So the headlights on, when I open the trunk all the way I get a bulbs out message on the cluster, even though the cars in park the R lights up as well. The inner tail lights and license plate bulbs go off as well until I lower the trunk lid to a close then everything's fine...

Its got me scratching my head

 

the flexible harness in the boot lid is damaged. It's in a black plastic conduit on the .. passengers side (US), right hand side.

 

What needs to be done?

 

I think ES300NZ meant to say that it's located on the left (driver side of the trunk lid in US cars)

Basically, you need to get access to the wiing harness inside that conduit, and carefully examine each wire for continuity (broken wires, shorts to other wires, or grounds)

phil

 

yeah, or replace the harness ... it's likely a loose plug or pin in a plug, but it could be a damaged wire.

 

left side behind the tail light or on the trunk lid?