Rear light cluster dim

T

thecremeegg

Active member
 North Hampshire
So I'm getting a bulb light on the dash and it seems to be caused by my rear driver side light cluster. All the lights work but they're really dim, and the wire that goes to them is getting quite warm.

Any ideas what could be causing this at all?
 
So I've taken the cluster off - seems that the earth pin has just rusted away.
Going on a google, seems the E46 had the same issue and it was solved by tapping into the earth cable and attaching it to a metal tab in the light. The Z4 doesn't have a tab so any ideas where I can earth it to?

Thanks!
 
If you get the earth wire and ground it (hold it on a clean bit of metal) you should see the lights brighten up. Then try and find another earth point close to the light and fix it to that one.
Or you can drill a small hole and fit a self tapping bolt. Attach the end of the earth wire to a ring connector and away you go.
 
So tried the above, no luck :(
Seems that the rust has gone behind the connector block that's plastic riveted to the light.
Can this be removed or do I need a new light? I definitely need a new wiring harness but struggling to find one!
 
thecremeegg said:
So tried the above, no luck :(
Seems that the rust has gone behind the connector block that's plastic riveted to the light.
Can this be removed or do I need a new light? I definitely need a new wiring harness but struggling to find one!
Click to expand...
Got a photo ?
 
i6ZEq9V.jpg

Hope this shows it. As you can see the earth pin has gone but despite me tapping into the earth cable and attaching to the car body, it still doesn't work. Is there anyway to get this connector block off or anything?
 
Just by looking at the photo it looks like you could use a sharp knife to cut off the tabs on the side of the connector. Hopefully you can pull the plastic bit off. If that works there may be some pins soldered to the light pub that you could replace.

Good luck.
 
Looks like some of the pins have melted (could be the photo) you could try electrical cleaner spray, it's slightly acidic and cleans metal terminals.
 
I think it's just the earth that's melted - the others are all uniform in size, if a bit rusty. I will get the electrical cleaner out and see what i can do
 
Had similar problem with mine - though mine were worse ( disco lights on braking lol)

I messed around but eventually fitted a new connector and a new light unit as most of the pins corroded - interestingly other side was ok

It does appear to be a common problem
 
srhutch said:
I think I’d be finding a new light cluster.
Click to expand...
If you can find me a clear spot drivers side for sale then I'd happily do that, however hen's teeth seem more prevalent :rofl:
 
thecremeegg said:
srhutch said:
I think I’d be finding a new light cluster.
Click to expand...
If you can find me a clear spot drivers side for sale then I'd happily do that, however hen's teeth seem more prevalent :rofl:
Click to expand...

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=111409&p=1608611#p1608611
 
Scooba_Steve said:
If you can find me a clear spot drivers side for sale then I'd happily do that, however hen's teeth seem more prevalent :rofl:
Click to expand...

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=111409&p=1608611#p1608611


Dammit!!
 
dhobbs said:
What’s the mating half of the connector like (the loom side)?
That must be rusty too.
Click to expand...

Yea the pin has completely gone so I've ordered a new connector and wires to splice in from ebay.
 
So I've bit the bullet and just ordered a standard rear light as I need to use the car. I got the new connector wired up so just need the light.

I was however wondering if it's possible to split the rear lights and remove the lenses from the front, a bit like you do on the headlights? If so I could just transfer over my nicer lenses to the new backplate?
 
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