scoltharp

My right tail light turn signal looks like it is blown. The only light that is out is the 3rd light. I replaced the bulb and it didn't work at all. When I took the bulb out, the connector has some black in and around it like it blew.

Will I have to get a new wire harness for the whole right tail light or can I get a new connector, cut this one off and replace it?

Nuke

Did you try cleaning the contacts and verifying that you have ~12 volts at the socket? Hopefully the connector isn't distorted from heat (doesn't sound like it). If the bulb blew and caused some damage external to the bulb itself, i'd be scratching my head if there's no indication of damage from heat. But it sounds like yours is fixable.

scoltharp

Ok, I will check that this evening. I didn't try cleaning it. I kinda gave up once I saw it looked like it may have been burnt. Thanks!

SLVRSTNG06

Yea just play around with it, try moving the bulb around in the socket and try cleaning it out maybe using some electronic cleaner spray, i've used the CRC brand spray before with success, like $7 bucks in autozone.

Nuke

Worse comes to worse, you may need to file or use a fine steel wool to burnish the contacts. BE SURE THE POWER IS OFF TO THE TAILIGHTS before using anything conductive or you'll be replaceing fuses. You may have had dirty contacts to begin with which will cause a high resistance connection which in turn will generate heat. Also, make sure there's sufficent contact pressure. you can gently pry the contact out a millileter or so on most connectors IF necessary. But test for voltage. An inexpensive VOM can save you a lot of time troubleshooting. I've seen people tear into an electrical problem only to find out they didn't have power at the socket to begin with.

JimC

What do you mean by "third light"? If it is the one that is the closest to the middle of the car (#1 being the tail light on the outside edge) then I don't think it lights up with your turn signal (I have the CDC sequentials now so can't check to be sure).

scoltharp

After I cleaned it, it works again! Thank you! I don't know why I never thought to do that. I guess when the first bulb blew, I must have taken too long to change the bulb out and the black burnt part hardened a little so it wasn't touching the metal on the bulb. Thanks again! I'm glad I don't have to buy a whole new wire harness haha

scoltharp

It was the outside light. the middle and outside light light up for the turn signal. I am hoping to get the sequentials soon, they are pretty cool.

157dB

The third bulb does not illuminate OEM from the factory on STOP.
Unless you get SEQUENTIALS...