Reversing Lights

[regbusby123]

hi im having troubles with my c5  09 estate 

my reversing lights have gone very dim

but they still work but not enought to reverse with them

any ideas

 

reg

[mhedwig]

Bad earth

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Are the other rear lights also dim since they should share the same earth ? If not then you may need to remove a light unit and check its connector and the bulb holder for dirt/corrosion as well as the bulbs. I do not think the lights are on the tailgate but if they are the wiring can break between the body and tailgate.

[regbusby123]

hi yes the lights are on the tail gate 

all the other lights are ok working well but its funny its both  

i will strip down the taile gate but funny if it had a broken wire i dont think it wouldwork at all

 

regards

reg

[paul.h]

I think the 2 separate lights have their own positive supply but share the earth wire, based on a wiring diagram in the RTA C5 manual. It is also shared with the no. plate lights so these may also be a bit dull with the reversing lights on. It could be the earth wire has a few strands broken so is not able to pass enough current for 2 x 21 watt bulbs to light up normally. Check the wires in the rubber sleeve between the tailgate and the body, no need to dismantle the tailgate.

 

You could also see if the rear wiper works ok since its wires will go through the same sleeve. As the wires break other problems can show such as the tailgate opening switch not working, the fog lights not working, the boot open message being on, the boot light not working, high level brake light not working and also the rear washer pipe can break, tailgate central locking not working.