tail gate brake light

[TonyMac]

Hi, need some advice please. Brake lamps light came on the dash (usually when a bulb has blown). I checked and the tailgate light didn't work when pressing the brakes. Eventually got the trim off, the light unclipped and removed. Found the bulb had blown. Bought a new one from Halfords and fitted it. On testing I noted the side brake lights came on when the pedal is pressed but the tail gate light came on and then went off again, whilst the others remained on.
Any ideas?

[bigdave982]

Broken wires in gaiter

[gregers]

 
as yours is a mk3 i wouldnt be surprised if the new bulb has blown instantly.
if it has then i think it means that a new wiring harness is required to the high level stop lamp.iirc there is a tsb on this subject.
mine is the same put a new bulb in and blew instantly.
and as its not a mot failure ive left mine.

[Mirez]

Correct, the TSB is:

77/2010 - Warning message <STOP LAMPS BULB FAULT> displayed on the instrument cluster (Issue Date: 12/9/10)
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Should a customer express concern that the warning message <STOP LAMPS BULB FAULT> is displayed on the instrument cluster, the probable cause is the load resistor wiring detached completely at the end of the ceramic body. To rectify the concern, a new wiring loom for the high mounted stop-lamp should be installed.

It's also worth noting that cheap lamps can cause this issue as the BCM will shut power to the circuit if it detects a fault.

However, what lamp did you fit? I've seen a number of s-max's in the workshop for this issue but the problem isn't the TSB it's actually that the owner has fitted a 5W lamp instead of the 16W lamp that should be there! Check the packaging from Halfords and make sure its a W16W and not a W5W!

[gregers]

i know mine was the correct bulb,COZ i robbed it out of the missus smax just before it went in for a service.

[gregers]

i know mine was the correct bulb,COZ i robbed it out of the missus smax just before it went in for a service.