Message Forums

First id like to say hello to every one this is my first post so i'm a newbie. HELLO..

I got a 1990 swift challenger a couple of weeks ago but i have a probem with the van's 12v road lights. They all work as they should in normal daylight driving but as soon as i put the lights on all hell breaks loose ie applying the brake the lights turn off but the break light works and if i but a winker on its like a christmas tree, Ive cleaned the earth up on the chasis the rear bulbs and holder were corroded but have cleaned them up as best i can. So if anyone has any advice i would be gratefull as i dont have the money a dealer would charge me... Thanx in advance Rich

Hi Rich and welcome to UKCS!

I had a very similar problem on my old van, I took off the towing hook-up connector on the caravan that fits into the cars towing electrics and found that all the insides had rusted and corroded away, i replaced the connector and cleaned up all the wires and this solved the problem.

Could be worth unscrewing it and having a look inside?

all the best.

Ah...well that's me done...I would have checked that connector then checked the fittings and earth wires and cleaned them up as you've done, then i'd have been stuck too!

But there are plenty of electrically minded members who i'm sure will soon be around to lend advice.

I would check all the earth return wires especially for the lighting circuit. use a meter if you have one ( Maplins had them for £2 a little while ago)  Find a Good earth and use this to ensure continuity

I would trace the caravan light wiring from the front all the way to the back lights checking it as you go , sometimes the wiring goes into the caravan , into a block connector ( area to check ) , and then runs inside the caravan , and out to the back lights .
Are the wiring connections inside the car boot sound ? , how do the car lights act when the caravan lights are playing up ?

atb

Wizard

Have you tried running a length of wire from the car earth directly to the rear lights earth ? if this solves your problem and the lights start working ok use the wire and connect ( touch ) to the earth wiring further along the caravan , ie at the plug , at the block connector , etc . This should help narrow down where the fault lies .

atb

Wizard 

Let us know how you get on .

atb

Wizard

Ps don't forget to check the front marker lights as well .