Hi folks

I started fitting a tow bar yesterday to my 57 plate Octavia Elegance Estate. I disconnected the -ve terminal on the battery.

I followed the excellent photo guide here - http://www.octavia-vrs.com/cms/content/towbar-install

As you can see it involves removing lots of boot trim and stuff.

I managed to fit the bar and put the electrics in place but haven't begun to wire any of the electrics into the car yet - it's simply poked through into the spare wheel compartment.

Having reassembled the rear bumper and tail lights, I've found that a couple of bulbs are dead - the top two on the driver's side (1 in the cluster, and one of the loose ones). All other lights on the car are working and the dash is telling us about a bulb problem.

Should I just change the bulbs and expect them to start working, or does it sound like I've created an Earth fault somewhere? These bulbs aren't sensitive to finger prints are they?

I should also point out that I haven't replugged the rear cigarette lighter socket yet, but the boot courtesy lights are both switching on.

Bulbs are vulnerable to shocks, knocks and bangs especially older bulbs that have darkened over time with use.

When I removed the bulb holder from the cluster on my Octavia I remember it was tight getting it back in and took a couple of attempts.

I'd try replacing the bulbs first and see where that takes you...

Bulbs are vulnerable to shocks, knocks and bangs especially older bulbs that have darkened over time with use.

When I removed the bulb holder from the cluster on my Octavia I remember it was tight getting it back in and took a couple of attempts.

I'd try replacing the bulbs first and see where that takes you...

Ta. I guess I could test the circuit with a test lamp?

Ta. I guess I could test the circuit with a test lamp?

couple of new bulbs in and we're all good again. I thought it was something more serious after my fettling. Yippee!

And.....the local autoparts shop was still open so my bulbs only cost 59p each. And I grabbed a couple of hose clips for my garden hose too. I love that shop - a proper Aladdin's Cave. Millfield Autos in Peterborough.