Rear lights Question

[spacebiscuit]

I have no tail or brake lights working.

I don't have the headlight flasher relay fitted so I don't think the main beam bulb will work, but when I switch my lights on I do have front parking/side lights working. However on the back nothing.

I've checked the voltage on terminal 58 of the light switch and I have 12v, also on both sides of fuse 1 which feeds the lights. On the rear lights I have disconnected the terminal to check with a multi meter but I can't get a 12v reading. Curiously though the number plate light works!

How many wires should plug on to the rear lights. I only have one on each light - it looks as if it is two wires crimped to the terminal connector - it is an after market loom. I ask because the wire diagram looks as if two wires are plugged?

I had the lights working previously - so I'm a bit miffed by this. Front lights work, number plate light works but no voltage on the wires to the read lights!

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1972 Type 2 1600cc
1990 MKII Golf 1.6 CL

[busdaddy]

That orange circle with the #9 in it is a test network circuit, that one on the brake light wire is similar.
If the licence light works then there should be power to the RH tail light as well, they are both on the same circuit, and on VW made harnesses the power for the tag light branches off from the tail light socket. The LH tail is a separate circuit fed by fuse #1 on a stock system, since you have introduced aftermarket parts and novice installers the OG diagram may not apply.
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[spacebiscuit]

Sure - I understand the orange circle wires are for the test circuit. By '2 wires' I was referring to the grey/black wire and the black/red. I guess grey/red is the tail light and black/re dis the brake light since one bulb simply glows brighter for the braking but also is the rear tail light?
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1972 Type 2 1600cc
1990 MKII Golf 1.6 CL

[Bnanwel]

It’s time to test the circuits, test light or multimeter set for continuity. The rear lights “glow brighter” by closing the circuit of a second element in the bulb., one element for rear lights and one for brakes. Start by confirming a solid ground, and work your way forward testing between connection points. Don’t forget the two switches at the master cylinder.
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‘72 Karmann Ghia Conv.
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‘74 Karmann Ghia Coupe
‘70 Deluxe
‘72 Deluxe

[spacebiscuit]

i had another look and actually the brake light wires are giving a 12v reading when the brake is pressed. This iss leading me to believe that I do need the flasher relay in order for the tail lights to work. I know the original wiring diagram suggest this is not required for the rear lights I suspect the aftermarket loom has some off spec magic going on.

I picked up an original relay at a meet on the weekend so I'll try that first!
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1972 Type 2 1600cc
1990 MKII Golf 1.6 CL