Replaced license bulb but still not working.

[JayX5]

The left lamp is not operating. At the same time, I am getting the "Check license light" message. So I replaced the bulb, but it is still not working. The bulb I replaced it with is good as I tested it on the other side and it works fine. I can't seem to locate the problem. The metal contacts are clean etc. Does anyone know what can be done to get this fixed?


Thanks!!

[Kris@modmynav]

did you get LED bulbs?
if so then I think you need to get Resistor to remove that message.

[JayX5]

No I replaced it with an OEM bulb. The light just doesn't work...

[nextel773]

i had this issue too. if you have time remove the whole trunk trim lid. theres 2 hex screws, one on each side. and clean the inside and contacts. use a multimiter to confirm connection are clean. good luck

[X5Flyboy]

I had to do the same thing with my '01 (approx $230) plus they have to paint it to match your X - It also solved alot of my "trunklid open" problems - I did the replacement route because the contacts had started corroding

[JayX5]

Originally Posted by nextel773

i had this issue too. if you have time remove the whole trunk trim lid. theres 2 hex screws, one on each side. and clean the inside and contacts. use a multimiter to confirm connection are clean. good luck

Can you please give a little more information on how you solved he problem. Btw, are you talking about the liftgate handle, which is held my 4 screws? Also, what should I clean because the contatcs look clean as is, but the wiring has a little corrosion.

Also, is there any way to take apart the liftgate handle to access the wires inside of it?

Thanks

[JayX5]

Originally Posted by burkleymh

I had to do the same thing with my '01 (approx $230) plus they have to paint it to match your X - It also solved alot of my "trunklid open" problems - I did the replacement route because the contacts had started corroding

Thanks. Can you please tell me which part and part # you relaced it with.

[JayX5]

Also the weird thing is how the left light is not working and the right one is, while all wiring is above the left light.

[ChristopherM3]

Hello, Jay..........
The new liftgate handle comes with the bulbs & everything new. It's all one piece. Also, there is no wiring for it. It's more like a plug attached to the handle itself and you just plug it from the liftgate. It took about 5 minutes to do the install. I think you will love the color combo with that steel gray. I know I do. I am looking for a titanium license plate border for mine too. I've got a chrome one that someone gave me free, so I am using that right now, but I think the titanium would match better with that handle. I only have that chrome plate border and my chrome exhaust tips (and the roundel surround) that are chrome on mine........
Sometime next Spring, I think I might paint my upper hood grilles titanium.......
Keep me updated and send me some pics of yours and I'll do the same..


Thanks and I'll talk w/you soon,

Chris
if you have any questions - I'm always up for talking about cars - especially X5 mods.


*(Your PM box was full, so I couldn't reply back to your PM you sent me, so I posted it here)

[JayX5]

Thanks for the help Chris!

Also does anyone know how to take the liftgate handle apart into pieces so I can clean it?