License Plate Lights

[VDubbinIt]

Are not working! They have always worked and then one day, I get pulled over because they are out. After inspection, the bulbs are actually fine. I tried new ones anyway and they still don't work. Checked the fuse - it's fine. Trunk light also works fine. According to the Bentley, there is a relay for the license plate lights, but it shows in the diagram a panel with four rows, mine only has three. I'm not sure what else could be the problem and I'm currently driving around with a small clip-on light taped to my license plate.

[Briano1234]

With the headlights on, measure the voltage on the lamps themselves. That is is there 12V+ to ground, if yes, then you have a ground issue....

I would say it is probably a ground issue or corroded sockets.

[CalAltaDubber]

Again, as usual, Brian is right.

If the rest of the lights around the car are working, it is probably a ground issue. I also would check the wiring leading into the trunk lid.
Another quick test is have someone check to see the brake light illuminates when the brake is depressed. If the brake light works, the issue is local to the licence plate light and


the Brown wire is the ground for both the licence plate and the third brake light. The Gray wire is the +ve for the Licence plate light.

Since the wiring for does flex where it enters the trunk (top driver's side corner of the trunk lid), it is the weak point there and does break.

[VDubbinIt]

Awesome, thanks guys. I'll check it out.

[VDubbinIt]

Third brake light works. Trunk light works. I know it's not the sockets - they're clean as a whistle. The lights worked fine then all of a sudden, both didn't work. So sounds like I'm looking for a grey wire? Where will this wire be and what am I looking for?

[CalAltaDubber]

Wiring to the trunk runs from the driver's side tail light to the top left corner of the trunk. from there the wires are routed to the licence plate light and the brake light.

Find the wire bundle going into the trunk lid, and inspect the wires there. Since this part of the bundle moves when the trunk is opened or closed, it is most likely where the wire has degraded.

Look for broken insulation on the wires, and physically bend the wire with your hand. If the conductor inside the wire is broken you will see that the wire will "fold" at the brake.

Also look for previous crappy repairs (wires twisted together and wrapped with tape).

I strongly recommend that any wire repairs be done using proper crimped splices. While doing this buy a proper crimping tool instead of using pliers. It will make your life (and the life of the next guy that needs to go there) much easier.