Strat_928

Hi all, I just got my Shark (1983 S) back from nearly a 2 year paint job! (Pandemic etc and other issues) and I am fighting a few gremlins from the painter missing a few things when they put it back together I think.
Problem:
Right rear tail light (only used when the parking or all lights are turned on) was not lighting. This is the 2nd one from the right, and the only 5008 style bulb. So I removed the lens, removed the bulb and replaced with a new one - nothing... no flicker nothing. While I was doing this, I figured I would not only clean the housing and contacts, but also chrome paint the internal surfaces as they were all dull and flaking off anyway. Did this to both sides and reassembled. Still nothing on the taillight bulb, even after lightly cleaning contacts etc. It was then I noticed, that the right rear side marker was also not lit. That started me thinking there was some correlation and something either not connected, broken, or a fuse out.

As some of you will unfortunately know, that particular side marker is a PITA to change due to the location of the gas tank only a couple of inches away, VERY difficult to get the thing out. That said, I did get it out and finally did the same cleaning job on that receptacle and bulb. But, that did not help either! (plus tailight also still not lit)
So - if anyone has experienced this, or has a suggestion, I am all ears. I did look at the fuse panel and did not notice any breaks.. but...I doubt there is a relay just for rear taillight and marker? I have no way to get under the car where I live, and I also know trunk to remove the rear bumper is a big pain and I really cannot do it alone (plus it is freshly painted). I also understand the back of the rear lights cannot be accessed unless you remove the bumper? So if I cannot figure it out, it will have to go to my local Indy shop to try and sort out.

Thanks in advance for any input! I am very limited on what I can do DIY other than clean and refresh. I completely removed the plastic bulb housing and cleaned that. I tried to get a reading on a multimeter on the leads but I did not get a reading (12v DC) with the lights on park (other markers were lit). Not too sharp on electrics I am afraid.

Also - my avatar is my 2015 Cayman S, but I still love my Shark!!

gazfish

Check the white round connector in the trunk, both wires route through this. You’ll need to carefully pull the trim forward to get access to it in the rear corner. If they removed the lights for the respray maybe a wire got damaged.

Mrmerlin

Usually the ground wire into the round harness plug is not making good contact,
I depin it then solder the wires to the pin then install and use deoxit 100 on all the bulbs and wire connections.
NOTE the bad ground will take out the RR tail and side marker.

NOTE you can check the grounds for continuity,
as well as checking for power to the lamps

NOTE you may have to remove the rear PU to get better access

Strat_928

Thanks guys - I was considering a re-pin / solder as a next step, but also good idea on the connector inside as well. When/if I get it fixed I will post the solution.

MM

gbgastowers

What do you use to depin?

Mrmerlin

a depin tool this one takes a round tube tool.

Bill Smiley

How can you find the white connector on the drivers side of 1985 928S to check on the ground?

Mrmerlin

this round connector is hidden behind the interior liner aft edge
I take a block of wood and after removing the rear interior screw,
pry the liner forward just enough to get my hand behind the liner and disconnect the barrel,
NOTE use the block of wood to hold the line away from its seated position.
NOTE only bend the liner enough to fit your hand as vigorous bending will crack the substrate material.

Meatful

Just wanted to say thanks to MrMerlin as I just spent far too many hours removing the bumper cover and fussing with my Fluke...finding this post was clutch.