Defender td5 reverse light problems

[danzam]

Hi all,
Hoping for some assistance with a perplexing issue I’m having with my defender reverse light. I’ve got a 2001 td5 110. I’ve got no reverse light out of the blue and can’t figure out why. I’ve checked fuses, cleaned all earths and changed out the reverse light switch. I’m getting power to the reverse light switch but I’m getting no power to the blue plug in the rear of right quarter panel that supplied the reverse light. I’ve tried to short the connector that goes to the reverse light switch but still get nothing up the back. If I provide 12v power to the male side of the blue plug the lights come on. I’m assuming I’m losing the power somewhere along the harness between the switch and the plug but can’t work out where. I’m not having any other lighting related issues, just the reverse.
Cheers!
Daniel

[V8Ian]

The easiest way would be to run a new cable from the switch to the lamp.

[danzam]

The easiest way would be to run a new cable from the switch to the lamp.

Trying to avoid that for the minute. If I can’t figure it out, might be my only option.

[discorevy]

I've seen the ramp for the switch on the R380 box wear out to the point it won't activate the switch.

[Tins]

In these situations the first place I look is the trailer plug and it's associated wiring. Always vulnerable to damage and corrosion.

However, if you could beg/borrow/steal a PowerProbe ECT3000 (https://www.powerprobe.com/na/en/ECT3000).... Sure, who has one of those? I plan on getting one, but not yet. But, it would find the break in the harness. Never know, some local auto sparky might be kind enough to let you use one.

[travelrover]

As V8Ian says I would run a new cable, even a temporary just to isolate the issue.

[Tombie]

The loom will have damage where it moves in and out of the chassis

[ninchi]

If you're planning on doing electricals, something like this would probably be super handy. Autel PowerScan PS100 Automotive Circuit Tester, Universal 12V 24V Power Circuit Probe Kit, Read AC DC Voltage Resistance, Component Activation, Short Finder, Test Ground & Continuity, w/ 20ft Cable : Amazon.com.au: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BW48DKFG)

Mine arrived last week, I'll be putting it to the test over the coming weeks trying to map out what the previous owner has done with the ratsnest under the passenger seat.

Do you have the electrical manual with all the wiring diagrams? I can send a pdf if needed.

[Tins]

If you're planning on doing electricals, something like this would probably be super handy. Autel PowerScan PS100 Automotive Circuit Tester, Universal 12V 24V Power Circuit Probe Kit, Read AC DC Voltage Resistance, Component Activation, Short Finder, Test Ground & Continuity, w/ 20ft Cable : Amazon.com.au: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BW48DKFG)

Mine arrived last week, I'll be putting it to the test over the coming weeks trying to map out what the previous owner has done with the ratsnest under the passenger seat.

Do you have the electrical manual with all the wiring diagrams? I can send a pdf if needed.

I have the PowerProbe version of that. It is pretty good. The ETC3000 I linked to is better for finding broken circuits, but your tool is a versatile all rounder. Mine gets quit a lot of use. Just be careful, especially around the various modules, and do NOT use it near any SRS systems. Apologies if you already knew that.

[ninchi]

do NOT use it near any SRS systems. Apologies if you already knew that.

That's a great warning that should be repeated often, no apology needed.