Stop Lights

[Kitty2]

HELP!!!!!!!
My 2001 car has developed a problem with the offside stoplight.
A warning to check rear lights appeared on the dash whilst driving, bulb gone I thought.
Having replaced the offending bulb, it still didnt work.
I have checked the fuse, its ok as the nearside works.
Have looked at the relay, seems ok.
The wiring looks good.
Can anyone suggest the cause as all other lights work fine on the rear.
Many thanks,
Alan Maynard.

[joejag308]

Alan has the rear lighting system got a fuse for each side ......the one that you think is ok is an old adage where the best way to test a fuse is to throw the current one away and put a new one in......we have had fuses check out on a meter and be no good..........failing that make sure the contacts are clean and dry and the bulb is making good contact with the light.........check out your book for the fuses and what they cover....
just a thought.......Joe

[Kitty2]

Joe, thanks for the repy, will double check as you suggest, think only one fuse for stop lights but will check again.
Regards Alan.

[dhammond]

The stop lamp is controlled via the Security and Locking Control Module. The stop lamp relay only operates the high level brake light which is on a separate circuit. There is no separate fuse for the nearside and offside brake lights.

I would suspect the multiway connector that goes into the lamp unit. If this has come loose it will cause problems. I have known them to partially separate so that they look as if they are in position but have actually broken the circuit.

Other possibilities are either corroded contacts on the connector or a fractured wire (move the wiring harness whilst an assistant keeps their foot on the brake pedal).

The other thing to check is to fit the replacement bulb on the nearside and check that the new bulb actually works.

Worst case is that the Security and Locking Control Module has partially failed but this is unlikely as normally failure of this module gives other symptoms. If it is the Security and Locking Control Module that has failed then you may be able to find an auto electrician that can repair it for you rather than replacing the module. The modules are programmed to the vehicle so you cannot just get another one from a scrapyard and fit it to the car.

Regards,

David

[joejag308]

David...thanks for that i thought it may be a double fuse but with electrics i dont mess around with..........i have had problems in the boot area with the locking mod on my XJ40 in the past and this turned out to be the wiring that goes around the boot hinge from the cabin having worn through at that point ,........i didnt realise i had the boot locking until this was found on a service.........any one good with electrics in a forum is worth a lot so keep your eye open .........Joe