C5 X7 tourer tailgate and number plate lights not working

[onza100]

Having just fixed my high level brake light (broken wire) I'm now on to the next job.

I assume these lights in the tailgate are controlled by the body computer? Should I be plugging in before hunting for breaks in wires?

I have reverse and fog but no sidelights or number plate lights.

Thanks

[onza100]

Update the sidelights have blown bulbs. Changed but still not working

[onza100]

This is the fault. Broken wire somewhere?

[wheeler]

Is is just the sidelights on the actual tailgate lid? Are the outer ones on the body working ok? If this is the case & you have replaced the bulbs then this is almost certainly a broken wire in the body to tailgate harness.
If you have no rear side lights at all i would look at the fuses next.

[onza100]

Thanks it did turn out to be broken wires. I was overthinking it.

[GiveMeABreak]

This area in your last picture is a well known issue and the usual culprit.

[onza100]

Hopefully this thread will help someone in the future.