Brake lights inoperative and battery loses charge while driving

BRAKE LIGHTS INOPERATIVE AND BATTERY LOSES CHARGE WHILE DRIVING

Model

Defender

Affected vehicles

All Td5 diesel derivatives - 99MY introduction (VIN XA 159810) up to YA 183386.

Date

1999-12-01

Reference

Bulletin 0017, CDS ref L8569bu

Bulletin text

Defender

AFFECTED RANGE:

All Td5 diesel derivatives - 99MY introduction (VIN XA 159810) up to YA 183386.

PROBLEM:

BRAKE LIGHTS INOPERATIVE AND BATTERY LOSES CHARGE WHILE DRIVING The customer may also notice that the battery charge warning light does not illuminate when the starter switch is turned to position ‘II’ prior to starting the engine.

CAUSE:

The fuse that protects the stop and reverse lamp circuits has blown, probably as the result of towing a trailer. As this fuse also services the alternator excitation feed the alternator stops charging. The fuse can blow if the trailer lamps electrical load exceeds 3.5A (2 X 21W bulbs) above normal vehicle load.

ACTION:

Where a customer complaint is traced to the above, to prevent repeat failures replace the existing 10A fuse with a 15A fuse. It has been confirmed that fitting the 15A rated fuse has no adverse effect on any associated components. NOTE: In no circumstance fit a fuse of greater value than 15A as this may cause permanent damage to the vehicle wiring harness. The fuse in question is housed in the passenger side fuse box in the location shown in the accompanying illustration.

Bulletin N o : 0017 L8569bu 1 01.12.99

The change was introduced on production at the VIN quoted in AFFECTED RANGE.

PARTS INFORMATION:

RTC4503 Fuse - 15Amp

WARRANTY CLAIMS: Use Complaint Code: 7Z2L

Use S.R.O.: 86.70.02 Fuse renew Time allowance: 0.10Hrs