So...I have read many threads regarding the trunk lights and don't see my particular issue here. My trunk lights work when you open the trunk but as you raise the trunk lid they suddenly go off. So I unsnapped the plastic loom covering on the right side hinges (and promptly broke the plastic tab that secures the covering to the trunk lid shock. Because plastic loves to break...). I unsnapped the grey carpet lining on the underside of the trunk lid and saw where the wiring connects to the lights. When I juggled the wiring loom the lights would come on with the trunk lid fully raised up but then they would go out. When I pulled and pushed and slightly bent the wiring loom they would come on and stay but then blink off then I tried to put the covering back on.

I looked at the wires (the red/white tracer wires lead to the lights so there are four of them in the loom) and didn't see any obvious breaks. So what do I have here? A shot of some kind or a wire with some insulation missing that is shorting out when it contacts metal?

What do you guys suggest? I did not undo the tape that is wound around the wires-not yet anyway.

Thanks for your help.

 

The breaks are internal and it is a common problem. First unwrap the wires, then using needles or straight pins inserted in each wire before and after the bend. Using a multi-meter set for continuity, attach to the pins and flex each wire individually. The ones that have and then lose continuity are bad. It is simple to cut out the bad section, splice in new wire and re-wrap.

 

Exactly as Vern is saying ...

If that is all done, and you keep having an issue, it is the micro-switch, hidden in the lock.
Mine caused problems over and over, sprayed some stuff in it which worked for a while, then replaced the whole thing.

 

Thank you Vern.