Blown brake lights

[wendyj100]

Hi, I wonder if anyone out there can help. Have a Discovery 2 2002 GS. Brake lights have completely blown. All 3 bulbs were completely black, and also the Number plate lamp. Have put in new bulbs but will still not work. Also changed fuse. Anybody with any ideas?
Thanks, greatly appreciated.

Wendy :(

[Swingletree]

Its usually the number plate lamp that causes that. Take the cover off it and check that the copper strips that press on the bottom of the bulbs aren't bent and touching the rings that the bulbs go through. If they are, they will cause a short circuit that will blow the fuse.

After you've checked the No plate lamp change the fuse and all should be ok. ;)

[wendyj100]

Hi, thanks for your reply. However, all fuses are perfectly okay. Husband put amp reader thingy and there is no current at all coming to bulbs, but lights work fine! Number plate lamp is the same.
Help!!:(
Wendy

[marty1a]

Could be a faulty brake light switch at the pedal

Martin

[recneps]

Have you put the right rating fuse in? Check that there are no loose connections in the oviously places (if its all of them that arent working its most likely to be a problem at the fuses rather than at the back of the car. A faulty brake light switch wouldnt affect the number plate lights.

Also check that all your other lights, wipers, etc work - might be that theres a more serious electrical problem

[marty1a]

Try putting the multi metre on the bulb wire (live) and then place the other (earth) side of the metre in a good earth point on the car to see if the earth wire is broken.

Martin

[wendyj100]

Hi, thanks for all your help, now fixed. Broken wire in number plate not earthing, and brake light switch not working. Passed MOT with flying colours now!!
Thanks everyone.