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License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Robert ()
Date: April 09, 2012 01:35PM

Sorry, but I posted this incorrectly the first time.

Again, I'm having a problem getting the license plate light bulb to work. I've changed the bulb; I've checked to see if there's a fuse associated with this light but I didn't see one. So, now I'm thinking it's an electrical problem. This sounds expensive. Don't want to spend a lot of money to fix this but the state of Virginia requires it to work to pass inspection. Does anyone know anything about this light?

Thanks,

Robert

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: April 09, 2012 01:45PM

silly question, but did you check yr manual?

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: probably bad advice ()
Date: April 09, 2012 01:49PM

It's probably the relay switch. These are probably $18.00 at Trak Auto. Labor will probably cost around $7,500.00 since it will require the complete disassembling of your car only to find out that it was probably a bad bulb.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Robert ()
Date: April 09, 2012 01:59PM

Yep, I checked the manual.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: April 09, 2012 02:01PM

Sometimes the holder that the bulb sits in becomes rusty and does not conduct the electricity correctly. If I were you, Id get a cheap test probe from an auto parts store and check the circuit.

Also, I guarantee it is on a fuse.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Robert ()
Date: April 09, 2012 02:01PM

Relay sitch, huh. I didn't think of that. (By the way, the bulb has been changed numerous times only to get the same result.)

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: April 09, 2012 02:02PM

The lic. bulb wouldnt have its own relay. So unless there are other lights out, Id bet its the bulb holder.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Robert ()
Date: April 09, 2012 02:03PM

Which fuse? The owner's manual doesn't even list it on the fuses.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Robert ()
Date: April 09, 2012 02:08PM

License plate bulb is the only light out.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: April 09, 2012 02:08PM

Whats the make and model of your ride? Ill see if I can find it online

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Robert ()
Date: April 09, 2012 02:10PM

How much does a bulb holder cost?

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: April 09, 2012 02:11PM

Use one of these ( a few bucks at the store) and see if you can get the test light to come on.

Turn on lights, attach the clip side to a grounded piece of metal or bolt and insert the probe into the backside of the bulb holder (where the wires meet the metal base that the bulb sits in)

If your car is older, the bulbs base is notorious for failing.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Robert ()
Date: April 09, 2012 02:11PM

1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport (4.0L engine)

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: April 09, 2012 02:12PM

a few bucks for a new bulb holder. Mostly they are standard sizes. Cut and splice the new one in.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: April 09, 2012 02:14PM

Fuse 7 --- 10 Amp License light & the left side turn, parking, marker and tail lamp


So if your left turn signal and parking lights work, its not a fuse or relay. Id bet a 6-pack your bulbs base is malfunctioning.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Robert ()
Date: April 09, 2012 02:18PM

All lights work except License Plate. Sounds like the base is the problem. I appreciate your help and I'll let you know how it works out.

Thanks...Robert

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: April 09, 2012 02:23PM

Good luck... let us know

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: dayum ()
Date: April 09, 2012 03:19PM

Holy shit.... a helpful thread on Fairfax Underground!

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Ralph Pootawn ()
Date: April 09, 2012 03:23PM

I got a ticket for this once. Defective equipment, the fine was like $150 and my car insurance went up by $50 a month for 3 years afterward.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Jeeps ()
Date: April 11, 2012 09:23AM

If you can't get it to work still after replacing the base, you could always run new wiring from your 12v switch back to the license plate lamp rather than try to dissect the wiring harness and see if there is a bad/pinched wire. Probably above your working knowledge though, any car stereo/alarm guy could do this for you easily.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Maybe ()
Date: April 11, 2012 04:21PM

Worst case scenairo get one of those lights you push on and off that runs on battery.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: snakeinthegrass ()
Date: April 11, 2012 11:56PM

One of my bulb bases is out, just need to use a multimeter on the socket and then the wire to the socket to see how far back the electricity comes. Should be a 7 dollar part unless it's an obscure part (for whatever reason the 09 tacoma's had their own model of license plate bulb socket) and then you may have to buy the kit (socket, bulb, window). Good luck!

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Sarah B Evans ()
Date: April 24, 2016 12:20AM

I have a 2006 chevy aveo, the lights inside my car and outside my car were out, I changed the fuse for the Illumn Lt and Illumn Rt, all the lights came on except for my license plate light, I drove to autozone and the gentlemen changed the lights for me they were the correct lights, they still do not work, what wires are related to the license plate lights, and what else may be the problem, The Illumn Relay is fine.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Jepp issue ()
Date: April 24, 2016 10:47AM

Robert Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport (4.0L engine)


Oh you never said you had the 4.0 engine. That requires a special tool that only Jeep dealers are licensed to operate.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: kEUDd ()
Date: April 24, 2016 11:48AM

I would just buy a new car. This doesn't happen on imports.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Bill.N. ()
Date: April 24, 2016 12:25PM

Sure it does. Plus it costs three times as much to get it fixed.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Easy Fix ()
Date: April 24, 2016 12:31PM

The Jeep Cherokee has a fiberglass lift gate, and the bulb may not work because there is a "Grounding Issue". Checking the bulb and socket will not detect the real issue.

If your test light checks good on the socket, and the bulb lights when you do this(grounding your tester to the body of the Jeep) then it is a simple grounding issue.

Trace the ground wire back to the body of the Jeep, and you will find a corroded connector. Clean and or replace the connector, and you will be able to light up the heavens with your tag light.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: hGhYL ()
Date: April 24, 2016 01:17PM

JBass Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Also, I guarantee it is on a fuse.

GmHb

so he says - though he has no influence in the auto industry and their isn't a circuit diagram in the industry without mistakes and flaws

it is probably fused - but the normal rule today is to break rules

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: njXPL ()
Date: April 24, 2016 01:19PM

dayum Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Holy shit.... a helpful thread on Fairfax
> Underground!

you all get an F

you've completely mis-educated the poor bastard !

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Jeep Boy ()
Date: April 24, 2016 03:15PM

I had a Jeep Cherokee with the same problem. The wire frayed where it went into the hatch at the roof of the car...wires there also worked the brake light. Was very easy to see but they are in a rubber boot so you have to pull that off to see the wires.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: yTHjL ()
Date: April 24, 2016 09:00PM

Trak Auto doesn't exist.

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: cousin eddie ()
Date: April 24, 2016 10:05PM

hmmm....
Attachments:
image.png

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Re: License Plate Light Bulb Problem
Posted by: Rob ()
Date: May 06, 2016 06:05PM

More than likely it's just the lamp socket or bulb.lamp socket is like 15 buks.so no real issue.

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