Technical No power to n/s rear cluster

[JimmyMac78]

Hello guys, forgive me if I'm in the wrong forum. Although I've been a lurker for a while this is the first time I've posted anything. My problem is the n/s rear indicator went out and I changed the bulb. Turns out the original bulb was OK. When I wiggled the harness the light came on. Checked the connector and two of the contacts looked burnt. Got a new connector, fitted it making sure the wires were joined correctly. Now there's no power at any contact. Took the new connector back off and checked the original wires. I can't get continuity from the earth wire to the boot lid hasp. Any ideas where the other end of the earth cable gets grounded?

 

[GrandePunto PL]

Do some investigation (diagrams, componet locations): https://aftersales.fiat.com/elearns...nto Elettrico&validityName=1.2 8v&isExaminer=

 

[JimmyMac78]

Thanks for the fast reply. I really should have titled my post "No earth at n/s rear cluster."

 

[varesecrazy]

Surely an earth fault would kill ALL lights in that cluster?

Sounds like everything else was OK before you cut into the loom..


My issues with the clusters have all been resolved through cleaning the plugs and pins on the power into the light unit

(a common failing was brakelights.. When rear lights were on.. Wouldn't flag a fault in daylight )

 

[PuntoHowTo]

are you measuring the from the light cluster or the connector ?

The tail light earth is somewhere along the back side of the boot area. So if you're standing looking in the boot with the boot open. The bit immediately Infront of you, closest to you, but on the back side (compared to where you are standing. If that makes sense.

Both lights share the same earth.

Personally I would just put a new earth in as Fiat used under rated wire for the tail light earth so save a few pennies which on a foggy day, with the brake lights on and indicating, leads to the earth over heating. On previous Punto's I have had I just added a second ground wire to the tail lights.

 

[JimmyMac78]

are you measuring the from the light cluster or the connector ?

The tail light earth is somewhere along the back side of the boot area. So if you're standing looking in the boot with the boot open. The bit immediately Infront of you, closest to you, but on the back side (compared to where you are standing. If that makes sense.

Both lights share the same earth.

Personally I would just put a new earth in as Fiat used under rated wire for the tail light earth so save a few pennies which on a foggy day, with the brake lights on and indicating, leads to the earth over heating. On previous Punto's I have had I just added a second ground wire to the tail lights.

Yes I found that earth point thanks to GrandePuntoPL's diagram. The earth wire is indeed on the skinny side so I've run an additional wire alongside to beef it up and all's well that ends well as they say.