Rear Interior Lights - Ribbon Cable Ripped

[mcally]

Hi,

I went to replace the bulbs in the rear interior light of my 2.0DTI Elite today as the light wasnt working - only to discover that the ribbon cable going to it had been ripped.

Whats the best way to fix this?

Is it replacing the cable, soldering the cable back together(difficult) or can I try a DIY job like electrical tape etc?


I also have the "check safeguard" message - would this be causing that error at all?

[rich r]

It is possible to solder wires to the ribbon, you've just got to be careful about applying just enough heat to melt solder, but not melt the plastic too much. Clean up the copper strips with glasspaper so they're bright and shiny, tin the ends of the wire you're using as a repair with plenty of solder, thensolder it to the ribbon with a low wattage (15W) iron or ideally a temperature controlled one.

Alternatively, you can mechanically join the ribbon conductor by carefully separating it from the plastic backing, rolling it into a tube and pushing it into a screw terminal block. Repeat for the other conductors in the ribbon. If you're lucky, the other side of the ribbon will reach to the same terminal block. If not, just put wires between two blocks.

If there's room, I prefer the second option.

[cossiejay]

i have used staples on mine with tape over the top works ok

[mcally]

i have used staples on mine with tape over the top works ok

I like the sound of this option lol nice and easy.

How likely is it to break though?

[rich r]

That should work as long as you make sure that the two parts can't move relative to each other which might over time cause it to tear. Maybe araldite or some other hard setting glue. And make sure the pointy ends of the staples stab into the copper for a good connection.

[Big Knox]

yes that will probably be causing your safe guard warning. its definitely worth trying to fix if you can, its about £50 for a new one from the dealer!!! :O

[baz2003uk]

It is possible to solder wires to the ribbon, you've just got to be careful about applying just enough heat to melt solder, but not melt the plastic too much. Clean up the copper strips with glasspaper so they're bright and shiny, tin the ends of the wire you're using as a repair with plenty of solder, thensolder it to the ribbon with a low wattage (15W) iron or ideally a temperature controlled one.

Alternatively, you can mechanically join the ribbon conductor by carefully separating it from the plastic backing, rolling it into a tube and pushing it into a screw terminal block. Repeat for the other conductors in the ribbon. If you're lucky, the other side of the ribbon will reach to the same terminal block. If not, just put wires between two blocks.

If there's room, I prefer the second option.

sorry to bump an old post

have the same issue with mine but the black connector has come off and there is no bearing copper at the ends of the ribbon

you say about rolling the plastic backing off which sounds do able as if i did this it would bear a bit of copper to make the connection work on the black connector
is there an easy way to separate the plastic backing and what side do i try to roll back

[rich r]

No easy way I'm afraid - just be gentle with whatever tools you have to hand. You might find some solvents soften the plastic making it easier to strip off, or you might find it's easier to use a thin knife to separate the plastic.

You're aiming to have the copper strips on their own, so you can either roll them (to make a short 'wire') or solder to them without melting the plastic.

[Casper85]

i have used staples on mine with tape over the top works ok

Hi, sorry to drag up an old thread but looks like I might need to try this as I torn the ribbon whilst changing the bulbs in my rear interior light. Do you mean simply staple the 2 ends together or straighten out a staple to act as a conductor then affix with tape to hold it in place?