My car has a light fixture on the driver's side trunk lid and it isn't working. I checked the bulb and it looks good, as does the fixture. I'm thinking it could be the switch but I can't find it anywhere. Should I be looking for a plunger-type switch that actuates when the trunk lid is lifted? Can anyone verify this and where the switch is generally located?

Thanks.

 

There is a mercury switch inside the housing that makes contact when the lid is open - I took mine apart, cleaned the contact surfaces, put some dielectric grease on it, and it works great.

Be careful you don't drop the switch - it's a glass tube with mercury in it - looks like an oversized glass fuse.

Also, the lead wire to it (at least on my '55s) is only powered when the lights are on - so you should at least verify when (and if) you've got power to it.

Fun and easy little project - biggest challenge is popping open the housing.

 

Aha! Great info. I've never had the car running or lights on when I've been in the trunk so I wouldn't be surprised if it works and I just don't know it. I will check and then do as you suggest if in fact it isn't working.

Thanks a bunch!