Weird electrical issues

Well, I guess its my turn to have some electrical problems. I replaced my license bulb (thanks to everyone's help here) and it didn't work. The bulb I took out looked fine as well. I closed the hatch and turned off the lights, then turned them on again...and the bulb worked! After opening and closing the hatch, it no longer worked. Strangely, the lever to open the glass stopped working for awhile...now its working again. Any ideas? Thanks!

Oh, my car is a '92 525i Touring Wagon.

Reply to
Scott
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Corrosion? Loose wire?

Reply to
R. Mark Clayton

The car has only lived in the south...and there is no corrosion. A loose wire could very well be the culprit...where would a be good place to start looking? Since the problems seem to manifsest when the hatchback is opened and closed, I am assuming perhaps the wiring there might have some issues. Also, I notice that after driving over bumpy roads, the same problems happen (the right side license plate light goes out and I cannot open the window from the hatchback switch). Thanks again for everyone's input, I appreciate all the help.

Reply to
Scott

Where would be a good place to start cleaning contacts? Is there any particular area with Touring Wagons that need attention? I have noticed something unusual, even with the lights off, when I raise the hatchback the right license plate light goes on when the hatchback is raised. As you lower it, the light goes off. I am guessing there might be a short somewhere.

Reply to
Scott

You willl probably find this is due to damaged wiring near the tailgate hinges. This was a very common warranty issue on the E34Tourers. There are very good photos and instructions on this on the

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site. cheers, JB

Reply to
JB

Far more likely is a broken wire - fairly common where they get flexed this much on any vehicle of this age.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

The corrosion proposed would be on electrical contacts, not the body panels...

-Fred W

Reply to
Malt_Hound

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