Good morning guys, I have recently aquired & started using a 2004 Fabia estate.

 

A friend noticed on Saturday that the OSR tail light was out (all other lights working ok). So I bit the bullet and paid the extortionate price for a couple of replacement bulbs from Halfords (566/P21/4w). I have fitted the new bulbs to both sides. Both work, but the drivers side light seems to be shining brighter than the passenger side like it's stuck on 21w?? I have swapped the bulbs from side to side, and still the problem remains.I did however notice that the bulbb doesn't seem to sit quite right in the holder, as though someone has maybe forced the wrong type of bulb in it previously.

 

I know this may be a bit vague, but can anyone make any suggestions? Electrics aren't my strong point unfortunately.

 

Thanks in advance guys.

 

Paul.

If someone forced a 21/5W into the bulb holder, it's possible that it's been damaged such that a bulb will go in "either way round", and "right way round" it's not held in place to make electrical contact. You need someone who knows what they're looking at to have a look at the bulb holder, and may need a replacement cluster (well just the bulb holder bit, but that may not be available separately).

If someone forced a 21/5W into the bulb holder, it's possible that it's been damaged such that a bulb will go in "either way round", and "right way round" it's not held in place to make electrical contact. You need someone who knows what they're looking at to have a look at the bulb holder, and may need a replacement cluster (well just the bulb holder bit, but that may not be available separately).

Thanks for that. I do have a knowledge of cars, just not so much on the electrical side of things. The bulb definitely does not seat properly if that makes sense. Already had a look an eBay and can see a few second hand bulb holders for reasonable money. Also, a new one from Skoda isn't too bad either. I'll have another look at it on my break.

Thanks for that. I do have a knowledge of cars, just not so much on the electrical side of things. The bulb definitely does not seat properly if that makes sense. Already had a look an eBay and can see a few second hand bulb holders for reasonable money. Also, a new one from Skoda isn't too bad either. I'll have another look at it on my break.

No problems; I was trying to be clear because I don't know what you know or don't know.

 

If the bulb doesn't seat properly, I'm fairly sure I'm right.

No problems; I was trying to be clear because I don't know what you know or don't know.

 

If the bulb doesn't seat properly, I'm fairly sure I'm right.

Yeah, there were a few of the wrong bulbs "fitted", might need to just bite the bullet and buy a holder. Thanks for your help. I'll post wen the problem is solved!!

Can you swap bulb holders left to right etc to see if the fault follows the holder indicating bulb fault? If problem persists on same side then look elsewhere. I've not looked closely at the connections so don't know if it's possible.

Can you swap bulb holders left to right etc to see if the fault follows the holder indicating bulb fault? If problem persists on same side then look elsewhere. I've not looked closely at the connections so don't know if it's possible.

Funny you should mention that idea, I'm going to try that at lunch time. The bulb holders themselves are definitely sided, but unsure about the connectors themselves.

Slight update, problem solved. Just took a bit more care in fitting the stop/tail bulb & it now works as it should. Unfortunately, the holder has been ruined by a previous owner by forcing in the wrong bulb. So a new or at least a replacement one will be in order. I'll likely try and source one the next time I'm at a breakers.