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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:45 am |
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Joined: Feb 10, 2010 Posts: 348
Trade Rating: 0
Location: Essex
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Hi All,
hoping you can assist.
Last night, I noticed the brake light had gone in the Passenger rear light. I removed the cluster and it was filled with quite a bit of water, the lense is cracked (have ordered some Phase 2 to replace). I've also bought a multimeter but need to wait for this to be delivered.
Anyhow, after empting the water and replacing the bulb and giving the circuit a wipe with a cloth, I replaced it all and drove home. Now none of the bulbs work on this cluster and looks like the water has blown something.
The bottom bulb socket on the holder was rusted/ corroded and the Loom connector isnt in the best shape. I cleaned the bulb holder last night with WD40 and put it back together today, still the same nothing works. its possible all the bulbs are now dead so will try swapping out tonight.
The fuse is fine as it powers the third brake light which is currently working.
I had a quick look at the loom but it runs down into the boot somewhere. I'm assuming this is going to be a bugger to replace and the best bet is to attempt to clean the pins on the connector? Toothbrush with a little WD40?
Is there a relay somewhere for the loom also?
Any help greatly appreciated.
Car is a Multiplexed 2002 GTi.
Cheers
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:53 am |
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Joined: Jan 29, 2011 Posts: 6526
Trade Rating: +10
Location: Westhoughton, Lancashire
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WD is not really much good near electrical circuits, it may get rid of the water, but the crap thats left could cause a short circuit.
You could check the loom is OK by plugging the light from the other side in to see if the bulbs light up.
If this works, then you may just have to wait for the new lights to arrive (hope the bulb holders are included) or dry the lights out properly and use some electrical cleaner on the circuits to see if it solves the problem.
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:46 am |
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Joined: Feb 07, 2010 Posts: 2949
Trade Rating: +6
Location: Athens, Greece
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WD40 is slow death for electrical contacts. It forms a nice insulating layer on the metal which increases resistance or even stops current flow altogether. Use contact spray instead.
The Ph.1 rear clusters just corrode like hell and the grounding pin (the bigger one of the 5) often burns-up.
Try some contact spray with a toothbrush on the cluster connector, and bend the pins slightly so they push against the plug contacts with more force. Then start on the bulb sockets finding out which ones need the same treatment (which could well be all if you've disturbed them).
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| 1.4i, 2001, 3-door, China Blue
Repair safely - Drive safely | |
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 12:23 pm |
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Joined: Feb 10, 2010 Posts: 348
Trade Rating: 0
Location: Essex
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Thanks for your help guys.
With regards to swapping the bulb holder from the right to left to test, I assumed the wiring on the Right would be different to the left or is this not the case?
I'm going to get my hands on some electrical contact spray after both your recommendation.
Cheers!
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Posted: Thu May 02, 2013 4:15 pm |
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Joined: Feb 10, 2010 Posts: 348
Trade Rating: 0
Location: Essex
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Just an update here.
My Phase Two's came today. Fitted and working without issue. I was prepared to get the multimeter out and am still waiting for the electrical contact spray, guess it will keep for the next occasion.
Issue: Phase one bulb holder completely dead after cracked lens flooded the circuitry.
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