I have an 84 z28. The driver side brake light doesn’t work half of the time. The normal tail lights work, but the brake light sometimes doesn’t work. Sometimes I wiggle the bulb in the socket (which has plenty of dielectric grease) which serves as a temporary remedy and sometimes it just works again by itself. I’ve even had times where neither brake lights will work and then they will start working again randomly. I used to think it was an issue with the bulbs/socket but I’ve tried many new bulbs already. Could this possibly be a fuse or something? Thanks for any suggestions.
NOTE: This all started to happen when I changed out the tail light bulbs and the driver side bulb was corroded into the socket. I had to rip it out with pliers.
NOTE: This all started to happen when I changed out the tail light bulbs and the driver side bulb was corroded into the socket. I had to rip it out with pliers.
NoEmissions84TA
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Are the connections in the socket clean? Are you putting the bulbs in the correct way? They are keyed but can be forced in incorrectly.
I have an 84 TA and had this problem also. I would find the ball(s) of solder at the bottom of the bulb worn smaller than needed to make good contact. I used to make a bigger ball with the soldering iron and some electronic solder. The real fix is to install a new pigtail socket.
I have an 84 TA and had this problem also. I would find the ball(s) of solder at the bottom of the bulb worn smaller than needed to make good contact. I used to make a bigger ball with the soldering iron and some electronic solder. The real fix is to install a new pigtail socket.
Quote:
I have an 84 TA and had this problem also. I would find the ball(s) of solder at the bottom of the bulb worn smaller than needed to make good contact. I used to make a bigger ball with the soldering iron and some electronic solder. The real fix is to install a new pigtail socket.
this is helpful. I may need to clean the sockets a bit more because there is some old grease gunk in there. Any cleaning product recommendations? Also, are you saying I should try using a different bulb with a larger solder for better conduction? I really wish these tail light bulbs screwed in because the slightest move or wiggle they will loose the connection. Originally Posted by NoEmissions84TA
Are the connections in the socket clean? Are you putting the bulbs in the correct way? They are keyed but can be forced in incorrectly.I have an 84 TA and had this problem also. I would find the ball(s) of solder at the bottom of the bulb worn smaller than needed to make good contact. I used to make a bigger ball with the soldering iron and some electronic solder. The real fix is to install a new pigtail socket.
NoEmissions84TA
Supreme Member
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- Join DateFeb 2017
- LocationMeriden, CT 06451
- Posts:4,174
- iTrader Positive Feedback100
- iTrader Feedback Score(1)
- Car84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
- Engine334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
- Transmissionupgraded 700R4 3200 stall
- Axle/Gears10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
- Likes:1,751
- Liked:569 Times in 471 Posts
WD-40 will help break down the old grease in the light sockets.
Look at the solder ball at the bottom of the bulb. Is it worn down? Compare to a new bulb.
Look at the solder ball at the bottom of the bulb. Is it worn down? Compare to a new bulb.



