One map light not working...

A few weeks ago the drives side map light quit working on me, and I just figured that the bulb burnt out. I finally got some replacements, but it still doesn't work. Thinking maybe I had a faulty bulb, I swapped it with the passenger map light, and the bulb works. That got me thinking that I wasn't getting power so I got my DMM out, i can see 12v on the plug so that isn't the issue.
Anyone have any advice?
2003 Golf, Thanks!

Edit: I can see 12v on the light socket. I also flipped the light in case the polarity was backwards.

Did you insert the bulb holder and check where the pins go into the socket? Sounds like a bad socket unless the switch is dirty...have you tried cycling the map light button a bunch of times to see if it'll come back on?

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WildChild80 said:

Did you insert the bulb holder and check where the pins go into the socket? Sounds like a bad socket unless the switch is dirty...have you tried cycling the map light button a bunch of times to see if it'll come back on?

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Click to expand...

I could see 12v on the light socket itself, which makes me think the socket itself isn't bad. I pressed it a few times.... I even fully removed the panel to ensure that there wasn't a broken solder/connection. I noticed that the switch itself is soldered onto the circuit board, can this switch be purchased separately? or do i have to replace the entire panel?

Daysul said:

I could see 12v on the light socket itself, which makes me think the socket itself isn't bad. I pressed it a few times.... I even fully removed the panel to ensure that there wasn't a broken solder/connection. I noticed that the switch itself is soldered onto the circuit board, can this switch be purchased separately? or do i have to replace the entire panel?

Click to expand...

I've noticed that my map light switches are really finicky. If I press them too hard the light comes on then goes off, if I press them until the button bottoms out. It kind of acts like a momentary switch that locks in place. There is a happy medium where the connection is made.

I'd be willing to bet that your map button isn't closing the circuit.

Daysul said:

I could see 12v on the light socket itself, which makes me think the socket itself isn't bad. I pressed it a few times.... I even fully removed the panel to ensure that there wasn't a broken solder/connection. I noticed that the switch itself is soldered onto the circuit board, can this switch be purchased separately? or do i have to replace the entire panel?

Click to expand...

I'd like to know about buying also, I usually take as many as I can find for parts or if they all work...

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Those switches can just wear out, my first MKIV did that, swapped another unit in, and all was well.