rear numberplate lights

caerfryn · 7th December 2012, 12:45

Hi all

Can anyone help with this please:
I have a failed bulb warning (intermitent) showing on dash - I have traced this to the rear number plate lights.

This fault can last for hours or days and will then 'repair' itself only to reappear some time later.
The bulbs are OK - are there any suspect areas for this problem? - has any one else suffered this? - Is there a quick Fix?

Thanks in anticipation !

K

Canon · 7th December 2012, 12:55

I'm sure someone will be along with a more detailed fix in a bit but If i remember correctly it has something to do with the can bus corroding
I have the same problem and intend to replace the bulbs with LED's which have a built in can bus so does away with the problem.

Ill find the link to the bulbs and post back

Here is the link to ebay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3308046497...84.m1438.l2649

MangoMan · 7th December 2012, 13:47

This is usually caused by the actual fitting itself being faulty. They all corrode where they connect onto the copper retainers for the Bulbs. This is sometimes caused by 10watt bulbs being fitted instead of 5watt. (Burning out the connections).

They are repairable but easiest is to replace the unit that sits behind the Chrome Handle. It's actually stuck to the car body with strong double sided tape!

EssexAndy · 7th December 2012, 14:02

Had the same problem in my ZT. Ditto MangoMans comments. You will probably need to replace the whole unit. It has a small printed circuit board inside plus various connections etc. which are vunerable to corrosion. In my case when the old unit was taken out the bulb worked fine so the problem was in the unit itself.

I replaced mine with a new unit from Lakeland Mini Centre who I find are always helpfull but 'other suppliers are available'

Also be aware that, from memory, the part numbers vary depending on whether or not a rear spoiler has been fitted which it was on the ZT but most likely is not on a 75.

Mike Noc · 7th December 2012, 16:58

Had exactly the same fault on mine, but caused by a break in the earth return cable within the rubber gaitor between boot lid and body, so do check with a meter before you go ripping anything apart.

Mike

Exile_Brummie · 7th December 2012, 21:13

I had the same problem on my 190. I asked Austin Garages to repair it when it was in for a service a couple of weeks ago. Nick fitted a brand new MG7 one, and it's now perfect. In fact the manufacturer of the new MG7 units have addressed two issues which led to the problems on the former unit. There are now very small drain holes to prevent a build up of condensation. They've also fixed the corrosion problem - can't remember what exactly.

TC

caerfryn · 8th December 2012, 14:19

Thanks to all - very helpful info

regards

K

7th December 2012, 12:45	#1
caerfryn Newbie Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wrexham/chester Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	rear numberplate lights Hi all Can anyone help with this please: I have a failed bulb warning (intermitent) showing on dash - I have traced this to the rear number plate lights. This fault can last for hours or days and will then 'repair' itself only to reappear some time later. The bulbs are OK - are there any suspect areas for this problem? - has any one else suffered this? - Is there a quick Fix? Thanks in anticipation ! K

7th December 2012, 12:55	#2
Canon Gets stuck in 75 Connie Auto CDTi SE Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Liverpool Posts: 923 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I'm sure someone will be along with a more detailed fix in a bit but If i remember correctly it has something to do with the can bus corroding I have the same problem and intend to replace the bulbs with LED's which have a built in can bus so does away with the problem. Ill find the link to the bulbs and post back Here is the link to ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3308046497...84.m1438.l2649 __________________ http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...1f7d5496b4.jpg Mods done: Towbar - EGR replaced with SS straight pipe - Synergy 2 - Aircon resistor replaced with JMA - Walnut and Leather Steering Wheel - Walnut Hand Brake and Walnut Auto Gear Stick - Walnut Dash - Sean's DD Unit with DVBT - 2.0 CDT Torpedos - Boot Badge and mk1 Chrome Plinth - D Pillars - Union Alloys - X-Power Upgrade Slowly adding pre project bits and bobs

7th December 2012, 13:47	#3
MangoMan This is my second home Looking.... Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: England Posts: 10,911 Thanks: 862 Thanked 1,111 Times in 868 Posts	This is usually caused by the actual fitting itself being faulty. They all corrode where they connect onto the copper retainers for the Bulbs. This is sometimes caused by 10watt bulbs being fitted instead of 5watt. (Burning out the connections). They are repairable but easiest is to replace the unit that sits behind the Chrome Handle. It's actually stuck to the car body with strong double sided tape! __________________ *Regards, Bill - (MangoMan).* (Member 00854) http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/...d.jpg~original Last edited by MangoMan; 7th December 2012 at 13:56..

7th December 2012, 14:02	#4
EssexAndy Newbie MGZT-T & MG ZT260 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Settle Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Failed light bulb Had the same problem in my ZT. Ditto MangoMans comments. You will probably need to replace the whole unit. It has a small printed circuit board inside plus various connections etc. which are vunerable to corrosion. In my case when the old unit was taken out the bulb worked fine so the problem was in the unit itself. I replaced mine with a new unit from Lakeland Mini Centre who I find are always helpfull but 'other suppliers are available' Also be aware that, from memory, the part numbers vary depending on whether or not a rear spoiler has been fitted which it was on the ZT but most likely is not on a 75.

7th December 2012, 21:13	#6
Exile_Brummie Member No. 705 MG ZT 190+ & Supercharged ZT 260 SE Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Didcot Posts: 84 Thanks: 2 Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts	I had the same problem on my 190. I asked Austin Garages to repair it when it was in for a service a couple of weeks ago. Nick fitted a brand new MG7 one, and it's now perfect. In fact the manufacturer of the new MG7 units have addressed two issues which led to the problems on the former unit. There are now very small drain holes to prevent a build up of condensation. They've also fixed the corrosion problem - can't remember what exactly. TC __________________ Tony Cotter Supercharged MG ZT 260 SE Trophy Blue Reg 11 May 04 VIN 077 MG ZT 190+ Trophy Blue Reg 08 Jan 03 VIN 270154

7th December 2012, 16:58	#5
Mike Noc This is my second home Rover 75 CDT Manual Connoisseur SE, Rover 75 CDT Automatic Connoisseur SE & a Freelander Td4. Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,548 Thanks: 3,470 Thanked 3,119 Times in 2,247 Posts	Had exactly the same fault on mine, but caused by a break in the earth return cable within the rubber gaitor between boot lid and body, so do check with a meter before you go ripping anything apart. Mike

8th December 2012, 14:19	#7
caerfryn Newbie Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wrexham/chester Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks to all - very helpful info regards K