Good morning!

Thank you for looking.

So i've got a problem on my Octavia VRS Estate, the left indicator flashes faster when braking, and only when braking.

It is only the left indicator.

There is also some strange behaviour when in reverse, and when I brake there's similar signs to the aliens from Close Encounter of the 3rd Kind.

After a brief search on the internet, i'm led to believe that this is probably going to be an earth fault for the rear lighting cluster (Stop me before I start looking for it if i'm wrong!)

Can anyone tell me where the earth cable will go from/to in that area?

Many Thanks

The earth fault is probably on the light cluster itself. And it certainly sounds like an earth fault. I suspect the loom joins along with many others underneath at the back of the cd changer bracket. There is three different connectors down there. Be CAREFUL when looking here though, as there is also a rear washer pipe joiner that often pops apart and spills water out everywhere.

Be CAREFUL when looking here though, as there is also a rear washer pipe joiner that often pops apart and spills water out everywhere.

Could always be the washer pipe has already split and is pouring water over the electronics and causing the OP's problem.

I would expect that the cluster will be earthed to the bodywork somewhere close by.

Could always be the washer pipe has already split and is pouring water over the electronics and causing the OP's problem.

I would expect that the cluster will be earthed to the bodywork somewhere close by.

Aren't the earths switched, and the 12+ feed permanent?

Aren't the earths switched, and the 12+ feed permanent?

That is only for the small festopn lights in the boot. The main light cluster has as a perm earth supply. I would check all the bulbs are fitted correctly too.

Aha. I'm far too used to working on CANBUS stuff.

just disconnect the left rear light cluster and go for a drive and see if the problem goes away, if not its not the light cluster

Except the indicators will be permanently fast with a light cluster disconnected, since there won't be enough of a current draw on the relay.

Yeah but it might cure his reverse light problem

So, after a diagnosis session yesterday, taking the 6 CD player out (Which as I think, it hasn't worked for nearly 2 years) I was greeted by a swimming pool for borrowers,

The electrical connections are in a shocking state.

1) Can you buy the electrical connections/ISO blocks ?

2) Does the loom run all the way back up to the engine bay ?

3) Do you think it may just be worth replacing the blocks and individually soddering/heatshinking the wires ?

I think it was the Plastic Rear wash pipe connecter that was leaking, so i'm going to electrical tape this up to stop it coming loose again.

Also as a side note, is there 2 or 1 rear washer jets on the car ?

Cheers all

1 rear jet (part of the high-level brake light on my Elegance)

Loom will run somewhere towards the front of the car - not quite sure how or where though.

I can't quite remember what connectors there are there - I thought most were for the CD changer? However I would take apart, let it dry out and then consider your options. If you can find a set if connector blocks down the scrap yard I would consider replacing them , although soldering in that gap will be a bit cramped.

Personally I would leave the washer connector as it is. It is better than a connector you can easily get to pops apart then one hidden behind a load of boot/plastic trim. Just keep an eye on it, and/or ensure it is lower than the connector blocks.

There are three connectors, only one of which is for the autochanger IIRC.

I put cables ties on my washer connector. I see no reason why you would ever want to disconnect it again. I would've used hose clips if I'd had any that small.

The terminals in those connectors are probably corroded to hell. The downside is the cable is quite tight, and there may not be enough room to cut and use a different connector without splicing some more cable in. Personally, I would use different connectors altogether, but then I have a very nice Deutsche kit.

Either way, you'll probably want to remove that entire wheelarch trim in order to do the job. It's not difficult.

I put cables ties on my washer connector. I see no reason why you would ever want to disconnect it again. I would've used hose clips if I'd had any that small.

What I was getting at, via a roundabout method route was, that if the pressure in the washer pipe is great enough to pop a joint apart, I would rather it was an joint I could easily get to, rather than one hidden somewhere else.

Next Saturday job then! Thanks all