No dash lights or numberplate lights

[luke w 0]

I lost my dash lights a while ago. Replaced the fuse which had blown and it was fine. They went again after a while, replaced the blown fuse but now the fuse will last literally a minute before it blows again. Is there anything obvious I should be looking for or any easy tests to rule out what the problem is before I take to a garage to check it out?

[quicky1980 0]

have you had any dash bits out? Putting back together sometimes causes the wires to get trapped or caught. Not sure what else otherwise, maybe someone will come along with a better suggestion

[Supercharged 2]

If it blows instantly then it's a dead short - dash lights are usually reliable so I would suspect the issue to be at the back.

 

Take the panel off and unplug the numberplate light loom - test a fuse... if it's ok then turn on the dash lights, if still ok then you know it's at the back.

 

I'd have a good look at the wiring back there - you may find it's shorting on the body, may not have been put back correctly after a spoiler / wiper motor change.

[luke w 0]

Cheers for the suggestions, will have a look into it at the weekend. Haven't touch the dash so will focus on the rear first (although I haven't touched that either).

[Supercharged 2]

Could be just rusty - they needs replacing eventually - new numberplate lights are £12 from VW

[luke w 0]

Is that the strip of metal that has the bulb holders on? It didn't look in too good a shape when I looked before.

[G Charged 0]

try having a check on where the wiring goes between the tailgate and the shell, i know its a common fault on alot of cars where the constant flexing breaks the wires

[dragon green 5]

It might be one of the connections on the number plate light come unsoldered ,and earthing out !

You can see what I mean,pic is a new one,but soldering leaves a lot to be desired !

As Supercharged said,about £12