Number plate light

[MoggyMatilda]

I got a new number plate light & im wondering which wire goes where? Does the black or red or go the middle connection?

Thanks.

I’ve tried it both ways but it doesn’t work. So I’ll have to investigate further. The previous light worked before I changed it but the glass was broken & corroded so I got a new one

[ManyMinors]

The red wire is the live 12volt supply so that needs to go to the (probably brass) contact which connects to the bottom of the bulb.
The black is the earth so that needs to connect with the side of the bulb - the body of the lamp.
Always a good idea to make a not or take a photograph before you dismantle anything

[svenedin]

When I changed mine I connected it up incorrectly and swiftly blew the fuse. Follow the earth wire back from the boot lid and check the earth is good.

Stephen

[geoberni]

Black is always the Earth Wire. Lamps always earth to the body.
Red is the Side Lights, which includes the number plate, so Red to central contact.
Make sure you have a supply, but also make sure the earth is good.
Use a meter if you have one, 12v on the red when switched on, and the Black should be near zero resistance, perhaps just an Ohm.
But don't forget to zero the meter before checking resistance. Exact method depending what sort of meter you're using.
Just follow the instructions that came with it.
Failing that, there's bound to be a Video for it on youtube...

[simmitc]

If you did connect the wires the wrong way round at first then the fuse (if fitted) would have blown, meaning that the second attempt still won't work. Look below the voltage regulator for an inline fuse holder with red wires. Check and if necessary replace the fuse. NB 5 amp, not the 35 amp from the main fuse box.
As others have said, in the lamp unit then red to the base of the bulb and black to the frame/body.

[MoggyMatilda]

So it turns out it was a blown fuse. Inline fuse under the voltage regulator. Is it ok to rewire this for a newer blade style fuse holder?

[geoberni]

So it turns out it was a blown fuse. Inline fuse under the voltage regulator. Is it ok to rewire this for a newer blade style fuse holder?

That inline fuse is for far more than the Number Plate Light, it's all the side lights and the panel lights too.
You probably ruptured it while fiddling with the number plate fitting.

It's you car, you can rewire it to a more modern one if you wish, but I don't understand why you think you need to. ....
Seems a pointless thing to do IMHO.

It did it's job and isolated the circuit when there was a fault.

[MoggyMatilda]

My thinking was maybe the blade fuses are more readily available than the glass type? If I don’t have to rewire it I’ll leave it as is! Thanks!

[svenedin]

My thinking was maybe the blade fuses are more readily available than the glass type? If I don’t have to rewire it I’ll leave it as is! Thanks!

Glass type fuses are very readily available. Even Halfords sell them.

Stephen