bmike74

I have a 98 ES300, last week when driving the "replace bulb" and "Reverse" displays lit up on the dash. Then shortly thereafter went off again. One day later, they were back on to stay. I consulted the manual and determined that I would need to replace the back up lights. But then I found that both back-up lights and the license plate lights were all off. I checked all of the fuses on the drivers side panel, with no luck. I also checked the connections by the lights and they seemed ok.

Any ideas as to what could be the problem would be greatly appreciated. I am assuming that all four of these bulbs did not die at the same time.

sneakers

i just went through this today.

I had to repair the wires where they run along the trunk hinge; right at the point where the wires come out of the plastic jacket, and onto the car frame, i had 4 wires broken clean.

I believe there is a recent recall for this issue.. where the wires eventually break with the opening and closing the truck lid over the years, it is a known issue.

I am calling the dealer tomorrow to follow up.
If you do the repair yourself, i would suggest to solder the wires together.

bmike74

Sneekers, did you ever talk to the dealer? Is it a known problem with which they will assist?

Thanks,

sneakers

no never did call the dealer, i did the repair myself.

I do believe this is a known issue, give the dealer a call and let them know that your lights are out and you suspect that the wires are broken at the hinge

Lexury

just went throuh the same thing as Sneakers and wanted report my case as well. all the lights on the trunk lid were not working. all bulbs and fuses checked out ok. i followed Sneakers advise and found four wires cut at the trunk left hinge where the wires feed into a plastic housing. fix it my self and all good now.

partlex

My reverse light works but only if the trunk lid is open most of the way. Once I close the trunk, they no longer work.

I looked at that plastic housing for the cable but did not see anything obvious.

Any ideas?

MAlvis

The wire breaks are always within and concealed by the plastic tubing.

You MAY see them only after removing the tape and split plastic tubing which covers the individual wires.

Even then, the break may be hidden within the plastic insulation over the broken stranded copper wires within any given individual wire.