offside tail light fault - fuse keeps blowing

[mr.mono7]

Hi,

Having trouble with my offside tail light. I noticed it wasn't working tonight due to blown fuse (1983 1.9 camper so fuse no 2-8A). I replaced the fuse and it popped again. I changed the bulb, same result. I assume that the earth to the cluster is ok as the rest of the lights work fine (brake, signal). Any ideas?

Now, I have noticed that some of the earth terminals have come away from the earth crowns, but this wouldn't blow the fuse would it? Not had chance to check as I'm out of fuses.

Another thing worth mentioning is that there has been some mods to the wiring - one of the wires (in or out?) at fuse 2 has another wire spliced into it. I think it might be for the tow bar wiring but not certain.

Any suggestions on what to check next? If I can't sort it I'm just going to run a wire across from the nearside light and leave at that for now as we're off for our first camper adventure next weekend.

Thanks in advance.

[marlinowner]

It won't be an earth or bulb problem, there is a short to ground somewhere between the fuse and the bulb. Does the fuse feed the front sidelight as well? If so the short could be in the wiring to either front or rear lights. If take a feed from the other side, make sure you disconnect the wire back to the blown fuse or you will blow the other fuse as well.

[bigherb]

I would disconnect the spliced in wire first it is not original and could be the problem unless you know what it does, you should then only have the grey/red wires connected to fuse 2.

[AdrianC]

My money's on the towbar wiring. It's probably chafed through where it passes through a drilled hole in the steel, and is now shorting.

[mr.mono7]

Thanks for that. Not had chance to look tonight but I think I'll try disconnecting the spur and see what happens.

The front lights are on a separate circuit, but I think the number plate lights are on the same fuse so will check that out too.

What I don't understand though; if is for the tow bar electrics, why would it be taken from the front of the van? Would it not be much easier to taken the feed from the back end?

Anyway, I'll give it a bash and report back.

Cheers.