The trunk release button on the dash of my 2003 focus does not work. it also turns on the 2 lights over my rear license plate when i push the button in. the 2 lights do not go on when i turn on my headlights. any reason as to why these 2 problems are related?

[PDF]Wiring Diagram.pdf - Ken Gilbert

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Each connector number shown in the wiring dia- ... Rear defogger cord (Ground). Fuel tank cord,. Roof cord, ... circuit. Then check the switch, relay, fuse, ground, etc. 4. .....Rear wiper motor. Rear wiper ... License plate light RH. Tail light LH.

#? license plate light - Circuit Wiring Diagrams

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2008 Volkswagen Newbeetle Main Fuse Box Diagram 2008 Volkswagen Newbeetle ...Parts: rear window defogger, shift lock, battery positive voltage, interior light, A/C clutch, ... brake light, daytime driving light, wiper and washer system, vacan, fuel pump, central ... 1997 Suzuki Geo Tracker Left Dash Fuse Box Diagram.

#? license plate light - Circuit Wiring Diagrams - Page 3

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Audi A4 Engine Fuse Box Diagram Audi A4 Engine Fuse Box Map Fuse Panel ... mirror control, wiper, washer, horn, brake light, cruise control, heated rear window, ... 2003Suzuki Aerio Dash Fuse Box Diagram 2003 Suzuki Aerio Dash Fuse Box ... rear defroster, fuel injection controller, radio, A/T controller, hazard light, ...

There are 6 bolts that hold the rear trunk panel on the trunk itself: 4 behind the license plate on the outside of the trunk and two inside the trunk panel trim.
1. Remove the license place from the DeVille rear trunk panel.
2. Remove the 4 bolts located below the license plate.
3. Remove the trunk panel (felt) trim inside the trunk.
4. There is a small bolt on each side of inside trunk panel (4mm I believe). Remove them. Each will have a rubber washer on them so you'll know you are removing the correct bolt.
5. From the outside of the trunk, lift out the rear trunk panel. The license plate light (and reverse lights) are removed by turning the light assemblies counter clockwise.

check behind back seat for a release

Open the trunk and check the wires near the right hinge. You'll probably have some cut wires that will need to get re-connected that go to your lights and trunk release.

Follow the Steps on how to replace license plate light on your car.


1. Open the trunk and locate the trunk liner retainer clips.Use the Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the center plastic screw of the retainer clip about 1/4 turn, just enough to raise the head of the screw from the base of the clip. Pull the screw up, and lift the clip out of the liner. Use a flathead screwdriver to help pry it out. Remove enough of the clips to allow access to the license plate light sockets. Pull the liner back.

2. Remove the emergency trunk release handle by popping off the top cover of the handle. Use the needle nose pliers to gently squeeze the prongs on the shaft, while removing the handle.

3. Unplug the wire harness from the license plate light bulb socket the release clip on the side of the outlet.Twist the license plate light bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise, using the needle nose pliers again. Do not apply too much pressure to the pliers; you may damage the socket.

4. Remove the bulb from the socket, and replace it with a new one.

5. Replace the socket into the socket assembly, and plug the wire harness back in. Test the bulb by turning on the lights of the Corolla, then turn them off again.

6. Replace the trunk emergency release handle, and replace the hood liner and the retainer clips. Remove the old bulb and tools, and close the trunk.

Before doing any other troubleshooting on a 2003 Ford Focus hatch release problem, try THIS... The hatch release button is a triangle. Push the button on the very bottom point of the triangle. For some reason, mine did not work when pushed in the middle and only works when I push it at the very bottom point... slightly off in any direction and it does not work. Strange but true.

Look for ground issues. your description indicates weak ground.

I made a video on how I fixed that problem on my 2003 Ford Focus. I show how I had to clean the button and where I found some wires going to the latch had cracked insulation.

Open up hatch , reach in and pull back liner, Remove nuts to release light lens. then push, turn and pull out bulb socket and same for bulb.

this is straight out of the book ok

1. Open the rear compartment lid.
2. Remove the rear compartment lid trim.
3. Pull back on the rear compartment trim panel.
4. Unplug the lamp connector from the rear compartment lid wiring harness.
5. Press the grommet out of the rear compartment lid.
6. Remove the nuts retaining the lamp assembly to the rear compartment lid.
7. Remove the bulb.