Passat 3B: Trunk Light Wiring Installation Guide

Hi,

I'm having the following problem: The trunk light on my Passat 3B Variant (year 99) isn't receiving any +12V power. I downloaded a wiring diagram from eDonkey, but I'm not entirely sure if it's correct. According to this diagram, the lamp is connected to ground, while +12V is always present. However, both contacts of the lamp are showing 0V.
I've checked all the fuses.

I have to mention that this Passat used to be a police car! (Blues Brothers fans will know: 'police vehicle, police transmission,' etc.). Quite a few things were changed electrically, and the conversion back to a civilian version was done rather sloppily. For example, the entire interior lighting is connected to a single red cable that appears somewhere in the darkness of the dashboard and is simply plugged in parallel with the horn fuse into the fuse holder!

Here's the translation:

'On the trunk light itself, there's a red/black wire for the 12V power supply. Where does this wire run inside the car? Which terminals can I check to see if the power is correct? Which fuse does the wire connect to? Is it really connected to ground? And, please don't laugh, where is the switch?'

I would be very grateful for any tips!

Best regards, bitdreher.

Hi, if it's a used Volkswagen Passat (hopefully one that has been regularly driven and possibly even used in high-speed pursuits), it's probably not a 3B or 3BG model yet, right?

Okay, the switch is actually located in the lock of the tailgate. Open the trunk, remove the trim panel, and you'll see the cable. It's definitely connected to ground.

'In my GIII variant, the cable that runs from the body to the tailgate has broken again (for the second time). This is also related to the trunk light. Maybe check that as well.'

Best regards, D.

Whoever can read has a clear advantage... you have a 3B, my mistake! So the switch is definitely located in the lock.

Why isn't the interior lighting standard equipment in police cars? Do they switch it to red lights during a chase...? (just kidding)

Hi,

I have no idea what all they modified. In the back, where the tools normally go, there's a neatly milled aluminum plate mounted on hinges behind the normal flap. A radio was probably screwed onto that at some point. And in the front, behind the fuse box, it looks like something was welded to the steel supports. Perhaps some kind of bracket or protective enclosure for something.
The front passenger door has a Uzi compartment at the bottom for a machine gun! It's beautifully lined with velvet. Unfortunately, the speaker had to be removed to make room for it! I might reveal more 'hidden features' on another occasion...

'But what I'd really like to know is: where can I easily check when the wiring for the trunk light stops working, without having to disassemble half the car? Where does this red/black wire reappear?'

Best regards, bitdreher.