No plate lights or key switch for rear window

[bekrforunz]

1987 4runner

Neither my license plate lights or key switch work for the rear window. i replaced light bulbs still nothing made sure the plug was connected and it is. even the plastic bracket is intact and untouched none of the wiring is cut or spliced. the rear window works as it should with center console switch with original wiring.

whats wrong its driving me crazy

 

[wallytoo]

broken wires in the tailgate loom, usually near where it enters the bottom of the tailgate.

 

[bekrforunz]

broken wires in the tailgate loom, usually near where it enters the bottom of the tailgate.

thanks ill have to check that

anyway i can know which wires?

 

[wallytoo]

use a test light and multi-meter. any other method is going to be frustrating.

 

[UteRunner]

I've had the same problem. Somehow some of the small female connectors inside the plug got pushed so far inside that the male side couldn't make contact (no pun intended). I butchered an old connector and rigged the extra male parts into the plug so that the two sides were making contact. Make sense? I hope so. You may be better off pulling a plug from the junk yard.