Unidentified Rear Light

[Pete.HD]

I have a 12 year old Sterling Europa 470 which has a rectangular red light (approx. 10x4cm) at the lowest mid-point of the caravan's back panel. This light had been flashing on and off like an indicator when the car and caravan are linked but stops when the 13 pin connector is detached. The problem has been fixed by removing the bulb and no other electrics seem to have been affected by doing this, but it would be good to know it's intended purpose. Any ideas?

 

[ProfJohnL]

It was almost certainly fitted as a high intensity rear fog lamp.

The fact it was flashing by itself is a bit suspicious but road lighting faults invariably come down to corroded connections, in the lamp fittings, or the7pin plug connections, or even incorrect wiring in the plugs.

I suggest you open every fitting and clean all the contacts including the wire connections. If you not sure how to do this its best to refer it to a competent fitter.

 

[Thingy]

Two things immediately spring to mind. Have you changed the car and is the light LED. If so some combos require a small board from Sargent Elecrical which is vehicle specific. Cost me 40 two years ago. Easy to fit if access is good.

The other thing that sprung to mind was a dodgy earth or corroded terminals where the bulb sits.

 

[Jcloughie]

Looking at pictures from around that time the design changed, but I can’t identify any low level lights on them.

Brake light are always high level.

The only lights powered by the caravan battery might be marker lights, fitted to some higher level vans. Some on the sides, others on the grab handles.

Why not send a picture? Is it like this one?



John

 

[Raywood]

If that is the correct caravan then the Prof is right. Not sure about the legality of using the caravan with a defective brake light so I would get it sorted.

 

[otherclive]

99% certain it’s a low level high intensity light for when there’s poor visibility on the roads. Cracking place to put one, but I guess it meets the spirit of the law if not the principle. You are not alone though. But I do have two reversing lights, one would suffice just to let anyone know I’m going backwards.


😂

 

[NigelHutson]

Yes, it’s definitely a high intensity fog light. It sounds like there’s possibly a problem with the plug/socket wiring. I believe that back in 2009 (if the caravan is 12 years old) it would have originally had two x 7 pin connections.