Hi guys, my vehicles number plate bulbs are not working and have failed the mot on those which is very annoying the mechanics have replaced the bulbs and checked some fuses but still no joy, does anybody else have any ideas where to go from here? All other bulbs are working fine, the only other electrical item I'm aware of not working is the most forward cigarette lighter socket but the rear one does work, any help would be greatly appreciated, I have done a search with no joy😦😞

The number plate lights aren't fused - they're driven by a dedicated FET (Field Effect Transistor) in the Central Junction Box in the passenger footwell. The wiring goes via a connector in the tailgate which also serves the tailgate release switch - you haven't had that replaced recently by any chance?

Possibilities would appear to be the FET not working or a problem with the wiring or one of the connectors. The connectors to the CJB itself have been known to cause problems (probably after having been kicked by a passenger) so you could check they're secure.

Thanks hugely for your reply, yes the tailgate switch was replaced a while ago it still doesn't work correctly and will only work via the remote, I replaced it myself with a genuine LR part, before that it kept opening itself every time the car was unlocked, I have just lived with using the remote to be honest.

So is this FET part able to be checked or replaced etc? Also the other possibilities just check the wiring leading to the tailgate switch? Although the mechanics did say they had checked the wiring that end, I'm not very mechanically minded to be honest but thought it worth asking the experts on here for ideas

I would have a very careful look at the connector and wiring for the tailgate switch and the numberplate lights - a problem there could explain both symptoms. Check (with a multimeter if you have access to one) that the numberplate lights are receiving power at the connector - narrow it down that way.

If it does turn out to be the FET LR would probably propose a new CJB (expensive)! Much cheaper would be to get an auto electrician to re-wire the numberplate lights to bypass the CJB.

Thanks for your help buddy👍👍

I won't go into a long explanation but I would suggest a hard reset first. If you can't do this via SDD disconnect battery terminals (both), starting with the negative and either leave off for 30 minutes or touch positive and negative together for a couple of minutes. MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

Thank you for that I may give that a go👍👍

pab wrote:

The number plate lights aren't fused - they're driven by a dedicated FET (Field Effect Transistor) in the Central Junction Box in the passenger footwell. .

Get another tailgate lock switch, it comes with the number plate lamps and have it fitted correctly so your lock works. Bet the bulbs do then !

More than one type and that could be the issue, I was sold a differing type and had to mod it. FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

dorsetfreelander wrote:

Is that a mosFET or a jFET?

Quote:

Blimey that sounds a bit over the top just to drive a lightbulb.

Yorky Bob wrote:

Get another tailgate lock switch, it comes with the number plate lamps and have it fitted correctly so your lock works. Bet the bulbs do then !

More than one type and that could be the issue, I was sold a differing type and had to mod it.

Is there more than one type buddy I didn't realise this?

Yes and as I said I had to modify the small loom the (new and wrong) lock switch type (to include loom and bulb etc) comes with to include the bulb holders etc.


http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic26814.html FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

Ok thanks, so how do I tell if I have fitted the wrong part then buddy?

Would be pretty obvious, so if you did it yourself you would be aware if it was correct or not immediately.

Assumption was it was done by a third party for you.

So if you have a new release switch that is not operating the lock and the key release works you know its not the lock itself and therefore must be the release switch circuit somewhere and that is also wired into the same mini loom as the number plate bulbs that are not operating. I did not find a fuse protecting these items strangely ?

That is it in respect of my knowledge and repairing of that item so good luck. FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

Yes I fitted it myself and as you say all the plugs etc fitted correctly and I watched a video on it so pretty sure it was the correct part, although it only solved half the problem, it stopped the boot popping by itself but not allowing it to open at the tailgate switch so as you say would lead me to believe there is something before that at fault 😁😁😁, thank you for your help