Weird tail light problems

[kpankhurst]

Hello,

I have an 05 Seat Altea.

About 2-3 weeks ago both my tail lights stopped working. Odd I thought, and assumed they both blew. I took the lights apart and checked the bulbs. First the right one. It looked ok. I put it back together and turned on the lights and the right one worked ok again.

Then I checked out the left one, and the same. Put it together and that was also working nicely. It was then ok for the last few weeks till around 4-5 days ago when they went again. This Saturday did the same operation as last time, and worked again, but they were gone again within minutes.

What could it be? The bulbs are both ok from what I see, nothing loose and not blackened so they are not blown. Could it be electrical? Or fuses?

The brake lights don't work either, except for the central one, but I assume the brake lights and the tail lights are the same bulbs, it is just that it when braking the bulb shines brighter, is that correct?

Thanks for any assistance anybody can give.

Kevin

 

[altea phil]

Kevin,
I have had a few problems with the back bulbs on mine.....does your warning light and "blown bulb" message come up on the dashboard ????
Mine flashed up even though the bulbs were fine, so I changed the bulbs and the problem was solved. I think it is something to do with the canbus system which rounds around the car, and basically detects that the bulb is weak and about to blow....it is just one bulb for both side and brake light.
Try changing both bulbs and see if that cures it.

 

[kpankhurst]

Yes, the blown bulb indicator light is on.

It is both bulbs that are not working, which is annoying as I am driving around in the dark without any tail lights.

I will get new bulbs today, one for each side, and try them. Does anybody know which bulb type it is, to avoid me having to take them out before buying them?

Ofcourse if anybody else has any other suggestions about what it may be, please let me know.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[MWG]

Check the holders, they have a tendency to corrode from what i've heard

 

[kpankhurst]

Thanks for that info. That could be it.

Just found this thread number 236650. Sorry, seatcupra.net will not allow me to post url's till I have done 15 posts, so I can't post the link

It mentions the fault you described. There is some rusting on the contact on mine, I did see it when I took it apart to see what might be the problem.

I will try to clean it somehow tonight, and bend it up to improve the contact. I have also bought 2 new P21W bulbs to fit, which will hopefully sort out the problem. However, I think I will have to order 2 new sockets for the car to keep it clean.

Fingers crossed, I will update you tomorrow after I try it tonight.

Kevin

 

[klawit]

Answers & infos, the board already has to offer:

=> bulb failure (esp. post#14 ff)

greets ... Klaus

EDIT: glad you found it

 

[kpankhurst]

heh....that's the post I mentioned....thanks

I was worried it was an electrical problem, but now I feeling more confident that I will not be slapped with a big hefty bill.

Kevin

 

[kpankhurst]

All sorted. As that other post informed, there was serious crusting on the connector. Some serious scrapping cleaned it and now the contact is fine.

 

[greenakd]

My wife has had problems with the rear drivers light it was popping on and off. the bulb has been changed and all seems ok for the moment but the dealer has said that a new rear bulb holder is required. Only 3 1/2 years old. the rear discs and pads are also needing to be replaced only covered 33k.

 

[willesloco]

break lights

I just googled this and came across this thread. I have a 2nd hand 2005 altea. The break light came on the other day and I noticed the right break light wasn't illuminating. I bought some new bulbs and fitted, warning light still on. I then removed the bulb again, it was apparent that there was some slight corrosion build up on the contact, I scraped this away and put in another new bulb to be on the safe side. Still the warning light comes up. Looks like I may have to order a new contact. Very annoying!

 

[k5roc]

whenever it happens to me (about every 8 months) I go through the motions and get the bulb out and use a flat head screwdriver to scrape the rust/residue off the contact and also clean the bulb contact too(which has usually burnt down quite a lot too)

it gives me another couple of months before the bulb goes completely

 

[Mao]

I had the same problem. Check the bulbs and the contacts (no corrosion). Ended up being a broken wire/connection somewhere. The break was repaired by an auto electrician for about £25. Afraid I have no idea where the break was.

 

[chouman]

We had this a year ago when we bought our 56 plate Altea. The lights stopped working and it was due to the bulb holder. The warning light was coming on inside on the dashboard, and I tried cleaning the terminal which seemed to work for a month or two. Found the holder on Ebay, changed it and no problem since. Seemed to be a very common fault when I looked it up.

 

[JohnTdi]

Hi. Just had the same problem. But mine looks bit more serious. the contact bit inside holder is corroded through. Been trying to find one on ebay but nothing is avaliable. Can you tell me where to go to find one?
cheers