Boot Light In-Op

[thedude2u 1]

I'm in need of some help with my boot light. I noticed the light wasn't working, so I replaced the bulb. However, I am still not getting 12V to this circuit. There does not appear to be a pin switch to activate the light on my 1988 1.6 GTI when the boot is open. My glove box light and courtesy/interior lights are both working. The wiring appears to be original. Is there something I am missing to activate this light? This car is in the USA and I am going through a restoration to replace all the perished bits. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

Cheers.

 

 

Joe

[Gentrix 2 1 Cars]

the switch is a tilt-switch, which sits inside the tailgate behind the plastic trim - sometimes it just needs a good smack to operate as intended.

Looks like a small, white plastic zylinder - it has a small metall ball inside, which conects the contacts when tilted.

 

found this to illustrate

 

[thedude2u 1]

Awesome. Thanks. I have been intending to work on that panel as the clips are a bit lose. This will give me an excuse to take it off and examine the switch. I used to install switches like that for car security systems (mercury switch). Maybe mercury switches are taboo now. However, I have never seen an OEM use a switch like that in a production application. Looks like it would be prone to contact corrosion requiring regular cleaning. Anyway. Thanks again. Joe

[mmatthej1 1]

We've got problem with light only coming on at one particular point, as the hatch comes up, then going off - did you find the tilt mechanism easily, presumably somewhere near the rear wiper motor area? Can it be opened up/repaired?

[welshpug 1,666]

Its just a ball bearing switch, near the wiper indeed.