My license plate light is out, I changed it-nothing. Checked the bulb from the other side that is working-still nothing. Seems like the contact where the bulb is pushed in is making contact (feels like the other working side at least). I tried removing the tailgate panel thinking that it would be a contact issue but apparently removing the panel will not enable access to it (from a September thread on panel removal). Any suggestions?

 

Goldenblock here!!

First question is did you check fuse.
2nd Question is if it is sedan or wagon???

 

More than likely the problem is with broken wires running to the tailgate. They run through the hinges and bend to a 90 degree angle when the hatch is open. This is a common point of failure. It is best to get a new harness for the tailgate as the wires they use for it are high strand count so it holds up to flexing. I have read other threads where people have re-routed the wire so it no longer goes through the hinge. It doesn't look pretty though.

 

Might have a bad socket 3526009 - take the tailgate panel off then the handle off the tailgate to get to the socket

https://www.skandix.de/en/spare-part...light/1016766/

 

I did check the fuse, it's good. It is a 1990 wagon. I was thinking it was something to do with the wires but was unable to look as I could not get the tailgate panel off. I might just get a new harness and socket and be done with it. Any tips on getting the tailgate panel off? I got the plastic clips off but that was it, I never saw any torx bits or anything...

 

It's been a long time ---- Don't those have 4 visible 1/4 turn clips on the bottom edge, 4 hidden clips on the top edge, that break or the panel breaks where they slide in, and 2 torx screws that hold the pull down handle in the middle of panel hidden by the plastic surrounding the center panel that you carefully pry off?

 

Goldenblock here! I actually just did this job on my wagon.
its almost impossible to get that harness out!! Its like the car was built around it.
just cut and splice my friend im tellin you!!!

Look closely under the sheath on the wires that go around driver side rear tail hatch. They wrap around after years and break.
Those wires are not traditional... They are hair like and barely bite when twisting!!

 

I believe so, most of the clips are gone. The plastic surrounding the center panel that you pry off is just the inside door handle right? I saw where it had been chipped from what looked like someone trying to pry it off and I gave it a try but did not want to force it. I'll get a picture later.

 

Thanks for the tip! So you think I should just get a new socket?

 

Yes that part comes off to expose 2 screws holding the door panel on -

Are BOTH your tag lamps out? If so I would check to make sure there's not a broken wire first, as others have suggested.