A3 multiple bulbs out

[PhilPickles]

All of a sudden cant unlock the rear boot with key, reversing light out, rear fog light out and numberplate light out - any suggestions please ... earth fault ? Ive seen this question before but no answer, any help would be amazing ( manual and fuse locations do not help or identify the correct fuse....checked all fuses and all seem to be okay )

[cliffcoggin]

If all the faults are at the rear of the car perhaps there is a damaged earth wire in the boot.

Although the fuses are fine have you checked the relay for the boot lock?

[PhilPickles]

Thank you for the advice...Ill have a look at where the earth is..... Cheers

[Magnet]

Hello Phil,

With all these electrical issues associated with the boot area, my first port of call would be examine the harness in the flexible section that runs from the body into the tailgate. This tends to get a hammering due to regular opening and closing of the boot, which leads to some of the cables actually snapping. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

p.s. If you suspect you have earth issues then just run a temporary lead from a good earth point in the luggage compartment to a similar good earthing point on the tailgate. 

[PhilPickles]

Thank you Gareth, Thats fabulous advice...I'll let you know how it goes, Thanks again, Phil

[PhilPickles]

RESULT : 

 

Apparently this is a VERY common fault ( The local garage resolved and fixed the problem ) Apparently the wires had broken in the boot/mechanism, had been fixed before badly ( just crammed) but the garage has how repaired the wiring to tailgate ( with a proper splicing repair NOT CRIMPING ! ) this was 0.75 hrs ( so just £37.50 + VAT ) to fix so Im over the moon. Thank you again for your comments and always peace of mind - what a great site ! 

[Magnet]

Hello Phil,

Pleased it’s fixed and we were on the right line. Even better when folks take the trouble to report back. Unfortunately, it seems that follow up is rare and the thread remains open and of little use to anyone with similar issues in the future. Many thanks for letting us know Phil.

Crimp connections!! Being old (fashioned) I have an inherent distrust/dislike of this form of connection - just too many instances of dodgy connections, despite having the correct crimping tool. 

Kind regards,

Gareth.

 

[PhilPickles]

The Garage were dismayed that this had been crimped ! anyway they said it should now last for many many years !, Cheers, Phil