about 10 months ago at my last mot i had a failure on number plate light not working. the garage changed the bulb. presumably they then didn't check as it either functioned for a very short time or didn't at all. had to go back a few days later for an advisory to be fixed. they told me that it's not the bulb, it's something in the boot related to the wiring. essentially i can only open the boot with the key remote. pressing the button on the boot itself does nothing plus as mentioned i have the light not functioning. the garage helpfully said if i got hold of the replacement part they would fit it for free. being the lazy type 10 months have passed and i've done nothing.

driving past my local fiat dealer today i dropped in to see if it was something they could do for me.
they said that i was looking at a part being replaced with the cost being... £800!

now, I know dealer = stealer but it wasn't in a 'when can we book you in' kind of way it was more a 'you don't want to do that do you' kind of way.
so .... i now have 2 months to get this put right before the next mot.
can anyone point me at the part online i need that I can purchase for my regular mot guys to fit? is this a common issue and what's the typical non dealer real life cost?
thanks in advance!

Search on here for Tailgate wiring. basically need to re-joint cables under a grommet.
Sure a more experienced forum member will be here soon
https://www.fiatforum.com/500/471804-fiat-500-tailgate-wiring-fixed.html?471804=#post4467192

Search 'maybelline'
For a thread about the wiring failure..and how to fix it Charlie

thanks both.

dsbdsb said:

thanks both.

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here's the link to the kit, you need proper crimping tool too not a pair of pliers, can be bought really quite cheaply, for a garage to fit £100? It IS BOTH lights out yes?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Repair-S...728582&hash=item25e3e4eadd:g:lkEAAOSwm3pZ~HrN

Totally different thing, do your day running lights work?

all lights are working except the rear number plate light.

dsbdsb said:

all lights are working except the rear number plate light.

Click to expand...

I'll assume both number plate lights out

I fixed mine myself using the above mentioned
It can take a couple of hours plenty of patience and attention but if I can do it I’m sure you can! Plus saves you £££££s

Just wrap up warm keep dry and tell everyone to leave you alone?

John202020 said:

I'll assume both number plate lights out

Click to expand...

that's a yes - never actually realised it had two lights! it's one of those things you never see if driving.

as the mot garage helpfully offered to fit the item for free (due to listing an advisory on the mot that they subsequently realised wasn't an advisory but couldn't remove) i'll ask them if they are willing to do the repair as opposed to fitting the new 600 quid item.

What on earth is the £600 item? The whole wiring loom?! The ebay kit for less than £50 looks perfect, just check that the MoT station that have offered to fit it are competent auto-electricians.

thanks for all the advice.
one other thought - just as I was about to collect the car they somehow blew a fuse or fuses in the car and had to replace to get the car going.
is there a remote possibility that the fuse that governs the back is still blown and needs replacing?

The rear wiring issue can throw up all sorts of faults, so anything is possible.

You number plate lights should be part of your weekly lights and levels checks.

D