I had exactly the same problem. After much testing and head scratching it turned out to be the earth even though the earth looked good.
How about front side lights. These are both on the same fuse as rear right (no2). If these are going OK you can eliminate the fuse as a problem. Also it's easiest to check the rear lights with the whole cluster pulled out and still connected. You need an 8 mm box spanner to get at the nuts. They are usually only finger tight.
I know you've not changed the light cluster, but has it been changed in the past? reason I ask, is that I have fitted new rear light clusters in my bus and the bulb holders are all crap quality, either shorting out to earth, not making contact to earth or bad connections at the bulbs like the other said, best bet is now to get a multi meter and start testing. have a look at the link below for a 'how to' on using a multi meter for fault finding if you have never used one before http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads/how-to-using-a-multimeter-and-testing-for-faults.4688/
Looks like this is the case here.... The clusters are original VW as far as I can tell (VW embossed). I was just about to remove the cluster from the bus - however rain has stopped play for a bit... I may just get a new one. Logic is saying that the earth connection at the light must be duff. I'll get a multimeter too and learn what I am supposed to do with that
if you can I'd recommend saving your original light cluster .....the new ones are crap!!! ......or if you do get a new one, transfere all your original bulb holders over
hears a cheep one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HILKA-PRO...t=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item56558551ac
I agree. I got new lights last year and the bulb holders are all very tight, so I swapped the original metal backing plate and bulb holders over. Easy to do but take care as the new plastic is quite brittle and you may snap off some of the catches.
FIXED IT !! Don't ask me how! I tried to remove the cluster only to find that the far nuts weren't undoing and the retaining bolt just spinning in it's locator! I fiddled a bit with the wires, sanded the earth terminal on the cluster (likely this did the trick), re-checked the bulbs and noticed that the indicator bulb which I had replaced looked like it had blown so changed that again and hey presto the indicator works. I then re-checked the tail/stop light bulb and put the original one back in and surprise - it works. I suspect the tail light holder not to be the best ever but while it now works, I aint messin! I can't thank you guys enough for your support. I'm off now for a drive while the weather has improved!
