300ce: right lpl on left lpl out, trunk light out

[rbn3]

when I open the trunk or start the car and turn on the lights, the right license plate light illuminates, the left does not. Simple I thought - replace the left bulb => new bulb dark. The trunk bulb also does not light even after replacement when the trunk is opened. When I touch the trunk light ground to bare metal it lights. The dash "bulb out" indicator does not light. Is the license plate light supposed to illuminat when the trunk is opened? Where is the gremlin in this?

[rbn3]

but you know how we are with our cars. Can anybody point me in the right direction on this light circuit?

[A264172]

Originally Posted by rbn3

when I open the trunk or start the car and turn on the lights, the right license plate light illuminates, the left does not. Simple I thought - replace the left bulb => new bulb dark. The trunk bulb also does not light even after replacement when the trunk is opened. When I touch the trunk light ground to bare metal it lights. The dash "bulb out" indicator does not light. Is the license plate light supposed to illuminat when the trunk is opened? Where is the gremlin in this?

What year is the 300CE?
Have you dug in deep enough to know if the ground is also the problem on the left license plate light?
I know there is a grounding screw over by the power antenna... behind the plastic cover. your simpelist solution might be to run a new ground over to it if the problem is not exposed after removing the trim in your way (along the lip of the trunk...)
Some days I just want to rewire my whole car from scratch
good luck

[rbn3]

It's '92 300ce. Funny thing - both license lights are out when the headlamps are turned on, and with the headlights on, the neither one lights when I open the trunk. With the headlights off, the right lpl illuminates when I open the trunk, but the trunk light and left lpl remain dark. All bulbs are new. Is there a wiring diagram anywhere. I'll look for the ground by the antenna.
Thanks

[carymcooper]

Sure sounds like a ground problem. If you can't figure it out let me know and I can send you the wiring off the CD ROM.

[rbn3]

gotta find a better forum.