Can anyone advise why my right hand tail lights are staying on even when ignition off and car locked? I found fuse 53 (10AMP) had blown, replaced but lights still on. Not sure what to check next. I have even detached battery to see if it resets anything but to no avail. The only message on the dash is 'rear tail light failed'

Hi Jeremy, and Welcome to the Club.

 

I had the same message "Driver's side rear light failed",  so I did the usual - I tap with the palm of my hand on the light cluster   ---  which did not work.  I changed the bulb and the message went out.  I would also add that when the message centre said the light had failed, it sometimes worked and sometimes didn't.

 

Regards

 

Peter 

[Exiled Lancastrian]

Thanks for the welcome and the reply. It is definitely not the bulbs as not changed them and they all work fine all the time. I was testing voltages for fitting towbar electrics and I obviously shorted something. Changed the blown fuse but still does not work so I have ordered a rear electronic module as think this may be the fault... will let you know.

Have you checked your earthing? The way the rear light clusters work, it is quite easy to create an open circuit. It is very important you follow the cable number and not cable colour, to identify the positive and earth cables, for each bulb. I got into a similar situation fitting rear parking sensors, and discovered that cable colour is a complete red herring in the boot of the S-type. Found wiring diagram on the net, which listed individual cable numbers and resolved the problem in a few minutes.

I fitted the second hand module I bought from e-bay and all is now fine again I must have shorted something inside it, you would have thought that the fuses were there to protect it!! Trailer wiring all fine as well.

I have fitted a few tow bars and wiring in my time but this car was the worst and took the longest to do!!!