Rear Number Plate Lights

[Mark T]

Hi - I'm new to the forum. I've got a 64 plate petrol Ghibli & the rear number plate light recently came on. I noticed both number plate lights were out so figured it was a blown fuse. Couldn't find which fuse in the manual so changed the bulbs just in case, which made no difference. Just called the dealership to ask them if they knew which fuse it is & they didn't. They suggested going through them all one by one.
Does anyone know? It could save me a lot of time.
Thanks
Mark

 

[Mark T]

I also just noticed that the sidelights work when the engine is off, but not when it is on. (i.e. when the switch is set to sidelights)

 

[spkennyuk]

Licence plate bulb fuses are usually shared with the rear side lights. If your rear side lights work then its probably not the fuse and points to a wiring issue. Does it give you the fuse number for the side lights in your owners manual ?

I would think its a red 10amp fuse your looking for but i cant tell you any more than that.

 

[Mark T]

Thanks - No it doesn't specifically say side lights on any of the fuses. New to car, as well as the forum, so realised my last comment about the strange side light behaviour is actually just normal Ghibli behaviour. They only come in when you're in drive. I'm beginning to think it's possibly not a fuse either, all the other electrics on the car seem to be working fine.

 

[spkennyuk]

Sounds like the feed to the number plater lights has either come loose or broken. If you have a volt meter or access to one then check if the bulb holder is getting power. It could be getting power but not earthing. Either way it shouldnt be too difficult to sort out. You will probably need to remove some of the interior boot trim to trace the wiring back.

 

[Mark T]

Thanks for all your help. I think I'll stick a voltmeter on it & if it's dead might just take to the dealership as it's still under warranty.