So I saw that one of my reverse light globes was blown.
I knew something was wrong because the dashboard indicator for the rear fog lamp would illuminate occasionally during the day. It finally dawned on me that those "occasions" were all when I selected Reverse.
Off to the nearest spares shop, because I knew that the dealers would want to overcharge for a globe.
Autozone Strydom Park R53.50 excl VAT - er excuse me, are you sure that that price is correct? Yes, sir. Anyway, it was a really cheapo manufacture and would not fit in the holder properly (glass clip at base too thick) so I got a credit back. At least I have learnt to fit globes at the shop so I didnt have to trek home and back to get my money back.
Next stop the auto electrician on Hendrick Vervoerd (or whatever it is called these days). Price R15 and some change incl VAT. Again, it did not fit in the holder properly (glass clip at base too thick). Fortunately they let me try it first before paying.
Next stop Mitsubishi Bryanston. R21.35 incl VAT AND it fits properly.
Lesson learnt - don't always assume that the dealers are going to rip you off.
Oh, and it wasn't a faulty globe after all. Although I was getting about 11v (should have been the sign) across the two terminals of the reverse light socket, and although the old globe showed near zero resistance, the globe was still not illuminating. Turned out to be the socket on the rear fog that was not seated properly. Of course, I should have measured from each terminal to ground - that would have pointed the way to the fault.
