Earth for rear lights?

[shnozz]

can anyone direct me to its location?

[Podie]

Hmm.. not sure on the S, but on the Ford's the earth is often through the retaining bolts that hold it onto the bodywork...

[Roy C]

There's not a lot of metal anywhere near the rear lights. Aren't they earthed via a cable in the loom (like almost everything else)?

[GreenV8S]

can anyone direct me to its location?

Memory has got a little blurred but I seem to remember seeing an earth stud on the chassis cross member that runs under the rear parcel shelf. If you have an earthing problem, that tacky metal printed circuit (inside the light cluster) is a favorite source of trouble.

Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)

[peterc]

Chassis earth at rear of car is located on n/s (nearside) upright and is most easily accessed by jacking up the car and removing the n/s rear road wheel.

Follow the wire up from the sender unit in the petrol tank, as this is also earthed here. The earthing point is a threaded stud brazed to the chassis, all the individual earth wires terminate with a washer shaped tag and are held in place by a small nut.

(Details correct for a 1991 S3)

>> Edited by peterc on Wednesday 15th January 13:37

[shnozz]

GreenV8S said: If you have an earthing problem, that tacky metal printed circuit (inside the light cluster) is a favorite source of trouble.

Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)

thanks all for your directions. I do plan to start with replacing the Ford bulb holder to begin with - had one replaced last year whilst in the garage - not too sure why they didnt do both at the same time.

car has MOT saturday and will be with DB as off this afternoon - bit annoying really as it means i will have to pay for him to do such an easy job. such is life.