License plate light is out... ?

[Bbasso]

I'm pretty good with electrical stuff...

This has me stumped, slightly.
The light for the rear plate/tag stopped working, bulb is good. I tested the socket- no power. I tested the wiring to the socket- no power.
I checked each fuse 3 times- no bad ones.

I did a continuity test on the wiring into the socket and it shows there is a short. Dammit.

Has anyone run into this problem?
Does anyone know where the wires are most likely to get damaged?

thank you.
(1999 XJ)

PS. I guess this happened due to the 12-21-12 predictions :flame:

 

[90XJay]

I know the boots in the liftgate tend to break (my 2000 has 2 torn ones). I would check there to see if you have 12 volts. When i get to work tomorrow I can see if I can look up a wire chart to find what color wire you should be looking for.

 

[Bbasso]

I can get the color, no problem there...
It's the locations you've mentioned and any others that might be a possible weak point.

Thanks!

 

[Tim_MN]

Bend a wire enough times, it breaks. At or near the flexy boots is where you should start.