Probably a dumb question, but can someone explain to me the purpose of the led lights in the indictor section of the rear light unit? Indicator and hazards appear to use a filament bulb and orange lens. When do the leds come on?

I would hazard a guess for other global markets where amber side markers are required at night on vehicles (e.g. USA). The car CCF will be programmed for that market and the LEDs will come on with the sidelights.

Similar to dipped headlights being a requirement at all times in Scandinavia. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

Hazard a guess - I like it!

If you mean the lower circle of the two in the rear lights then it’s the brake lights 2007 TDV8 Vogue SE
2005 BMW E63 645ci
2009 5.0 Supercharged autobiography
2024 Porsche Macan

Yes, brake lights. The other red light, lower in the unit is side light and fogs.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Ok, it's the brake lights, inside the orange lens. Confusing, because there is a dual filament bulb in the holder behind a red lens which I assumed was the breaks, but there's only one electrical contact in the bulb holder. Sidelight. Why dual filament? Who knows.

I believe that’s the side and rear fog. Easy to see if you turn them on and see which bit lights up.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Yes, did that - foglights are below that.

Cool. I was working from memory when I had the TD6….

I know what you mean and I’ve a feeling I thought the same. I’m sure I read somewhere that if a light goes out/bulb blows that the LCM can use another bulb temporarily, ie the rear fog as a brake light but I have no proof of this. Might be to do with that.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

That's interesting as it might begin to explain a brake light problem I have. Is there a reset of the control module and would that require diagnostic tools?

I have a brake light out but no warning. Bulb wasn't working - changed that. Confused as dual filament bulb with only one connection which operates the lower wattage element.

But light still inop. Power to cluster plug is OK. Connections within the light unit work fine with power probe, but the brake light doesn't work when plugged in. No obvious damage or corrosion to pins or socket.

At a bit of a loss right now, only just spotted the problem and mot test in a couple of days!

Anyone gave any words of wisdom?

Chris

The LED cluster is the brake lamp. The twin filament bulb further down the cluster is side/fog lamp sir...

A ha! Silly me, why didn't I think of that! I was thinking that the led part was some kind of effect as it encircles a conventional bulb!
Huge thanks for putting me on the right track!
Cheers
Chris

It’s a design classic imho… You won’t be the first to get confused by the brake lamp feature I’m sure sir… 👍

Confusing indeed! Strange too as I powered up the led light and it worked, as did another I had in the junk stash. Plugged the original back in and all was well. A miraculous repair as I'd done precisely nothing, beyond disturbing connections, connections that were made 2 years ago when a complete new light unit was fitted and all connections protected with dielectric grease for good measure. Im happy the mot should be OK ( famous last words!!) but less so that I don't know what the fault was. Hey-ho!

Chris

Result sir