Side lights staying on

[Cecil]

Daft question but it is both sides the side lights staying on? It’s not totally clear from the pics?


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The pictures are of my van to try to show which are reversing lights and which are side lights !

[Cecil]

Few more thoughts,

Number  plate lights.Do they work?

Number plate lights. Do they remain on when side lights remain on?

Do the lights remain on ,even when the ignition is switched off?

Do the brake lights work?

Reversing lights . Do they work?

[Ernest Dyer]

Thanks Robsea

That's helpful follow-up info.
I have recharged the battery, removed instrument dash, and fiddled with the light switch two day ago and so far so good.
But I suspect this has been only a temporary 'fix.,

This issue involve both sides.

Thanks both
Ernest

[Robsey]

Your answer points to Cobblers suggestion about the light switch to be correct.

Looking at the wiring diagrams, it does not make logical sense.
But if reality bears different fruit, then I will not question it.

As Cobblers hinted - maybe a long term solution would be to buy a new light switch.
Well he mentioned a dirty switch - so you could strip it and clean it and rebuild it.
But it may be easier to get a new one.

Based on your comment that you fiddled with light switch, and the problem is now solved.

But before you buy anything, check the plug connectors are clean and securely fitted.

[Ernest Dyer]

What a helpful group.
Thanks especially to Cobblers, Cecil, and Robsea for providing aspects of the problem for me to follow-up.
Given the van is now 32 years old I am thinking that a full re-wire might be due as old cabling will probably
continue to provide problems from time to time now.

I wonder if anyone out there has had a rewire on a T25 if so would know the cost.
I have had the van for 15 years now so about time I sent some money looking after it.

Thanks all
Ernest

[Robsey]

Re-wires are stupidly expensive.

The weak spots are -
1 - The instrument panel foil.
There are plenty of kits out there for varying costs.
AngeloEVS is by far the cheapest, and his circuit board works perfectly.

2 - The light switch is prone to failures as the internal contacts get burnt from switching the lights at full circuit current.
A lot of van owners fit a 'headlamp upgrade relay loom' and fit a fresh switch.
The upgrade loom reduces burning out of the switch contacts.

3 - The next weakspot is the starter cable - a fat red/black wire that runs the length of the van.
The copper cable strands blacken and tarnish badly affecting their current carrying ability.
Especially at the starter motor end of the loom.
Again - some van owners fit a 'hard start relay loom' to improve starting reliability.

I spent a small fortune buying used / second-hand looms.
I then replaced old, damaged or tarnished cables.
I replaced well over 50 female spade connectors and only about half-a-dozen bullet connectors.

On the upside, the loom is how 'I' want it, including upgrades and modifications.
So the research and time consumed was well wirth it for me.

Finally, I didn't need to re-invent the wheel, so I bought one of AngeloEVS instrument circuit boards.
Cheap to buy, but very well made.

I forgot -
By far the most common failures are due to dirty or corroded earth-crowns or the female spade connectors of the brown earth wires that are connected to them.
Usuall a good clean will facilitate a good repair.
I often coat connectors with vaseline to keep moisture out.

[Ernest Dyer]

Hi Robsea

I do very much appreciate the remarkably comprehensive feedback that you have provided.
There is a range of wiring-related advice for me to consider over the coming weeks.
I would also think that this and your earlier messages would be useful for other van owners.

Thanks again
Best Wishes
Ernest 

[Robsey]

It is all part of the service.
I am very happy to help.

I have drawn a lot of info from this forum, and I am more than happy to return the favour.

I have always worked with Vauxhalls as an enthusiast, not as a professional -
so the task of rebuilding a rusty old VW van has been a very long steep learning curve.
Different wiring diagram styles and very different construction methods have kept things interesting.

I am sure if you read some of my posts from 2012 when my odyssey / ordeal began, I probably asked some very naive questions.
Questions that would now seem very obvious many years down the line.

Saying that though - I still ask questions as I reach another aspect of the rebuild.

[Ernest Dyer]

Hi Robsea

Doing is probably the best way to learn and you (and others on the forum) have benefited from the hands-on approach.

Best Wishes
Ernest