’m dying to see it!
Except the reversing light doesn't go through the rear hatch? but yes it still needs "proper" investigation
Think this is the original hatch wiring post https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/maybelline-has-thrown-a-hissy-fit.423837/
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Apologies for coming in late to this thread with an off-the-wall question - normally don't hang out in the 500 section... have you checked the passenger side rear light cluster itself?
I recently came across a slightly similar problem on a 500 which had a damaged rear light. Swapped it out and problem disappeared, but never bothered to figure out why (helping a friend out in the pouring rain!)
I recently came across a slightly similar problem on a 500 which had a damaged rear light. Swapped it out and problem disappeared, but never bothered to figure out why (helping a friend out in the pouring rain!)
Susie170911
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Here's the pics for you!
I've just checked the wiring in the hatch - a small cut to one wire but other than that all other casings in tact. A few wires on the repair look like they haven't been done great but I'm no expert on this! Any opinions?
The side that goes into the side of the car as opposed to the hatch - that was as far out as I could get the wires. Some metal showing on one negative cable but surrounding plastic should be stopping it from touch anything.
Checked the wiring to the high stop light that was fine and also to the left rear lights.
If anyone can see something that shouldn't be please let me know, thanks!
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Susie170911
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Susie170911
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Do you know exactly where that ground is? I was looking for grounds today but couldn't find them.
I was looking for E4 and E6 do you know where they are. I pulled back the carpet in the boot but could see - is E4 behind the plastic trim? Does anyone know where they are? Thanks
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Yes that has definitely been replaced with the replacement loom all looks ok to myself but others may differ in opinion
The wires out of both ends are short! So definitely don’t tug on them as for your predicament I’m stumped.. I really thought that wiring in the loom was to blame
All looks ok on pics as long as everything is nice and tight and dry
In that particular case, the lens had been broken and the whole unit was full of water, together with a piece of metal which had mangled the bulb holders.
The car stalled when pressing the brake pedal, which was the slightly similar symptom.
TBH my money would probably be on the hatch wiring (probably 50% of Fiat 500 problems I have seen are), although not sure how your reversing light would be affected.
Susie170911
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Yeah definitely didn't pulled too hard!
Yeah all wiring was tight and dry! Any ideas on where the earthing points are that I posted about just under? Thanks
Susie170911
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I actually don’t know myself as never had an issue on the rear except the hatch
I’d take the back lights off and inspect both and the plugs & looms
Did you try pulling the two fuses I suggested and or see what condition they are in blown? To cut the power to those circuits post #31
The loom is just a check for visual damage.. either a broken wire, or wires where the insulation is damaged and has exposed the copper wiring inside, since if they're touching the car body etc. that may be causing a short.
If it's been repaired before, it's also worth looking at the connectors around the inserted repair wiring. The connectors should be well crimped, clean and dry and look like metal (zinc plate or copper). If the wiring is tied together, taped over, or it's wet, rusty or corroded green then the chances are it's lost its Mojo and might need re-doing.
Ralf S.
If it's been repaired before, it's also worth looking at the connectors around the inserted repair wiring. The connectors should be well crimped, clean and dry and look like metal (zinc plate or copper). If the wiring is tied together, taped over, or it's wet, rusty or corroded green then the chances are it's lost its Mojo and might need re-doing.
Ralf S.
I looked at Susies very first post, this all started pulling up at a roundabout then there was a cascading of errors, out of the blue with nothing before.
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I would start to disconnect all rear lights either at the hatch loom or directly at the lamp housing and then see if the car keeps on running. Then adding back in steps to see when the issue starts again. Lots of connectors at the hatch loom to do this.
I support the above opinions expecting some sort of short drawing too much current, and as a consequence stalling the engine. It needs quite a big of current, though, to do this.
Turning on the headlights should have a similar effect, they draw more power than rear bulbs. Esp. If adding high beams. That could be a check for a potential battery weakness if the headlights stall the engine.
I support the above opinions expecting some sort of short drawing too much current, and as a consequence stalling the engine. It needs quite a big of current, though, to do this.
Turning on the headlights should have a similar effect, they draw more power than rear bulbs. Esp. If adding high beams. That could be a check for a potential battery weakness if the headlights stall the engine.
I agree but I'm still interested in what the two fuses look like or what happens if they're removed, ?
Susie170911
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Just to clarify this as not sure I explained that well I'm first post prior to 'that' journey I have had no warnings/lights/problems - this day I pulled up at traffic lights from a relatively low speed sat at them for 20 or so secs then the abs warning came up but went straight off, turned right at the lights and started down the hill up to prob 35mph before braking for the roundabout the airbag warning came on and went straight off. Braking cautiously for the roundabout given the two warnings I turned round the roundabout going right off it to find the city power steering and kicked in... got home 2 mins later and then everything else started going wrong!
Went to check the fuses today but couldn't get the brake fuse out as rather fidley and didn't have the right sort of tool to pull it - will try again tomorrow if I get chance and can find something to use! I did check the earthing point for that fuse box though and that one is perfect - still can't find the one for the rear brakes more convinced its behind the plastic trim which is going to mean having to take the rear seats etc out!
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Susie170911
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The AA mechanic disconnected the lights to try that and still wouldn't idle for more than a matter of secs. Loom has been checked pics are in one of my other posts - all looks OK there - they have been replaced previously. Ground earth cable has been replaced. Still haven't managed to check the fuses yet.
Turning on the main beam does not kill the car only the rear lights do that!
Susie170911
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I'm going to give up at this rate!!! As I seem to be getting nowhere I thought I'd try some garages / mobile mechanics etc. So far...
*The AA can't find the problem.
*My usual garage won't do it as not the sort of thing they do.
*The place they recommended are too busy and can't be bothered as would be a hassle for them (pretty much their words!)
*Local mobile person could do it but in 6 weeks time!
*Another garage wont touch it and suggested someone else who I've been in touch with but not heard back yet.
*Best specialist in area doesn't do call outs anymore who I had out previously when the blue and me went so would have to get it towed to him.
*3 other places still haven't got back to me.
Does nobody want to fix my car???!!! The only person who seems to want to do it is someone that messaged me last night who is apparently an technician at a big brand motor company who does mobile mechanic-ing as well on thr side but I've no idea who he is as was just some random person who replied to a post on Facebook asking for local garage recommendations and therefore would have no come back if he isn't what he says he is!
Getting really fed up now! Nearly 2 weeks of no car and still no closer to getting it diagnosed and fixed!
*The AA can't find the problem.
*My usual garage won't do it as not the sort of thing they do.
*The place they recommended are too busy and can't be bothered as would be a hassle for them (pretty much their words!)
*Local mobile person could do it but in 6 weeks time!
*Another garage wont touch it and suggested someone else who I've been in touch with but not heard back yet.
*Best specialist in area doesn't do call outs anymore who I had out previously when the blue and me went so would have to get it towed to him.
*3 other places still haven't got back to me.
Does nobody want to fix my car???!!! The only person who seems to want to do it is someone that messaged me last night who is apparently an technician at a big brand motor company who does mobile mechanic-ing as well on thr side but I've no idea who he is as was just some random person who replied to a post on Facebook asking for local garage recommendations and therefore would have no come back if he isn't what he says he is!
Getting really fed up now! Nearly 2 weeks of no car and still no closer to getting it diagnosed and fixed!
