So responding to another post here about changing out the trunk struts to auto-open, I go out to look and measure everything before ordering (yup, **** like that). Thought while I'm in here may as well change out the license plate bulbs to LED as with the rest of the car. Last March 2017 after purchasing, for inspection and new license had 1 burnt out that I replaced, so I know they worked then.
Changed the bulbs, no work. Checked fuse = fine and diagram says it powers dash and glove light which work. Cleaned bulb contacts, nothing. Looks like this will be a p.i.t.a. to track down. I'm going to remove the plinth pretty soon to mod the "Jaguar" lettering cutting them out, filling with resin and back lighting so I'm hoping while in there I find the problem. If it's a wiring break from fuse to bulb connectors that will SUCK.

 

The wiring runs along the trunk hinge. Open the loom to separate wires and do a continuity before and after the hinge area using straight pins or needles with a multi-meter. You probably have a broken wire in that area.

 

Hi Dell,

Which struts did you go with for the auto open?

Thank you, Sean

 

It turned out to be a fuse I missed. In repairing this while doing some additional lighting mods, the "no chime when lights left on and door open" began working again. I guess that warning is included in the circuit for the license plate lights of all dumb things.