Rear side marker lights and license plate

[blair50]

My license plate lights and rear side marker lights will not work. I have replaced light bulbs and all the fuses that go to lights in the fusebox under the dash. Does anyone have a suggestion where to check for problem? Is this two different problems or are they both linked? I have to find the problem soon, was pulled over by highway patrol because my license plate light was off. Thanks

[blair50]

Sorry, it is a 96 Taurus

[FlamingTaco]

Those lights most likely share a common source and ground, so they probably are related. Do you have a multimeter? You need to check for voltage at the lamps (is it missing or low). Check the ground for continuity, and trace the voltage source from there to the headlamp switch to see where it disappears.

[blair50]

Thanks for the info, this is really gonna be a pain, looks like I will have to take the bumper off to get access to the wires.

[FlamingTaco]

Originally Posted by blair50

Thanks for the info, this is really gonna be a pain, looks like I will have to take the bumper off to get access to the wires.

You should be able to reach the wires by sliding underneath the car, or find them where they enter the trunk. I would not consider removal of the bumper necessary to test, or even replace the wires.