Hello
I have a totally stock, meticulously maintained 130K mile silver 8L S3. It runs perfectly and I like it a lot.
Except for the fact that it has recently developed a maddening intermittent fault which I can't fix.
The driver's side tail light will work sometimes and at others won't. In terms of diagnosis, this is what I have can tell you so far:
- the dual filament bulb is fine (replaced it anyway with a new one just to make sure)
- the brake light works fine
- there is no problem with the fuse (the front side light which is on the same circuit also works fine)
- I can't tap, wiggle or knock the light to make it work (or not work on the rare occasions when it does work)
- the bulb feels snug in its socket and so I assume the connectors are butting up to the bulb properly
The only change I have made to the car is replacing a blown numberplate illumination bulb - this works fine.
I have read a few threads on forums where people identify this problem but can't find one where a solution is given; apparently there may be a similar issue with same generation Golfs?
To add to my frustration I can't see how to remove the wiring loom from the bulb holder - it looks like there are a couple of 'wings' on the loom part which need to opened up to release the off-white bulb holder. I'd like to achieve this separation to see if there is a problem with the connectors e.g. they are corroded/full of dust/etc.
Sometimes the connection will stay on or off for the duration of a trip. The biggest irritation is when the fault is intermittent on the move and the warning beeps drive me insane.
Are there any other simple checks I should be doing before admitting defeat? Can anyone explain how I can unclip the look from the bulb holder?
Many thanks in advance for any help.
I have a totally stock, meticulously maintained 130K mile silver 8L S3. It runs perfectly and I like it a lot.
Except for the fact that it has recently developed a maddening intermittent fault which I can't fix.
The driver's side tail light will work sometimes and at others won't. In terms of diagnosis, this is what I have can tell you so far:
- the dual filament bulb is fine (replaced it anyway with a new one just to make sure)
- the brake light works fine
- there is no problem with the fuse (the front side light which is on the same circuit also works fine)
- I can't tap, wiggle or knock the light to make it work (or not work on the rare occasions when it does work)
- the bulb feels snug in its socket and so I assume the connectors are butting up to the bulb properly
The only change I have made to the car is replacing a blown numberplate illumination bulb - this works fine.
I have read a few threads on forums where people identify this problem but can't find one where a solution is given; apparently there may be a similar issue with same generation Golfs?
To add to my frustration I can't see how to remove the wiring loom from the bulb holder - it looks like there are a couple of 'wings' on the loom part which need to opened up to release the off-white bulb holder. I'd like to achieve this separation to see if there is a problem with the connectors e.g. they are corroded/full of dust/etc.
Sometimes the connection will stay on or off for the duration of a trip. The biggest irritation is when the fault is intermittent on the move and the warning beeps drive me insane.
Are there any other simple checks I should be doing before admitting defeat? Can anyone explain how I can unclip the look from the bulb holder?
Many thanks in advance for any help.
