[Saseefeldt]

Hello everybody.

I recently got myself a VW T4 2.5TDI (88hp) 2001 and it turns out there is a bit of an issue with the lights...

This started with the reverse light, well, there wasn't one when reversing..so using the advice I could find on this forum I've replaced bulbs, fuse and the reverse switch and still no luck, however the problem doesn't stop there as now I have removed the rear lights I now have a very confusing (at least for my brain) situation and desperately need some advice.

To try and be a bit more scientific I ran a few tests, which I have outlined below.... any thoughts?

Scenario 1 - Reverse switch shorted:

• Side lights - left nothing / right okay
• Brake light test - left no brake light but indicator came on / right okay
• Reverse - Both okay but left dull
• Indicators - Left alternating between brake and reverse / right okay

Scenario 2 - Reverse switch still shorted however swapped bulb holders over kept the bulbs on the same side but change indicator for reverse:

• Side lights - left nothing / right okay
• Brake light - both working
• Reverse - Both okay and both bright
• Indicators - Left nothing / right okay

My gut feel is that this is a wiring issue and also an issue with the shift rod not triggering the new switch :*

 

[Indian]

Looks like you have an earthing fault. Do you have a hook on the car? If so your problem might be in the electrical plug for the trailer.

 

[Saseefeldt]

Hey there Indian, thanks for the swift reply!

There is a hook on the van, I hadn't thought to check that...

Any ideas on what and how to check the issue with the hook?

Cheers

Scotty

 

[scruffytoo]

Any ideas on what and how to check the issue with the hook?

Cheers

Scotty

Plug in a tow bar socket wiring tester. Depending what socket you have, that test is part of the UK MOT I believe T:T:

 

[Indian]

A 2001 model probably has the 7-pin plug and this should be easy to disconnect for testing. Just disconnect the wires from the trailer plug at the right rear lamp.

 

[scruffytoo]

A 2001 model probably has the 7-pin plug and this should be easy to disconnect for testing. Just disconnect the wires from the trailer plug at the right rear lamp.

Just plugged my tester in .......... 20 seconds job done (all OK) I:

 

[Indian]

Just plugged my tester in .......... 20 seconds job done (all OK) I:

How many people have their own testers? I dont.

 

[scruffytoo]

How many people have their own testers? I dont.

Most people I know who tow (we are very involved in the motorhome market) do ................... only a few quid on ebay too for a cheap one T:T:

 

[hybrid800]

How many people have their own testers? I dont.

I doRasp:

but I have a lot of tools & equipment.....

I have a 1991 '200tdi' Landrover Discovery for towing (one of the few 4x4's with an actual 3.5Ton towing capacityI: ) and tow a car trailer & hossbox with it. thhaving a lightboard tester is a godsend as you can test the tow-car's electrics & the trailer's wiring / bulbs in secondsT:

I've a few cars, a t4 & a pair of Disco's so rmaybe a bit greedyI:


Rich.

 

[Indian]

I doRasp:

but I have a lot of tools & equipment.....

Rich.

Me too. I have been collecting tools for 4 decades.

 

[Saseefeldt]

Problem solved, disconnected the hook harness as no plans to tow in the near future.

Then had to replace a missing wire from the loom, as well as clean the earths, and now all lights are working as they should do.

Thanks

 

[Indian]

If you go for the MOT, the trailer plug has to be in working order. You should get a new plug with the wires attached and reconnect so that will be in order.