My taillight went out a few weeks ago, so I went to replace the bulb, but the bulb would NOT come out of the "socket" or whatever this thing is called. I had to really yank on the thing to get it out. It turned out the socket was filled with this hardened glue-like substance. Does chevy glue all their bulbs into place or something? Anyway, after I replaced the bulb then everything was fine for a week or two, after which it went out AGAIN.
So I pulled the bulb and noticed that one of the wire contacts on the bulb had somehow melted right into the plastic and was therefore not making contact anymore. It's done this with two different bulbs now. I'm guessing it has something to do with this "socket" and I'd like to replace it but I have no idea what it's called or anything. So if anyone knows what it is, or even better, a part number, I'd be super appreciative.
Bulb in socket.
The inside of the socket with all that brown crusty crap.
What the contacts on the bulb normally look like
The screwed up contact.
its a thingamajig--
i can't remember the actual proper name, but if you go to a salvage yard with a wire snipper you can get one for free javascript:AddSmileyIcon('
') just them you need a interior piece then cut the part off, put in in your pocket and tell them they didn't have what you are looking for.
I had to change my bulb last week and I noticed this crap in it. What the hell is it?
The "hardened glue-like substance" is just old dielectric grease.
Dielectric grease is a non-conductive silicone grease that is used to protect the socket from corrosion from air and water getting to the contacts.
It is milky clear or slighty tan in color depending on the manufacturer when it is new. It is also just a heavy grease when new, but the heat of the bulb and age thickens it.
sig not found
did you get a manicure recently?
Its called a bulb socket.
take it in to a parts store give them the gm number on it.. i had to replace mine.. rear passenger..
found out those will cause car fires if not dealt with... was like $10
"Z24 Dustbunny"
It's made in CHINA. There's your problem.
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We all drive in a yellow Cavalier...
ide visit a junk yard for that, age and the fact that GM chose it means is prolly just bad now.
Fireboy153
Brady Fire Co. - Station 150
Long Live The Sunflower! (yea its not so "cool")
You might consider name-brand bulbs like Sylvania or GE. I'm not sure where they are made, but hopefully they are made better then that china made one. And if you get a replacement from the junkyard, pick up a can of elevtric contact cleaner from Radio Shack and blast the old dielectric compound out of the socket, then dab a little sparkplug boot grease (dielectric grease) onto the base of the bulb on both sides and slide it home. In fact, if you haven't cut the old socket off yet, try blasting it clean first, you may be able to clean it out. If so, I would definitely do the other 3 sockets in your tails, and grease them all the same as I said before, and it might be a good idea to do the same to your front parking lights also. 1 can of electric contact cleaner SHOULD be enough to do them all, and have a good bit leftover for future use.
