ford galaxy lights failure problem?

Question

light failure lights in dashboard come on at random sometimes
ok for weeks then front ones come on then rear ones
changed rear bulbs has had tow bar fitted at some time
seems worse when damp weather
does anyone know if this is a common problem or will i have to check out the whole loom

have looked in lhs rear panel and found a small pcb with a small relay on it lying in mid air
looks like it should have been fitted better
any more info on the relay circuit would be helpfull

Answer 1

I Have a VW Sharan which is virtually identical. The wiring on these things are hugely complex especially those with the bulb map in the dash like yours. I have the Haynes manual and frankly for this type of problem you might as well use Mrs Beatons cook book. My guess is that the problem may well be in the tow-bar wiring. For the bulb map to work correctly a six way relay needs to be installed to operate the towed vehicle's lights. I would begin by checking that wiring, start by looking in the rear access panel on the drivers side just inside the tailgate, there's more room there so that's where most of the connections are likely to be made. If the relay is there check all the connections. A lot of people use Scotch-lock connectors which press together and unless they are installed correctly can cause problems. Pay particular attention to the state of the earth connection. If all of this doesn't solve the problem, then professional help may be needed. When I installed my towing equipment I got my six way relay from Towsure products in Sheffield. I hope all this helps.....Allan

Answer 2

Haynes Manual
What you do is get the Haynes Repair Manual for your Year and model of vehicle at Auto Zone, or another automotive repair shop. The manual will show you what and how to do the repairs.
It has the wiring schematics so you can check it out. Hope you know how to use a ohmeter. If you had tow bar fitted, make sure that the wires are not touching and are taped. Possiblity that they are shorting out then when you hit a bump they stop touching each other.

Answer 3

The best thing you can do is check the wiring for crack insulation, nicks in the wires, rust on the contacts in the fuse box. Replace anything that is damaged. Never use electrical tape. Always use heat-shrink splices and HS tubing.