My "trunk" light doesn't work reliably when the rear lid is up. I've removed, cleaned and checked the bulb - OK. I jiggled the cables at each side and at some point - don't know when - the light at the lid edge and the interior roof light came on. So I know it all works, but not reliably. It may be a loose wire at a switch somewhere that senses when the lid is open or a bad switch.

But where's the switch? No evidence anywhere.

Thanks for any info on this. Going on a long trip and will need this light regularly.

 

jThe switch is part of the latch. Considering the light came on when you messed with the wires between the hatch and the lid that is the first place i would check. Pull back the boots that protect the wires and check for chaffing or opens in the wires. If everything looks ok there, replace the latch.