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My 2011 Rapide back light recently seemed to have gone out. However the break light and blinker still seem to work. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to fix this? Is this a DIY job?
All rear lights are powered from the Central Electronic Module and since one side works, that means the input to the module is not your problem.
I would start by pulling the light assembly and cleaning the connector. It is held in by 3 studs that should be accessible under the trunk lining. I'm not specifically familiar with the Rapide, but the light assembly is the same as others and that is how you get to them on a DB9 / Virage.
If that doesn't work check for voltage at the connector with the lights on. If you see voltage but the light doesn't function you likely have a bad light assembly and unfortunately these are not serviceable (so says AM anyway). If you don't see voltage then you will need to work your way back up the harness to the CEM and make sure it is putting out the 12V when the park lights are on.
"Back light" is not a term I am familiar with but I was interpreting from the picture that the park light was out (red at top) which is an LED element.
And yes, it is absolutely ridiculous to seal a conventional bulb inside an assembly like that. Some of the things on these cars I think they must have done just for meanness.
Click on the eBay item description for particulars. I plan on checking this out should my Vantage lights fail. Can’t vouch for this but may be worth a shot.
Thanks everyone for the responses. I tried to remove the light assembly and cleaning the connector. It did seem to have a temporary impact (i've added some pictures below to show what i mean), however its gone back to not lighting up when the car is parked. The blinkers and the brake light still works on that assembly. @ccfulton Yes - the parking light is what i meant I don't have any experience working with electronic components, so I'm not sure how to go about checking the wires
Being a Rapide, i think it might be slightly more annoying to access vs DB9 - i'll post some pictures in case others are curious.
The Right trunk side houses the DVD player, which obstructs access to the back bolt. The unit can be easily removed and moved to the side. Picture 1:
The 3 bolts are located here. Annoyingly the third bolt is hidden behind the carpet trim, and requires removing a bunch more stuff. Picture 2 of the location of the bolts:
The following must be removed in order to access the 3rd bolt. Picture 3:
Now you can finally access the 3rd bolt. Picture 4:
I used an air duster on the connector, and reattached it. It would occasionally flicker back, and even completely back. The following 2 photos were taken on different days.
Its gotten alot colder now, and the parking light has gone out again.
does temperature have an impact? Is it possible its a wire issue?
That it worked for a bit that probably means that the light itself is not dead.
Given your (slight) improvement I would try some electrical contact cleaner on both the connector and the light side. In addition, I would try plugging and unplugging a couple of times to rub off any oxidation.
Temperature could play a minor role but probably not a primary cause.
In my mind, cleaning with a solvent would be the first thing to do, but if it persists, you should be able to turn the lights on and wiggle the wires to see if you might have a wiring problem. IMO that is fairly unlikely if the harness has not been disturbed before now, more likely a questionable contact on one of the pins in the connector.
That it worked for a bit that probably means that the light itself is not dead.
Given your (slight) improvement I would try some electrical contact cleaner on both the connector and the light side. In addition, I would try plugging and unplugging a couple of times to rub off any oxidation.
Temperature could play a minor role but probably not a primary cause.
In my mind, cleaning with a solvent would be the first thing to do, but if it persists, you should be able to turn the lights on and wiggle the wires to see if you might have a wiring problem. IMO that is fairly unlikely if the harness has not been disturbed before now, more likely a questionable contact on one of the pins in the connector.
Maybe this foolish but could you not carefully cut around the bulb from the back, replace the bulb, then reseal using JB Weld. That way you don't need to unseal then reseal the entire lens. The repair you make is not exposed to the elements and can't be seen from the outside. Just a thought.
Sorry for reviving such an old thread, but I was wondering if you got to the bottom of it?
My right tail light has started acting up as well, but only the one light, all others function properly... I couldn't see condensation in it though.
I'll try to remove and clean the connector when the rain stops...
Any updates here by chance? My driver side rear is acting up. I unplugged it and checked for voltage, which is there. So must be the light assembly. I too have noticed it flicker so makes me think a poor connection is still a possibility. Can anyone recommend the connection solvent or cleaner mentioned in earlier posts?
I don't have any experience working with electronic components, so I'm not sure how to go about checking the wires 
