Number plate light

[Lewis_Spurs]

when i took my car to renault the other week because of an electrical fault they told me that my numberplate light was out. So, i decided to buy a new LED light to fit in there and it arrived today.

But, when i put it in the socket... nothing. is there anyway to check whether its the bulb? and if not, does anyone have any idea what it could be down to?

cheers

 

[Da]

It's down to corrosion, it's a common fault. You need to pop the bulb holder out of the bumper and clean up the contacts a little.
Failing that it's probably time for a new unit completely!

 

[Lewis_Spurs]

i'll give it a go, i did try that earlier but i didnt wanna force it and break anything.

and by new unit, i'm hoping u mean jus the number plate light cluster etc. lol

 

[182-racing-blue]

Did you try turning the LED around? they have -/+ polarity.

 

[NED FLANDERS]

also led's have specific + and - so if you knew there was power there (which by the sounds of it you dont!) you may just need to take the bulb out, and fit it in the ohter way! (unlike a standard bulb, which would work whichever way round you fitted it!!)

 

[NED FLANDERS]

Did you try turning the LED around? they have -/+ polarity.

DOHH!!!!! did we post at the same time? lol:rasp:

 

[Da]

The numberplate light only has one contact so polarity isn't an issue.

 

[Da]

You may need this and maybe this mate depending on where it has failed.

 

[182-racing-blue]

The numberplate light only has one contact so polarity isn't an issue.

What???? LOL

So one end is earth and one is live yeah.

The units will only work one way. Im not saying it again!!!

 

[Da]

Have you seen a numberplate light? :S

 

[Lewis_Spurs]

this is the one i got, so turning it round wouldnt work as lol

da, is there any way of checking which one i'd need to buy mate?

 

[AhmedRSi]

Mine did the same when i picked my new car up mate. Cleaned out the loom connector with wd40 and it works fine now

Seriously, try cleaning it out first!!!

 

[john.med]

Renault told me mine was out too after a 'healthcheck', but said it was only an £8 part, but out of stock. Seriously, what do they have in stock!?

 

[182-racing-blue]

Mine is a festoon.

 

[Lewis_Spurs]

Mine did the same when i picked my new car up mate. Cleaned out the loom connector with wd40 and it works fine now

Seriously, try cleaning it out first!!!

will do that tomorrow after work then. if not, it might be a trip to renault... but a free one

 

[Da]

Lewis, yeah that's the correct bulb exactly the same as the one I have.
As for checking, it's just a matter of popping the holder out of the bumper and giving it the once over.

Clean the contacts and see if that helps, if not then check the wiring. Often this can rot and fail. That should help identify which part needs replacing mate.

 

[Lewis_Spurs]

i guess i'll have to give it a look tomorrow, i'll take some pics n if i havent got a clue, maybe someone will have an idea lol

 

[Lewis_Spurs]

Right i took a look at the cluster etc. today and i'm clueless still. if anything it looks like the contact is dirty... but how would i clean it? any ideas?

 

[AhmedRSi]

Get some wd40 and a wire brush.

 

[Lewis_Spurs]

Get some wd40 and a wire brush.

and put it where? lol

 

[AhmedRSi]

WTF... On everything you just took pictures of?

 

[Lewis_Spurs]

WTF... On everything you just took pictures of?

okay, i jus didnt wanna put it in there and it get ruined or somethng

 

[john.med]

use an abrasive on the contacts the bulb touches, clean everything and oil the metal bits. then try again, check fuses etc! I'm gonna have to do mine, will prob' end up getting the tin foil out!

 

[Tigger]

Put a bit of sandpaper on the end of something thin enough to get into the contacts
get the rough off and spray some wd40 in
clean up and try it again

 

[Tigger]

Also, the little metal contact inside the housing can sometimes be bent out of shape so needs pushed gently so it touches the bulb

 

[Lewis_Spurs]

Okay I sanded the connections a bit and put some wd40 on it and left that overnight.

put it all together today and at first nothing... put my hand round it to see if it was lighting at all and then all of a sudden it blinded me will get a pic at night but for the moment...

appreciate your help guys, thanks

 

[Tigger]

Woohoo!

 

[miltage2]

glad you got it sorted

 

[Sargara]

I recommend some new plates next, thats looking past it

 

[john.med]

just fixed mine with grease from my door hinge, a key and a wiggle! The connector is poorly protected. It will ultimately rot and drop off. Thanks reno!

 

[Lewis_Spurs]

I recommend some new plates next, thats looking past it

Yeah deff, been doing some temp work and was supposed to be getting a nice £500 for two weeks work. But now it looks like it's not gunna be quite so much. if i have the money, i'll sort the plates. No 3/4 plates though

 

[Lewis_Spurs]

managed to get a pic of it lit up at night, bad pic as its from a camera fone though...

 

[Nafoff]

need to sort mine really