23 replies to this topic

[Andy_VX]

I've got a problem with my rear light cluster. i've vhanged the tail / brake light about 4 times in the last 2 months! I've now concieded there's definitely something wrong with the cluster / wiring! I also got told this morning that my reversing light is also out! So the only light that works in the nearside rear cluster is the indicator. Does anyone know what the problem might be, i'm thinking maybe wiring? My Dad did a test and said that the cheap, thin wiring looses 2 V from the battery. I haven another light cluster i could borrow from another car but if it's the wiring i don't want to keep wasting perfectly good bulbs! The last one i replaced was all white inside as if water had been in contact with it. Could it just be a leak coursing the prblem. Any advice / tips are much appreciated!

[vocky]

a bad earth or poor connection, might be worth checking the bulb contacts as well

[-Dab-of-Oppo-]

Most likely that ^^^ But do you also sit on the brakes a lot at junctions as they can get warm quickly and blow / melt the housings. Also if you get oily finger prints on them when installing these can cause hot spots and premature failure. You don't need another cluster to check they are working just unplug each bulb holder and put a known to be good one in each from the other side.

[siztenboots]

is the plastic light surround a very tight fit, known problem on the NA versions . I've got both types and the NA light eats bulbs

[Bargi]

is the plastic light surround a very tight fit, known problem on the NA versions . I've got both types and the NA light eats bulbs

This, might rear drivers side just kept blowing and found surround was melted also.
Replaced with LED one and happy days!

[John Boy]

have the same issue with my ns tail/brake light. as far as i know its the heat that does it. i get the same white powder on the inside when its blown. Had also melted a bit of the holder at one stage, which i had to file back into shape to fit correctly. Currently looking at led's. bought one set which has issues, and the supplier is going to exchange and throw in some resistors (with connectors to that its plug and play and can be returned to filament if desired) for free if required to eliminate the bleed into the third brake light. Its annoying and dangerous to have a light out. I suspect that the looms are pretty crap and the resistance increases quicker than on a normal car over time as the copper deteriorates. Not sure if this will have an effect on the above though, as Im a mechanical engineer and rubbish at electrics.

[techieboy]

I suspect nuggets that sit in stationary traffic with their foot on the brake continuously cause the bulbs to heat up and melt the bulb holder.

[slindborg]

I never had a problem being a nugget tbh.

[techieboy]

I've never had a problem with you being a nugget, either.

[John Boy]

I suspect nuggets that sit in stationary traffic with their foot on the brake continuously cause the bulbs to heat up and melt the bulb holder.

Vauxhall / Lotus have designed a brake light where you cant press the brake too much for fear of it blowing? wouldnt surprise me to be honest, but if highlighted when new would surely have resulted in some sort of recall.

The number of un-resolved issues with these cars is fantastic for a major car manufacturer. It does however keep me busy (happy) in the garage tinkering.

[techieboy]

No, just a brake light where you can't stand on the brake pedal for 5 minutes waiting for a traffic light to change whilst p!ssing off the driver in the queue behind you. Good idea as far as I'm concerned, especially with the ever increasing prevalence of near-laser brightness LED lights. Hopefully the fog lights on the VX work the same way and self-destruct when used incorrectly too.

[John Boy]

No, just a brake light where you can't stand on the brake pedal for 5 minutes waiting for a traffic light to change whilst p!ssing off the driver in the queue behind you. Good idea as far as I'm concerned, especially with the ever increasing prevalence of near-laser brightness LED lights. Hopefully the fog lights on the VX work the same way and self-destruct when used incorrectly too.

cant say I have an abnormally high brake use (stationary or otherwise) and I still lose a bulb about every two months. No way this is a good thing. agree that bright as hell rear led's are annoying. however if they dont kill themselves in the same way as the filament ones, and work properly (brightness and no bleed through), then they are going in the VX.

[turbobob]

No, just a brake light where you can't stand on the brake pedal for 5 minutes waiting for a traffic light to change whilst p!ssing off the driver in the queue behind you. Good idea as far as I'm concerned, especially with the ever increasing prevalence of near-laser brightness LED lights. Hopefully the fog lights on the VX work the same way and self-destruct when used incorrectly too.

Drives me mad too. I hate being dazzled by the car in front because they can't be arsed to apply the handbrake. And at the slightest sign of fog, many cars have fog lights on for the next few weeks. FFS, turn the fuckers off!!

