Rear Light Cluster Leaking

[MBSnr]

Just a quick query on a 2000 phase 1 s40. I've noticed that one of my rear light lens has been filling up with a few mms of water. The plastic isn't cracked so it seems to be leaking past the neoprene foam seal against the metal bodywork under the boot lid. It's not affecting the electrics as yet but it's wet around the foam near the bottom of the bulb holder.

Looking in from the boot I see there are 4 nuts securing the lens on, which are tight (I checked them). Does anyone know if removing them is all that is required to remove the lens? Is the foam 'stuck' to the bodywork?

PS Is it normal for one or more of the S40 tail lights to blow every few months? I always seem to be replacing them....?!

Cheers!

[stevo48]

Yes just remove the four nuts and the cluster will lift away, blowing bulbs seems to be a common fault on the 40 series although I own a '99 V40 and so far "touch wood" it hasn't blown any bulbs.

[Kerry_T-5R]

If you undo the four bolts, the whole light cluster will just push out if I remember correctly and you will be able to check the seals.

It is normal for tail lights to blow on those because they are on all day (drl's). I chased the bulbs around mine at one point!

Cheers,

Kerry

[MBSnr]

Cheers guys! I was planning on just doing it last night but figured I'd just check before committing to unbolting it!

The amount of S40s I see about with tail lights missing is surprising. Having no rear lights is nearly as bad as having no brake lights (which there is a dash warning light about) - esp as I live out in the sticks. When I first got the car I actually had 3 go on me, that I didn't notice, at one point before I realised it happens fairly regularly. I check them a lot more now. Strange that there's no warning light for it....