Loose rear turn signal bulb... how to fix??

[chrisbruck]

The rear passenger side turn signal bulb went "out" on my car but turned out to be loose. It's installed correctly and the correct bulb. Problem is it wiggles around in the socket and easily loses contact and stops working. It's working now but I expect bumps and vibrations to cause it to move and go back out.

Anything I can do make it fit tighter?

I suppose I could jam a toothpick in there but would like to keep the fire risks to a minimum.

[wayner]

I have the same problem. The socket appears to be worn and one person suggested that I solder the outside of the bulb to make it fit tighter where it contacts the socket.

I'm not sure what I will do yet.

[david.avrahami@]

I had this problem as well...I taped a small strip of electrical tape around the base of the bulb to hold it tight in the socket....it worked.

[chrisbruck]

Both good ideas.... I'll go fiddle around some more to make it more snug. Glad it's a "common" issue and not just me.

[Bob Kontak]

I have pulled the brass tab in the housing towards the base of the bulb with something (e.g., awl with a 90 degree bend) to increase the tension on the bulb. I did not bend it, just coaxed it a little more towards the bulb.

Unless the female socket is really beat, this may hold it in place firmer.

Actually the toothpick idea may supplement the procedure. Fuse would blow first before a fire.

[RSBob]

Chances are these problems are due to the mother board behind the bulb being pushed back almost out of range of the bulb's contacts. The only way to permanently fix it is to pull the whole light assembly and remove the backing plate so you can reseat the board. This is a PITA and time consuming.

As a general rule be very gentle when inserting bulbs and never force them or this will result. Ask me how I know

[Kemo]

ive heard o-rings will help with the loose bulb

[HarryD]

I bought a universal bulb socket from my local flaps ($2.00), removed the little circuit board from the back of the housing, enlarged the hole to fit the socket and tapped it into place. connected the wires and installed my bulb.

Problem solved.