As for the bulb blowing. As others have said. Check the condition of the brass contacts in the bulb holder. If they are slightly corroded anywhere then the current will flow though a narrower point where it isn't corroded and at this point it will get hotter causing more corrosion etc. It's a vicious cycle. Any sign of corrosion / discolouration then clean up the contacts. Also check the wiring into the connector to make sure it is in good condition and ensure it is snuggly attached to the connector. Give each wire a gently tug to make sure it doesn't come out. Then check the pins inside the connector for condition and also check the pins on the making connector on the light housing.

Finally, if all of these things check out out, and you are still having issues with bulbs blowing, the next time you change a bulb, change both sides as a pair. I've known it before where just changing one side resulted in that side blowing again and again. If you change the bulbs at the same time for the same part, you know you are getting the same bulb in each side.

[Andy_VX]

Thanks for all of the replies, i hardly ever use my brakes on the commute Techieboy! I sit on the motorway for 50 miles each way so hardly ever touch them!! So no, i'm not a "nugget" they're just sh*t! Bargi, i think you're right i think they get too hot because i had some of the surrounding platic melt too. Have you got any information as to where you got your LED's from? I don't care if they're bright! I'd rather been seen on the motorway when some chav in an ST is trying to pressure me into a race!

[Andy_VX]

No, just a brake light where you can't stand on the brake pedal for 5 minutes waiting for a traffic light to change whilst p!ssing off the driver in the queue behind you. Good idea as far as I'm concerned, especially with the ever increasing prevalence of near-laser brightness LED lights. Hopefully the fog lights on the VX work the same way and self-destruct when used incorrectly too.

Drives me mad too. I hate being dazzled by the car in front because they can't be arsed to apply the handbrake. And at the slightest sign of fog, many cars have fog lights on for the next few weeks. FFS, turn the fuckers off!!

As for the bulb blowing. As others have said. Check the condition of the brass contacts in the bulb holder. If they are slightly corroded anywhere then the current will flow though a narrower point where it isn't corroded and at this point it will get hotter causing more corrosion etc. It's a vicious cycle. Any sign of corrosion / discolouration then clean up the contacts. Also check the wiring into the connector to make sure it is in good condition and ensure it is snuggly attached to the connector. Give each wire a gently tug to make sure it doesn't come out. Then check the pins inside the connector for condition and also check the pins on the making connector on the light housing.

Finally, if all of these things check out out, and you are still having issues with bulbs blowing, the next time you change a bulb, change both sides as a pair. I've known it before where just changing one side resulted in that side blowing again and again. If you change the bulbs at the same time for the same part, you know you are getting the same bulb in each side.

Great advice, thanks Bob, i'll check all of the above tomorrow!

[simsy]

100% built by LOTUS, not GM......

[Bargi]

Thanks for all of the replies, i hardly ever use my brakes on the commute Techieboy! I sit on the motorway for 50 miles each way so hardly ever touch them!! So no, i'm not a "nugget" they're just sh*t!

Bargi, i think you're right i think they get too hot because i had some of the surrounding platic melt too. Have you got any information as to where you got your LED's from? I don't care if they're bright! I'd rather been seen on the motorway when some chav in an ST is trying to pressure me into a race!

One I brought aren't available from the store any more, but are here
The original site has one that might work through, brake and tail 380 here

Details of VX lights here
Dipped beams: 448/H1
Full Beams: 499/H7
Side lights: BA9s/233/T4W
Front indicators: 581 - 'Offset' Pins
Front fogs: H3

Side indicators (repeaters) 501
Brake and Tail light 380
Reverse 382
Rear Fog 382
Rear indicator 581 - 'Offset' Pins

[Andy_VX]

Brilliant, TVM Bargi, that's very useful. They're pretty expensive though aren't they. I'm going to have a good look at the contacts etc tomorrow but i think i will get the LED's. Saves buying loads of normal bulbs!

[Lou_m]

Hi Andy, did you change you bulbs to leds? If so did they solve your issues as I seem to have the same ones. I normally drive with my headlights on so maybe it's the heat build up that is causing them to go.

[oakmere]

Remove the light and check for clearance around the bulb. A bet it is out of shape and the close proximity of the bulb to the light fitting causes it to over heat and blow.