Reverse/brake lights not working

[BuckeyeTVR]

I'm relatively new to this forum although the contents has been very valuable to me so far so very grateful for that.

I'm in the US and brought my S with me. I'm not quite sure why this happened, but my brake and reverse lights suddenly don't work anymore. I know they worked before shipping to the US but maybe something happened on the way over (she got left in the rain for some time at the port, needed several days to dry the interior) so maybe that did something to the electrics?

Since these two lights use the same fuse, my first reaction was checking that. It didn't look damaged and replaced the fuse (10 Amp) but made no difference.

Tried to use a bulb current tester but to no avail when prodding around the cluster. I have to mention that I'm not terribly handy - not a great combination as a TVR owner!!

Have any of you had this particular problem? Could it be the earthing? Where is that located for this particular wire?

My rear light cluster's connectors are generally quite sensitive. When you move them about, the connections come and go. I've seen a post where zip ties were used to hold it in place. Have you got any other tips to improve the connection points?

Thanks in advance for help on this!

[BuckeyeTVR]

Thank you all for your very detailed responses. Much appreciated!

Forgot to mention it's a V6 S2.

I honestly felt like that deaf man trying to get rid of a squeak yesterday! I struggled with finding a ground I could clamp my tester on as the cable was so short. I ended up using my jumper leads as an extension. I tested on the wire connecting to the alternator and was getting a current and repetitive light going on. I tried with the rear light and indicators, turning them on and touching all the "spades" in the plug but didn't get anything. Is that not the right way to test for current? I also tried using it on the fuse box but nothing there either. I must be doing something wrong! I do apologize for the basic questions I am asking here.

I do believe I replaced the right fuse, I do fortunately have the bible as a reference.

Paul, I live in Ohio so I'm not even sure I'd get you over here if I paid you!!

I will be following all the advice I've been given and let you know what the outcome is. I just thought I'd ask about how to use the tester to try to at least narrow it down a little.

I will try cleaning up the bulb holder today too.

Thanks again for all your help so far!
Bas

[BuckeyeTVR]

Thanks Glen for the confuse scan those lines are a great idea, I'll do the same in mine. I was looking at the right fuse though, but having it lit up on my phone when lying down in the footwell certainly helps - especially because the fusebox is upside down in mine.

I was able to figure out my test light - I must not have earthed it correctly...

- I was not able to get a light at the plug for indicator and fog (wasn't able to test the brake but I assume it's the same there). Tested this on both sides and same result.
- I was not able to get a light at the fuse for both indicator and fog fuses.

Indicator and rear lights were fine in both spots.

When doing the test, I had ignition on, put her in reverse, turned on fog switch, lights on and indicators on.

I switched out the 10A fuses with ones that I was able to verify to make double sure it wasn't due to the fuses. The fact that fog and reverse/brake fuses didn't light up, could that be an indication of something?

As a side note, I really don't care about the fog lights - no MOT here to worry about! Just thought I should mention it.

I may go ahead and switch the original Ford plug with separate ones as was recommended - that's a very good tip.

Again, thank you all for your patience with me and your detailed answers.