Drew_Saratoga NY

I know, it is a minor thing, until you are out in the trunk at night, then it becomes an issue to be dealt with.
Scenario: Open trunk, no light. I go out today to look at things thinking how hard can it be. I take the light out of its spot and inadvertanly ground it to metal and it turns on. Light apparently works. Whatever turns it on when you open the trunk must not be working.
Refer to Bentley. Find a reference to something called Lamp Control Unit, Rear. I found that in the trunk, even traced the wires back to it. But how does that thing know when the trunk is open? I was thinking there must be a switch somewhere but who knows.

Also, why is it everytime I look in the Bentley manuals, I come away feeling like I am retarded? These books are starting to **** me off. So full of info, yet so damn unhelpful at times

TIA
Drew

RussB

When it detects a bulb out it signals the "system monitor" module in the instrument console, which will then display a "bulb out" icon to the driver.

AFAIK it has nothing to do with the trunk illumination.

boxerfan

I agree... Bentley is complicated and verbose but a necessary evil.

tonyj

My bet is that you have broken wires in wire bundle where it enters the drivers side trunk hinge.

Drew_Saratoga NY

I was in the trunk yesterday. Someone had a go at rewiring right where you said broken wires would be. There is a glob of electrical tape and wire nuts at the right hinge. I just know I am going to have to undo that mess and rewire. Good thing the trunk is comfy.

fkess

I fixed the trunk light in my '91 100. There's a spring loaded slider switch with a plastic plunger that moves up when the trunk is closed shutting off the light and down when the trunk is open to close the circuit. Bought a replacement but didn't need it. Just made sure the slider operated freely.

fkess

Mine had to be repaired twice because the flexing broke wires. On my '87 4000s (after I gave it to my daughter) it shorted and caused a small fire!!