Thread: Dim Tail lights

With the stop circuit ( green wire from fuse - stop switch - green/purple) the stop switch can get a bit iffy. To go over the circuit, pull the fuse, bulbs and the stop switch and put a multimeter on them. At least it will rule out a short. The stop switch is generic - I got a replacement from supercheap for my 89 (All though it wasn't listed as suitable, it fit.) There's also a capacitor of some description wired in there too. ( necessary I think).

As for the tail lights - how are the front parkers? They're on the same circuit, so if they're OK, then the rears must be suffering from bad earth.

Originally Posted by aRRon

Anyone have any tips for tracing likely source of weak current going to 89 RRC tail lights and brake lights?
Cleaned the earth connector on each light housing, cleaned out bulb sockets and connectors, all new globes and even a new lens on one side.
Indicators, reversing lights and even the rear fog lights light up bright as, but not tail nor brake - just a yellow glow.Both left and right sides are dismal.

Seems strange because tail and brake are on separate circuits. I know the tail lights are actuated through a relay so will check this next. It sounds obsessive but in the peak hour crawl I've had a few new miss rear shunts and one Corolla bounced off the back tow bar.
Suggestions appreciated.

I had a similar issue on my (now departed ) 1988 RRC.

The R/H tail lights weren't working but, when testing them with a meter, I got 12V

I traced the fault to the multi-plug joint between the main and rear harnesses, behind the driver's kick-panel trim.

The terminals had got wet and had gone green and manky.

I dismantled the connector and released the terminals from each half, cleaned everything thoroughly and re-assembled it with contact grease - problem sorted


Paul.

1989 Arles Blue 2.5TD 110 Hardtop
1999 Epsom Green Discovery II 4.0 V8i XS



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Sometimes when using a multi meter you will get a normal reading but as soon as a load goes on it the voltage goes down did you check the voltage with the bulbs in? this will load up the circuit and show up any high resistance going to the bulbs

Had the same problem with the D1. Someone had used horrible Scotch locks. Replaced them with a terminal connect strip. Problem solved. If ever I buy something and it has scotch locks in the packet, they go straight in the bin.