Hi,

I have a bit of and issue with my brake and indicators and was hoping for some advice

When I put my foot on the brake pedal the right indicator light comes on, on the dash, not flashing just a solid light... if I have the brakes on and the indicator the light stays solid and the flasher stops ticking.

When I put my head lights on (parkers/tail lights) the right indicator light comes on 1/2 strength on the dash but not outside. When I put my foot on the break the dash light comes on full strength and the tail and brake light turn off and the indicator light comes on solidly.

I am assuming that there is a brake wire connecting with and indicator wire some where but I have no idea where to start looking.


Any ideas?

How long has it been doing this and has any electrical work been done recently?

I'd suggest you start looking for obvious things like crook earths and connections in wires that don't look factory (ie crimped connections or worse yet, tape).

Somehow seems like you have a cross connection between a tail light and indicator and you're getting feedback through the system.

yeah, I worked my way backwards checking the wires (what is visible) it all looked ok... then I started to fiddle around with the connections on the back of the tail lights... I have a feeling they may have either been not getting a solid connection or they were earthing out on something because after I did this they started working pretty much perfect...

Only thing that isnt right still is when you indicate right and brake at the same time the brake light and indicator flash oppositely... (indicator comes on turns off then brake comes on turns off... etc..)

What sort of connection is between the loom and lights?
Is it possible that two wires or more are in the wrong place?

they are just like tab connectors, 2 of each per bulb... do they matter which way positve and negative go? cuz i had them out the other day, but didnt take note which way they were...

check the earths at the back of the car - the brake or indicator is earthing through the other one

_________________
did I tell you that I won a trophy?

hmm... where should i look? sorry

I would look at the grounds on the indicator in question, it sounds like a back feed issue. If the black is not connected properly, or the connection to the chassis is faulty then the 12 volts will drain through the other filaments. As the 12 volts now travels through two or more filaments on different lights, then you will get a half glow like you have described.

Also check the bulb by taking it out, inspecting the contacts on the bulb and the socket and reinstalling.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

ok thanks guys... ill have a good check tomoro when theres some light... does it matter wich way around the wires go back on??

For the indicator no, but for the dual filament brake/park light bulb it does. If you mix them up, your brake light will be dim and your park light bright.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

ok cool thanks, i must have them round the right way cuz they are working much much better than b4

worked out the source of the problem... you guys were right it was a bad earth... the actual bases of the lights werent done up tight so they werent sitting tight against the body (i must have overlooked this in my mad rush to put everything back toegether)

thanks for the help guys

Tim.