Land Rover Repair: landrover discovery lights, dashboard lights, corrosion problems

Question
Hi John, just bought myself a 1995 300tdi se discovery, got a problem,already, with the lights. When I switch from side lights to full lights the dashboard lights go off and the rear lights go off as well??? Now the dashboard lights have gone off completely and I'm left with only the passenger side dippped light and rear, or full beam headlights!! is this a common fault? any ideas would be appreciated, many thanks
Damnewowner  

Answer
Hi Damien,

yes, electrical problems are quite common with LR's.  In this case, you have an electrical short somewhere.  Inspect the bulbs in question and pay close attention to the bulbholders. They have been known to corrode due to ingress of water and road grime.

I had this happen to my '95.  Turned out to be the bumper brake light bulbholder that shorted out.  Had to replace the whole unit as the corrosion was extensive.

You may also have to perform continuity checks on the wiring involved.  Hopefully the short is not somewhere within the body wiring and that its close to either the brake pedal switch, the fuse box (which also has been known to have corrosion problems) or the light assemblies involved.

I've also been fooled by what I thought were 'good' fuses.  Sometimes it just easier to swap in new fuses and bulbs.

With the dashboard lights going out, I'd guess a fuse is going or gone.  Also double check the grounds for corrosion.

Best of luck,

JohnMc

NB:  300TDi is a reliable Disco.