Interior Trunk Lights

[das boots]

I noticed that my interior trunk lights (both left & right) have stopped working. Even though I have replaced good bulbs, still no workie. So, it is not getting any power. All other tail lights work. I know they were working before. It's just that I never noticed them because I open the trunk during day time. Now, it gets dark real early and no lights inside the trunk. Is there a switch that controls the power? Anybody encountered this problem before????

Please transfer if this is not in the right place. Thanks.

[Hermes]

Lawrence texted me earlier and I'm out of town so I tried helping him by text... unfortunately we solved nothing. I was thinking it is probably some sort of grounding issue. Has anybody else encountered this problem and can help him?

[wsmeyer]

I was thinking the switch. Wouldn't they be grounded with the rest of the tail lights?

[Hermes]

I was thinking the switch. Wouldn't they be grounded with the rest of the tail lights?

I should've said that grounding was my initial thought earlier. I was thinking the same thing as you with no signal but where is the switch? Is it part of the latch mechanism? This is an issue I've never had to deal with so was not of much help earlier when Lawrence texted me

[danewilson77]

Could be something with the wire bundle that goes through to the boot lid area.

[Hermes]

but that shouldn't affect the lights within the trunk. I assume they are on the opposite side of the taillights like my coupe

[WOLFN8TR]

I had an issue with my trunk lights also. Try pushing on them and see if they come on. I had to secure both of them with a small screw. Works good now.

[slater]

but that shouldn't affect the lights within the trunk. I assume they are on the opposite side of the taillights like my coupe

correct, i think they are on the same circuit board.

peter

[das boots]

Just for shits & giggles....I did place a voltmeter.....with no output.

[johnrando]

Bummer. I was going to say too, that sometimes mine are just loose. A little nudge gets 'em back. But with no voltage, sounds like something different.

[derbo]

Trace the wire to where you actually get voltage? What fuse does the rear trunk lights use?

[das boots]

Trace the wire to where you actually get voltage? What fuse does the rear trunk lights use?

Good point. Which fuse?

[wsmeyer]

I peeked at the wiring diagram a little bit and all the lights on each side use the same ground. Looks like this on each side:

http://www.bmw-planet.com/diagrams/release/en/zinfo/E46_EX498A.htm

I also found

E445 - Luggage compartment light, left
E446 - Luggage compartment light, right

Under Component and signal information >> Components >> E_Lamps, electrical heaters

But there's no schematics or further info

If someone else wants to try and track down the switch it's all here:

http://www.bmw-planet.com/diagrams/release/en/e46/index.htm

[das boots]

I peeked at the wiring diagram a little bit and all the lights on each side use the same ground. Looks like this on each side:

http://www.bmw-planet.com/diagrams/release/en/zinfo/E46_EX498A.htm

I also found

E445 - Luggage compartment light, left
E446 - Luggage compartment light, right

Under Component and signal information >> Components >> E_Lamps, electrical heaters

But there's no schematics or further info

If someone else wants to try and track down the switch it's all here:

http://www.bmw-planet.com/diagrams/release/en/e46/index.htm

Deviating a little bit from the troubleshooting......How can I get the whole E46 diagram? I guess I'm blocked out even though I got Java.

[das boots]

I peeked at the wiring diagram a little bit and all the lights on each side use the same ground. Looks like this on each side:

http://www.bmw-planet.com/diagrams/release/en/zinfo/E46_EX498A.htm

I also found

E445 - Luggage compartment light, left
E446 - Luggage compartment light, right

Under Component and signal information >> Components >> E_Lamps, electrical heaters

But there's no schematics or further info

If someone else wants to try and track down the switch it's all here:

http://www.bmw-planet.com/diagrams/release/en/e46/index.htm



FYI...my trusted BMW Master Tech did confirm that a ground wire is open somewhere. But could not be more precise on where. He did check the Ground Panel. In all probability, it could be in the Loop Bundle or in the Trunk Locking Switch.

[CTYankee]

Bummer. I was going to say too, that sometimes mine are just loose. A little nudge gets 'em back. But with no voltage, sounds like something different.

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