Tail lamp

[NBeebe]

I had a tail lamp on the drivers side go out this past weekend. It's the top one that doubles as a blinker and the brake light. Funny thing is, when I turn the headlights on, ALL of my tail lamps light up (including the one that went out), but when I turn the blinker on or apply the brakes, the "brighter" portion of the bulb doesn't light. Now I am very limited with my knowledge of electricity, etc, but does this bulb function somewhat like a tabletop lamp in the house with one of those bulbs in it with 3 different wattages (for different amount of light emitted)? I believe all the tail lamps take the same bulb, but the bottom one of the two does not make use of the "brighter" portion of the bulb.



Ok, now on to my real question. How the heck does that electrical connecter that connects the wiring harness to the tail lamp assembly work? I know how typical electrical connectors work with the normal plastic clip on one end that clips over the plastic "bump" on the other end, but this one appears to work different. Last weekend my lamp out light was going crazy, but all lamps, blinkers, etc still worked, so I took the opposite side (passenger side) tail lamp assembly out thinking something was not making a tight connection, but I couldn't figure out that damn connector. Now the lamp out light comes on when I start the truck and stays on. . probably because the lamp really IS out now. Some of the easiest things in life can really tick me off sometimes.

 

[p-Bar]

The issue is where the bulb contacts the socket. The metals they use are "crap" and this is also an issue the GM trucks. You can try some dieletric grease with some new bulbs and besure they are fitting in tight.

 

[rbattelle]

but I couldn't figure out that damn connector.

Brother, I know the feeling! I had that exact same bulb go out on me last week, and that lousy electrical connector gave me fits. You have to "slide" that little red tab - and now I forgot which direction you're supposed to slide it. Check out your owners manual - it tells you how to do it.



But it takes a lot of force to slide that stupid little tab. It was so annoying that when I put everything back together I left the little tab in the "released" position for the next time I have to change a bulb there. Man, I hate plastic electrical connectors.



Regarding the bulb, remember there are 2 filaments in that bulb. One of them is the brakes, the other is the turn signal. If either one goes bad, all heck breaks loose. The filament on the bulb I replaced looked fine to the naked eye, but it was definitely bad.



Ryan