TomR9964S

I am only 10 days into being a Porsche owner. I found my license plate lights are not working on a '04 996 4S. Thanks to a post on here I was quickly able to remove the housings and replace both bulbs that were burned out. They are still not working. I put the multimeter on there and there is no voltage at either light. The fuse list does not show license plate lights other than position A7 (Canada.) All other lights seem to be functioning.

Does anyone know if there is a separate fuse for the license plate light?

Another thing, I noticed in the maintenance records for last year:
1. Repair Damaged Wires found during service
2. Rodent Damage To Rear Lid Latch
3. Removed Rear Lid Latch Repaired Harness Damage Reinstalled
4. Adjusted Latch, Test Operation, Completed
So I am thinking since the license plate lights are the same area I could have wire damage to them also. It looks like this would require rear bumper removal (how hard is this?)

Any ideas/suggestions would be welcome.

DTMiller

Rear bumper removal is easy. pelican website has a step by step here:.
techarticles/Porsche-996-997-Carrera/46-EXHAUST-Muffler_Replacement/46-EXHAUST-Muffler_Replacement.htm

If there was rodent damage elsewhere in the rear, good chance there is a wire problem. I'd definitely start there.

Ahsai

Agree with DT. Check fuse A5 first though, which is for the license plate and the cluster. There's a connector inside the rear bumper. Maybe someone removed the bumper before and forgot to plug that in.

TomR9964S

Thank you for the link DT. I am not a mechanic by any means, but the bumper cover removal looks pretty straightforward. Only other concern is my vehicle has OEM backup sensors as well as an aftermarket backup camera. It seems like I could have a lot more wiring under the cover than just the license plate light harness depicted.

TomR9964S

Thank you Ahsai. I try that next. The bumper cover removal is a pretty scary thought on a recently purchased vehicle I worked so hard to obtain.

DTMiller

Just take your time and keep the removed hardware straight and it isn't hard, I promise. You might need a second set of hands to put the bumper back on to aid in getting it lined up, but this ain't terribly more difficult than changing a wall switch plate

Any wires that are connected to the bumper will have a release that will pop apart with the right combo of pushing and pulling.

TomR9964S

Thanks for the encouragement DT. This sounds like a father & son project. My son already thinks he is just three years away from driving the 996.

Noz1974

I had this and as well as the number plate lights the bong to tell you your lights are on stopped working also as it's on the same fuse, if you noticed this also is probably the fuse!

TomR9964S

Thanks, no everything else is normal and the fuse is good. Although, it was not a Porsche dealer I am going to offer them a chance to fix it. One of my friends pointed out since they gave it a "fresh state inspection" they may offer to fix it.

808Bill

You can do it!

Gulliver

While I do understand and appreciate the principle of asking the dealership to correct the issue, for me I believe I'd rather look at it myself. It would seem to be legally their responsibility, yes -but who knows who would get the keys to "go have a look at this guy's tag lights and see if you see anything...." That to me, is more terrifying than dropping a bumper cover myself. Good luck, and enjoy your new car!

dan_189

I find personally with this car if you just take the challenge, take your time and think logically.

Also remember it's a car, I had quite a bit of hesitation and thinking the dealership should do all the work but really for some things I can take my time and be more careful and do a better job.

Removing the rear bar is really straight forward.

There are only a few bolts and it comes off. There is a good youtube video I followed when I removed mine, I'll see if I can find it.

TomR9964S

Thank you, Dan. I found the video and yes it looks pretty straightforward. The dealer called about a hour ago and agreed to fix it. I'll punt on this one just in case it gets more detailed and expensive than just fixing a wire.

I am sure with a 12 year old car I will have many more chances to get my hands dirty.

Thanks again,
Tom

dan_189

Anytime Tom, plenty of jobs to be done eventually as well as preventative maintenance!

When I remember back to when I bought my car I wouldn't have dreamed of attempting the jobs I've done!

TomR9964S

Well, the dealership fixed the car for me. Whomever was last to remove the rear bumper cover did not reconnect the wiring harness to the lights. All good now. Thanks for all the help and encouragement.