Cargo Area Light - 2000 Forester

[howards11]

I am having a problem with the light in the cargo area of my 2000 Forester. When you lift the handle of the hatch, the light is supposed to go on. My light goes on and then as you lift the hatch, the light goes out! :-\

 

Does anyone have a clue as to what is happening and how to fix it?

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

 

~Howard

[JOEK39]

Had a similar issue with my 2001. Problem was a sticky switch that activates with the rear hatch closing and opening - there's a couple back there, one is for the tailgate open alarm light and the other is for the light control.

 

 

I just sprayed it with some WD40 and worked it in well by hand.

 

Good Luck

[howards11]

Had a similar issue with my 2001. Problem was a sticky switch that activates with the rear hatch closing and opening - there's a couple back there, one is for the tailgate open alarm light and the other is for the light control.

 

 

I just sprayed it with some WD40 and worked it in well by hand.

 

Good Luck

JOEK39:

 

Where exactly do I spray the WD40 ? Do I have to take the tailgate handle apart ?

 

~Howard

[JOEK39]

JOEK39:

 

Where exactly do I spray the WD40 ? Do I have to take the tailgate handle apart ?

 

~Howard

The switch is integral to the latch, on the deck lid itself. I sprayed the heck out of the latch with WD40, opened and shut several times to work it in until the light worked correctly. Because WD40 washes out all the gunk and lubricant in the latch, its important to then wipe down any excess WD40 from everything and relubricate the latch with a white-lithium lubricant.

[howards11]

The switch is integral to the latch, on the deck lid itself. I sprayed the heck out of the latch with WD40, opened and shut several times to work it in until the light worked correctly. Because WD40 washes out all the gunk and lubricant in the latch, its important to then wipe down any excess WD40 from everything and relubricate the latch with a white-lithium lubricant.

JOEK39:

I used some WD40 tonight and THE LIGHT WORKS !

Now the only problem I have is when I lift the handle the light appears bright and as I raise the hatch, it gets dimmer. Would more WD40 help ? I also gave the latch a shot of spray teflon.

 

~Howard

 

:cool:

[JOEK39]

You're making progress . . .

 

 

Sounds like it's opening(electrically), then closing again as the design is to slowly dim out when the deck hatch is closed.

 

Not sure where to send you now. More of the same spray treatment maybe, or if you're adventurous, remove the latch to inspect - looks like a couple bolts and popping the plastic inner-door liner off.

 

Good Luck!

[howards11]

You're making progress . . .

 

 

Sounds like it's opening(electrically), then closing again as the design is to slowly dim out when the deck hatch is closed.

 

Not sure where to send you now. More of the same spray treatment maybe, or if you're adventurous, remove the latch to inspect - looks like a couple bolts and popping the plastic inner-door liner off.

 

Good Luck!

JOEK39:

I tried using another spray PB Blaster Penetrating Catalyst. This seems like really good stuff and appears to be doing the trick. More gunk came out of the latch. Here's the web site for the new spray:

 

http://www.pbblaster.com/

 

I am not the adventurous type and I will leave the bolts just where they

are......... in the hatch.

 

I don't remember the hatch light dimming when you close the hatch. The dome light dims.

 

~Howard