Hi,

I have a 1988 Camaro IROC. The tail light sockets are badly corroded and need to be replaced. I've never come across this type of socket before.

I need to replace the sockets for 2 * 1 pole turn indicators, 2 * 1 pole reverse lights and 2 * 2 pole brake lights. These are all the push and twist bayonet type bulbs. That is, I need to buy a total of six sockets.

Reading TGO it seems the part I need is :

Dorman - Conduct-Tite Back Up Lamp Socket - 85867

Do I need six of these (three wire), or do the 1 and two pole sockets have different part numbers?

Cheers

 

With 101% certainty , the two sockets are NOT in any way interchangeable . Look at a single filament bayonet base reverse light , both holding nubs on the bulb's metal base are directly opposite of each other . Now look at the two filament brake/tail bulb and you'll see that the nubs are offset - this all but insures the wrong bulb will not turn correctly into the socket . unless you employ some considerable force (hammer , anyone ?) And this doesn't even yet take into account that the single VS double have different wiring connections to account for either one or two power sources for either one or two filaments . Every so often someone DOES manage to jamb a single bulb into a double socket and this results in an interesting cross short within the brake and taillight systems . It's most commonly seen accompanying the question "Why do all my parking/side marker lights light up when I step on the brakes ?"

 

The reason I asked is that it appears the power wires pull out of the socket still attached to the connectors.

I assume the new socket is just the plastic part, and that the existing wires and metal connector portions are then fitted to the new socket ???

That is, that the plastic tail light sockets can be configured to support both single and double pole bayonet lights.

I'm not sure about this and was hoping someone has been down this path before.

 

Ok , now I see what your asking . No , although it may appear to come apart , the old socket gets completely replaced by the new one . the new socket comes with it's own contacts and several inches of wire attached that you splice into the wires you cut the old socket off of . I always solder the wires and use heat shrinkable tubing when I replace sockets since this gives the best possible connection .

 

It's got me scratching my head because I can only find one Dorman part number.

I was surprised how badly the sockets were corroded. Could'nt remove one bulb, even with pliers.