License Plate Light

[Dennis Smink]

Anyone ever have one light go out? That is my problem. One works (passenger side) but the other does not (driver side). I'm not sure how I would even test to see what the problem is.



2001 Ford Ranger 4x4 XLT

 

[Vic Sorlie]

Uh...did you try a new bulb?

 

[Yardsale]

Uh...did you try a new bulb?

It's hard to not seem condescending, but ya, try a new bulb (or both).



If you want a test, switch the two bulbs.

 

[Dennis Smink]

Yes, I did try a new bulb!

 

[Vic Sorlie]

If you have a multimeter, check for power at the light socket. If you're getting voltage then I'd suspect a bad ground. If no voltage then you have to go further upstream - like the driver's side door. Large wire bundle runs through it; repeated door open/close sometimes causes a broken wire. There are good DIY videos on YouTube; I like Eric The Car Guy and Scotty Kilmer.

 

[Lloyd Ledford]

the license plate lamps are wired in parallel. so if one is working and the other is not, then the problem is either bad replacement bulb, bad socket, bad power wire or bad ground wire. all of which would be near the area of the bumper.

 

[Dennis Smink]

Turns out the socket was deteriorated; it practically fell apart when I was inspecting it. Ordered one for about $13. Local stores wanted twice that.