Focus ST rear lights not working

[Simon Bags]

Afternoon Chaps, how's it going? So, I'm sat at the lights this morning, a fella pulls up along side me, says my brake lights aren't working. The one in the rear screen is, but the side ones in the cluster aren't. So this afternoon I've pulled the covers off, checked the connections, checked the bulbs, all seem fine. Mate says confirmed they're not working and also my reversing lights aren't coming on either when I stick it in R.

Not quite sure what fuse number or it's location (under the bonnet? under the dash?) so any help would be great.

Of course, after all this year being trouble free this happens, and I'm, 3 weeks away from an mot. Briliant.

Guidance?

Thanks, Bags.

[Funk]

Check the fuses in the passenger footwell. It's possible they've been knocked. Pull out the carpet and go up behind the glovebox.

[Simon Bags]

Funk said:

Check the fuses in the passenger footwell. It's possible they've been knocked. Pull out the carpet and go up behind the glovebox.

Fuse box easy to spot when I'm under there? When you say carpet, you mean that flap of material that keeps falling onto the floor from underneath the glove box?

Is there a certain number fuse under there that I need to look out for for obvious blowing?

Thanks, Bags.

[Funk]

Yes, under the carpet that you say keeps falling down. From memory it's a controller box that may have come loose. It's been years since I had mine, I'm going from memory here I'm afraid.

Given that you say it keeps falling down, I'd imagine someone's kicked or shoved it back up there and knocked something. Do your electric windows work? If not, that's another symptom of the unit having been knocked loose.

[Simon Bags]

Funk said:

Yes, under the carpet that you say keeps falling down. From memory it's a controller box that may have come loose. It's been years since I had mine, I'm going from memory here I'm afraid.

Given that you say it keeps falling down, I'd imagine someone's kicked or shoved it back up there and knocked something. Do your electric windows work? If not, that's another symptom of the unit having been knocked loose.

I've just had a quick poke around under there, all seems in place (although doesn't really look like a fuse box as such, just a series of blocks pushed into things you know?).

Electric windows work fine, no other problems.

Bags.

[Funk]

Ok, sounds like it's just a blown fuse then. Check 53 and 54 I think (reverse lights and brake lights), although it would be strange if both blew together.

Also try unplugging and reseating the connectors in the passenger footwell.

[Simon Bags]

Funk said:

Ok, sounds like it's just a blown fuse then. Check 53 and 54 I think (reverse lights and brake lights), although it would be strange if both blew together.

Also try unplugging and reseating the connectors in the passenger footwell.

53 & 54? Where are they? Under the carpet in the passenger footwell?

[Funk]

Under the bonnet, right hand side.

[Simon Bags]

Funk said:

Under the bonnet, right hand side.

Well I've pulled 53 & 54 from the passenger footwell, both look fine. Had a look under the bonnet, don't think they're located there.

So, it's a mystery.

Off to book it in to a specialist.

Don't you just love car electrics?

Thanks for all your help though.

Bags.

[Funk]

My apologies, my memory must be failing me, I thought they were under the bonnet.

Have a wander over to www.focusstoc.com as well and ask for a hand there - they're a friendly bunch and may be able to help you more than I did. I've just texted a mate of mine who still has his to see if he can help and will post up when he replies.

[Simon Bags]

Funk said:

My apologies, my memory must be failing me, I thought they were under the bonnet.

Have a wander over to www.focusstoc.com as well and ask for a hand there - they're a friendly bunch and may be able to help you more than I did. I've just texted a mate of mine who still has his to see if he can help and will post up when he replies.

Hi fella, yep, know all about focusstoc.com, was a paid up memember there until about 3 weeks ago (I mean, what advice would I need in 3 weeks right? Yea right, typical).

Thanks a load for the advice and help, nice to see some good guys out there still willing to go the extra mile to help others out.

Owe you a beer.

Bags.

[Funk]

I was site admin there for 3 years.. Funny how quickly one forgets things one doesn't need to know any more...!

Might be worth checking all the fuses under the bonnet though, just in case.

[Simon Bags]

Funk said:

I was site admin there for 3 years.. Funny how quickly one forgets things one doesn't need to know any more...!

Might be worth checking all the fuses under the bonnet though, just in case.

You move on to other stuff that's the problem. Hope you've moved onto something tasty car wise?

I was seriously thinking of chopping the ST in for something different, was half tempted to see what the new ST (whenever they bring that out, IF they bring that out) was like. Other than that, short list, Scirocco R, Audi S5, JCW mini, 370z, that sort of thing, just for a change of scenary you know?

Bags.

[Funk]

My mate's replied:

"If you're sure the fuses are fine, pour water on the rain sensor and put it in reverse. If the rear wiper wipes, the reverse switch is working. If not, the switch for the reverse lights is on the gearbox under the battery tray - a pig to get to unfortunately. As for the brake lights, again, if it's not the fuse then it will be either the brake light switch or - unlikely - both bulbs have blown. I'd suspect it's fuse-related if they've all stopped working at the same time."

As for my current car, I went to a 123d as I needed the economy it offered. I know this will sound like heresy, but I much prefer it to the ST. Twice the economy and 95% of the performance? What's not to like? It'll even do 'sideways' in the wet very nicely...

The Scirocco R was on my 'next' shortlist as it happens, but I've been seduced by RWD after the torque-steery nature of 'powerful FWD'. I've not driven any of the others though, so couldn't comment on them.