Brake Lights not working consistently

Subscribe
Dec 20, 2018 | 07:44 PM
  #1  
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.
Reply 0
Dec 20, 2018 | 09:27 PM
  #2  
Re: Brake Lights not working consistently
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.
Reply 0
Dec 21, 2018 | 03:28 PM
  #3  
Re: Brake Lights not working consistently
Quote: 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.
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.
Reply 0
Dec 21, 2018 | 09:45 PM
  #4  
Re: Brake Lights not working consistently
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.
Reply 0
Subscribe