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Ford Focus 2013 Tail Light Wiring/Fuse

Hi All

One of my colleagues has a 2013 Focus Estate with lighting issues.

He had been told of a failed break light and was replacing this bulb today. But although he now has 2 operating break lights, his tail (side) lights are not working.

It is not clear whether he caused the problem when swapping the bulb. I suppose they could have stopped working and he would not necessarily be aware given the light nights. We inspected the wiring local to the bulb housing and all seemed in order (i. e. no disconnects).

Looking at fuse board "key" diagrams from various sources, I could not see a fuse that looked in any way associated with the rear tail lights. My review included fuse boards in: the engine bay, the cabin, the luggage area.

Does anyone know if there is a fuse specifically protecting the tail light bulbs and if so where this is? The front side and headlights appear to be functioning correctly.

Many thanks

Phil

Reply to
thescullster
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Is it a single bulb with two filaments, one for brake and on for tail light? How many connection terminals in the connector and how many on the base of the bulb - although often (always) its impossible to fit the wrong type of bulb as the y are physically keyed differently.

Reply to
alan_m

Hello Alan

The side/break lights are the dual filament variety. Yes they are keyed and I watched him fit the replacement, so know that it was fitted correctly (without undue force).

The fact is that neither tail light is working although the break lights are both now operating.

The bulb he fitted looked right with dual contact points just like the failed item.

Does each bulb have a separate ground wire or does the housing have one combined? If the latter I don't see how that can be the issue (based on the fact that the break lights work OK).

I am at a loss to understand which fuse covers these and whether they are on a separate fuse to all other users.

Thanks

Phil

Reply to
thescullster

Earth faults are very common in older cars and can cause odd things to happen with the rear lights. I’d have a close look at the earths.

Tim

Reply to
Tim+

I don't know the 2013 but I'm pretty sure on my 2008 Focus the tail and brake lights share an earth.

I'd track back the cables to see where the harness enters the hatch. They have a habit of rubbing and shorting or breaking.

Reply to
Robin

Thanks Tim/Robin

I'll tell him he needs to do a bit more ferreting/diagnostics

Phil

Reply to
thescullster

The internal conductors on many tail lamps are stamped zinc plated tracks. The earth socket with the keyed slots is easy to damage by trying to fit the bulb with too much force or when removing corroded bulbs. That pops the heat sealed head off the plastic "rivet" that holds the tracks in place and then the bulb doesn't fit tight to the contacts on the base as the socket is loose.

I had to replace a mates tail light on a Ford fiesta for this as hot melt glue didn't hold, the brake light melted it.

Reply to
Peter Hill

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