Replaced the broken harness that houses the tail/brake and backup lights since I was using it instead of the surrounding metal to bungey the trunk lid down. Still no brake or tail lights working on the trunk or body as well as no back up lights. Fuses all test good. Should I start tracing the wire harness inside the trunk lid back from the known good harness to find the problem, or can anyone give me another possibility since I only have the 3rd brake light working. Turn signals and license plate lights work fine. thanks.

Did you replace the part of the harness that runs by the trunk lid hinges? If not, that is a common place for damage to occur to the harness.

I did not replace this, but will check it out since I know that flexes plenty and probably is contributing. Thanks.

i just went threw this on my niece's car had no lites at all front and rear and there was a broken wire on her turn sigal switch so you may want to change it if other things there telling don't work?

Thanks, will check that out as well.

If the harness is good then check the taillight bulb failure sensor module located on the driver's side near the wheelwell. These have been faulty as well.

The harness where the trunk hinge is appears good, no stresses, but not electrically tested. Did remove the yellow taillight sensor module at the driver's side trunk wheel well behind the protective liner. It appears ok, but did not test it. Dealer wants $303 w/tax for it. As my third brake light only works, when I took out this yellow module, the 3rd brake light did not work, and worked when I plugged the module back in. Does that mean the module it fully OK?? I am trying to get it to an electrical shop, but they all want $84/hr. Any other suggestions on this to check before I drink their $84 free cup of coffee and await some quick solution that they will of course find making me appear very dumb?

yea $84 i'd invest in a wiring diagram
good luck

"The harness where the trunk hinge is appears good, no stresses, but not electrically tested."

Open up that loom and visually look at the wires inside that harness. Look for frayed or broken wires. If you don't see anything obvious, I would test those wires myself.

Mike

Turns out it was the taillight bulb failure sensor module which I got for $30 used at a salvage yard. All the rear lights work now. Thanks for everyone's input.