I've been having problems with messages that the license plate bulbs have been malfunctioning when in fact they are on and working -- then recently I noticed after washing the car that the right light assembly had water in it. I couldn't figure out how water got in there until I noticed that the gasket for the hatch grip had experienced severe wear and disintegration over the last 9 years and was letting water in from above. I ordered the new part from Pelican and I bet that will cure the problem.

For those of you who are experiencing these electrical problems with the stuff mounted in the hatch grip, check this seal around the grip -- I'll post pictures later. I have a 2001 3.0.