Technical Rear Light Cluster Issue

[arekp]

picture of burnt plug

 

[Zeshan]

I have noticed that I have the same issue but it has not completely stopped working yet. I have a 66 plate cross plus. Wouod you be able to take a picture of the soldered wires as a blueprint as I am going to do this rather than purchase a new connector and fitting. I have currently just taped the connector in and that seems to be working well but not sure how long that will last. Thanks

 

[varesecrazy]

arekp.. ?

 

[arekp]

arekp.. ?

varesecrazy, what is your question?

 

[arekp]

I have noticed that I have the same issue but it has not completely stopped working yet. I have a 66 plate cross plus. Wouod you be able to take a picture of the soldered wires as a blueprint as I am going to do this rather than purchase a new connector and fitting. I have currently just taped the connector in and that seems to be working well but not sure how long that will last. Thanks

sorry, just realized; no i don't have a picture of soldered solution. I'd need to take the whole thing apart.

 

[Zeshan]

sorry, just realized; no i don't have a picture of soldered solution. I'd need to take the whole thing apart.

Ahh no problem. Did you remove the connector and solder the wires together or solder wires to the connector.

I was thinking if I used another portion or wire and twist the wires together and wrap in electrical tape as I think that would have the same outcome no?

Very frustrating that this has happened, I have an extended warranty from the dealership I bought the car from but not sure that this would be covered

 

[varesecrazy]

I have an extended warranty from the dealership I bought the car from but not sure that this would be covered

You paid for the warranty.. you may as well use it

 

[VeneziaBlue500x]

I have exactly the same issue here.

The rear left cluster died completely. Once I removed it, it was clear the connector and the integrated circuit had melted.

The local dealer said that there is no need to replace the whole cluster/light, because the integrated circuit is sold separately (has its own part number), which cost me 40 €.


It seems like a common defect. I wonder what causes it and if there is a way to prevent it from happening.

PS:
Mine is a 500X Lounge 1.6 diesel (2015) with around 63000 miles.

 

[arekp]

Late update, this is where I soldered the new wire.
I cut the wire as it enters the plug and soldered on an extension.
Working well.

 

[ScubaSmurf]

Hi, I've just read your post after spending a few hours trying to figure out the exact same issue. Did you manage to replace the connector block? Looking at the replacement rear light unit on Mopar, it doesn't specify if the connector block is part of it?
I'm due to take my car in for a service and MOT on 1st September so would like to fix myself otherwise it'll fail the MOT and they will charge what they want! :bang:

 

[ScubaSmurf]

Hi, so after many hours searching online, Auto Click sell the exact genuine TE Connectivity replacement connector. Fiat Tamworth quoted me £2,500 plus labour to rewire the rear light cluster. This connector cost £1.90

Hopefully this will help anyone else who faces this same issue and gets quoted ridiculous money to get it fixed.

 

[varesecrazy]

Well done ScubaSmurf

Do you have the TE part number ?

 

[ScubaSmurf]

Of course. Screen shot attached.
It comes with connectors too and just needs wiring with a crimper.

 

[Murraymint]

Good evening I have just found this forum due to the same issue. I am ok with a soldering iron but the back of the light cluster looks properly melted on the end pin. Can you just replace that part rather than buying a new cluster. So annoying.

 

[Murraymint]

 

[arekp]

Just cut the wire where it enters the plug, make a hole in the cluster, feed wire through and solder it to the pin. As in previous post.

 

[Murraymint]

Late update, this is where I soldered the new wire.
I cut the wire as it enters the plug and soldered on an extension.
Working well.

Does the back just pop off to expose this area or does it take some fiddling with to remove it? I’m assuming it pops off so you can remove the lamps.

 

[arekp]

Just pops off. There's 2 or 3 clips. And a screw or 2. Don't remember the details.

 

[Murraymint]

Just pops off. There's 2 or 3 clips. And a screw or 2. Don't remember the details.

No problem, thanks mate. I have a soldering iron ready and going to tackle it later on.

 

[arekp]

Just had a look through mt photo collection, and sorry but I didn't take particularly useful photos.