boot lights help

[a6rom]

hi, i just purchased an 2001 (51) a3 3 door, noticed the boot lights dont work, either of the 2, checked fuse (38) 10amp has power, when i check on the bulb holder no power, bulbs seem ok as well.

tried with ignition on, ignition off, headlights on, head lights off, all the other lights work, rear roof front roof, glove box, door lights.

can someone please advise what to check next?

thanks Romil

[towcestervag]

are you sure its a no power fault usually it the boot catch filled with water and not giving a earth

[a6rom]

hi, deffo no power on the holder, either one, theres power on the fuse at the front, how can i check if its water on the catch?

heard it could be a micro switch in the latch, but how do i get to it, theres a big plastic cover on the tail gate, am i right in thinking this has to come off first?

how do i remove this cover with out breaking it?

then what do i do?

tia Rom

[towcestervag]

the cover is held on with 2 screws in handle areas
then its tight to pull off
the 3 wires going to the catch will be green with corrosion due to the washer pipe being adrift

[a6rom]

yep seen them 2 little screws, so its just a case of pulling it off, then how would i go abouts fixing my problem, really need to do this my self, as i use the car 4 a disabled person and need lights when its dark for wheel chair, also cant afford to take it to the dealers.

thanks Rom

[a6rom]

update on this: opened the cover, removed the white cover on the boot lock mecansim, and the black cover on the latch, sprayed with wd40, lights started to work, put covers back on closed boot, opened boot no lights again.

going to try contact switch cleaner see if that helps, least the lights are working, jus need some attention to the switch and mecanisim.

btw its really tricky puting the big boot panel back on, on your own its possible but another pair of hands makes it eassier.