Anyone know how to clear the license plate light warning in the cluster? One of my lights don't work and I jumped it across and now it works but I still have the license plate light up and I can't see and info since its up. Any thoughts??????
That is because the wire that it is on isn't seeing a bulb. Wire it the way it is supposed to be and find and fix the REAL problem. It's the only way to claim your OBC dash display back.
Fix the problem instead of ghettorigging around it.
problem is at the hinge most likely.
Check the Wires in the Trunk support usually on the left under a black plastic protector.. pop that open and have a close look at the wires.. you may find one of those is broken.. unless I'm mistaken I had this cause that same problem..
Ive had that warning for years, but it usually only comes on when I go in reverse. Thought it was a prelude to larger electrical problems but had specialists take out all the wiring in my car and they fixed everything but that. Phantom short-circuits. You can go through the wiring with a multi-meter and try to find the short but wasn't worth my time. Maybe it bothers you more.
It's actually an open circuit. The LKM/check control checks continuity to the various monitored bulbs around the car. If one is burned out (broken filament) resistance goes to infinity (open circuit) and it indicates such. That's why powering the bulb from a different circuit won't correct the error. It really shouldn't be too tough to trace back from the bulb socket to see where the issue is. Start with the most probable areas which would be flexure points like the hinge area. It's far less likely that it would be anywhere that the harness remains static.
not ghettorigged just don't want a ticket I have out of state plates and live close to a police station. How Would I get to the wires?
The wires are in/along the Trunk Support Arm. Snap open the Plastic Cover then examine the wires.. splice in a new segment of wire if you're not able to bring any two separated ends together.. secure them from exposure.. ohh wait ... you have a TOURING? Not sure exactly where they are on that..
Last edited by jehu; 06-29-2009 at 01:21 PM.
open the hatch, and on the right side up the entire length of the trunk seal to quarter panel there is a cover over the lights. at the top, beside the hinge, is a plastic cover that shrouds the loom part where the problem will lie. It is stupidly hard to fix, and costs a bit of small fortune from the dealers for about 2 ft of wire.
I learnt to live with it.
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+1 on checking the trunk wires. Should run under the plastic cover on the left trunk hinge. It'll be obvious quickly which side the trunk wiring is on. If you want new lights I have a working used set FS.
Dave
1995 Lincoln Towncar.
Cartier
I pimp your mom
Easy fix and you'll see the broken wires when you cut the loom open. I'd be surprised if it's only your license plate light that is not working..
milenium 99,
I have had the same License Plate warning light for some time now and it is coupled with a reverse light that is out/intermittent. Was told by Bavarian Professionals that it is a short in the wiring harness that runs to the trunk lid. They wanted an ungodly amount of money to fix it and it seems like a DIY i could do with some new wires and connectors.
If you end up cutting back the black woven loom / harness that holds the wires and fixing it, wanna post some pics? I'd like to know a little more of what I'm getting into not being a big DIY guy yet and would appreciate it. Thanks and gl.
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yeah we did. I did it for tourings and the sedans are so easy by comparison it is hardly worth it after reading the touring one.
My number play lights work fine but the warning light stays on. Probably because I have an after market reversing camera that fits In the number plate handle.
I'm told that the resistance of the assembly should be 0.1ohms so will do a comparison between my 2003 e39 that works and my 2002 one that don't.
Need to fix this car as I'm selling it and it's done less than 28k miles.
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