Rear number plate lights and wiper not working

[simpletron]

Hi,

Tried to search here for my specific problem with no luck. My 'S' reg 1998 406 2l Estate just failed its MoT for the first time out of the three it's been through since I've had it. On rear number plate lights. The guys at the garage tried replacing the bulbs to no avail, and suggested it may be the wiring.

I don't think these lights have ever worked in the 3 years I've had the car. Neither has the rear wiper. However one of the rear fog lights works, and the motor for the rear screen washer works although no water comes out on the screen itself (it does on the windscreen so there is water in the resevoir - assuming they use the same one). I'm worried that water is actually being pumped through but that the hose is cut and that the water may have damaged the wiring, but I have not seen that with my own eyes.

Is this something other owners have experienced? What are the first things I should look for? I've removed the rear inside trim so can get to the wires. Please help if you can as I've got 10 days to get back for a free retest!

Thanks!

[highlander]

Not up on electrical parts, myself, but as for the rear washer issue, my old Clio had problems with the rear washer - the pump sounded, but no water - turns out the piping was clogged, that was all.

[simpletron]

Thanks highlander, I wiggled a pin around in the rear water outlet thing and indeed a few seconds later the water was coming out (I wish this was what failed the MoT). I also noticed that the water comes from the right hand side, not the left where the wires are for my broken parts - so my theory of water damage has gone.

I also think my rear de-mister is broken too. So the only thing working is one fog light. Have check all fuses and they look fine. Any more ideas?

[jasper5]

Look at where the wires come through the body to the tailgate, there will almost certainly be broken wires there.Pull back the rubber.

[simpletron]

Spot on jasper5! I pulled back the rubber protector to find seven of the wires broken. A trip to the local DIY shop to get some wire strippers and strong tape, and half an hour later I'd reconnected them and patched them up. Not sure how long they will last like that but they'll get me past the MoT and then some. As a bonus I now have reverse lights, additional sidelights, a possibly working rear demister and a rear wiper! Now, anyone know where I can get a spring for the rear wiper?

[jasper5]

Well done Glad you had a good result.

Some car spares shops will have boxes of springs lying about.