Help - number plate lights/high level brake/bootlid

[MercMan1]

Hi experts,

I have an E320 cdi saloon (53) plate (not of the W2XX no.), but just this morning, I had a message on the instrument display telling me that the 3rd brake light (the high level one) was not working. A few minutes later, I had messages telling me the number plate lights were also not working.

When I stopped the car to check, I found that the boot would not open and i had to open it using the small key.

I need some help figuring out what has happened here? Is it a blown fuse, if so where do I look for the fuse box to check? Or could it be something else..

Need your fast attention guys...thanks in advance.

Mercman!

 

[Tiff]

I'd maybe start by checking the loom where it runs up into the bootlid. Have seen these where the constant opening and closing of the boot can cause the wires to chafe on something and get damaged. All the things that aren't working run between the body and bootlid..

 

[MercMan1]

Thanks Tiff - sorry if this is a dumb question, but where do I look for the loom and what exactly would I be looking for?

I have just spent the last hour removing all the fuses one by one and checking them, but they all seem fine.

I also noticed (as it was now dark), that the internal boot lights were not working, in addition to the number plate and 3rd brake light, so your theory of damaaged wires is looking a strong possibility - but how and where do I check for this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[moestavern]

Look along the hinge to the left hand side as you look into the boot. I had the same prob, had to take out the side trim ( around where SAM module is) which meant taking quite a bit of plastic and screws out to access , there is also a black plastic cover that covers the hinge , remove that also, its all a bit fiddly, probably took about 15 minutes and voila found a snapped wire, soldered back together and it was fixed.

 

[Alps]

loom is a common problem, the open\close movement bends the loom and over time breaks the copper in the wire. normally a quick solder of the offending wire fixes it. finding that wire is normally the time consuming part.

 

[Tiff]

Thanks Tiff - sorry if this is a dumb question, but where do I look for the loom and what exactly would I be looking for?

Thanks in advance.

Sorry I'm not too much help with the newer models, but judging by the posts above looks like a common problem! Used to get this all the time when I ran Audi 80 Sports..

 

[MercMan1]

Moestavern, Alps and Tiff - thanks for all your suggestions. Will look into the loom tomorrow.

I have never removed any of the trim from the back and will give it a go!

 

[MercMan1]

Moestavern, Alps and Tiff - thanks for all your suggestions. Will look into the loom tomorrow.

I have never removed any of the trim from the back and will give it a go!

** Update ** Problem Solved ** :bannana::bannana::bannana:
Gents - thanks for your suggestions, you were right. The wiring loom was wide open and I could easily see the broken wire. Simply connected the broken wire and hey presto, everything was working again. It was actually very simply, just needed to remove the two clips at the top of the boot lining and was easy to get access.

I took some pics, so that in case others want to try this. All-in-all took me no more than 15 mins...very happy!