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Trunk light out

3K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  BALLSS 
#1 ·
On my 96 BBB, bone stock with 125K on the odo. Opened the trunk this morning and the light flickered depending on the position of the deck lid. Then nothing - light wasn't working. Drove to work, opened the deck lid once again, and the light pulsed on and off depending on deck position then went out again. I suspect it's not the bulb due to the intermittent behavior so then my next guess is the mechanism in the deck lid that keeps the light lit when open. Any guidance on this issue is greatly appreciated.
 
#2 ·
Wiring near hinge can become pinched,and break inside insulation. Manipulate wiring by hand with deck lid open,and problem should reveal itself.
 
#4 · (Edited)
As 1slow mentioned, I'd be inspecting the wiring carefully in this area. I think the wire going in and out of the Mercury switch can also be compromised and the switch itself good.

Really not a whole lot to this circuit, just need a good ground and then power going into the Mercury switch. If you have a DVM and the ability to use it, should find the issue pretty quick and suspect it's just a broken wire or ground. Pull the bulb socket and see it you're getting continuity from 1 of the bulb socket leads to ground. The other side of the socket should be giving you 12V and just work your way back from there.

Once you get it figured out, consider doing the Dual Trunk Light mod to the trunk. The underside of the package tray already has a provision for another Bulb setup and just a matter of splicing it in to the circuit. Really helps to light up the trunk area to have a bulb on the other side. Besides, its a mod so why not do it and make your car faster. :smile2:

BTW - In my travels I have seen 2 types of Bulb sockets. 1 just has 2 metal legs that clip into the package tray and the Bulb stuck in the middle. the 2nd type is a much nicer setup with a square plastic lens that covers everything. found these years ago and added them to the trunk, can't remember if they were a caddy, roady caprice or All.

EDIT - a real OLD thread you may find useful....
https://www.impalassforum.com/vBulletin/26-electrical/1050681-trunk-light.html
 
#5 ·
Wiring is probably the issue. Try wiggling the wires when the trunk is open. If the light is affected, try one wire at a time.
 
#6 ·
Two years ago license plate light quit (the LED was fine). A month ago trunk courtesy light quit. The bulb is fine. Moved the wiring close to the hinge, but nothing changed. Cannot see the mercury switch. This is 95 Fleetwood.
 
#7 ·
Check for a good ground. Standard troubleshooting techniques with a multimeter apply.
 
#9 ·
It does not matter what anything looks like, check it.
 
#11 ·
HUF

what has happened to many is the ground wire running along the DS trunk hinge breaks and can be difficult to see as the wire inside breaks inside the insulation

...so the valid comment about "checking" vs "looking" applies

I believe the 2 light positions you note are on that ground....assuming whatever LED swap is not corrupt

Break out the DVM meter and check +12v to the trunk courtesy light. If + than mercury switch is bad assuming bulb is good. Check continuity on the black ground wire on the hinge if no +12v to the light lead
 
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