97 liftgate light dead - ideas?

my 97 wagon's liftgate light is dead. the bulb looks fine, and there is no coltage registered across the contacts when the liftgate is open.

i assume this means its not a dead bulb.

its a 97 with only 38k. my last wagon rubbed through the wiring at the liftgate harness, but that was after 180k. im assume thats not the problem, yet, and dont want to toy with that seal if i dont have to.

anyone had similar problems? is my logic correct?

thanks, as always-
anthony

There may be a mercury switch in the gate. Might look around and play with that a bit.

try cleaning the contacts. I've had this issue with my escort for years. the lights stop working but if I clean them they work fine.