Forum Discussion

Ramblin__Rosie's avatar
Ramblin__Rosie
Explorer
Oct 22, 2020

Tail light issues

We have a Winnebago Outlook 331C. The tail lights use the two filament bulbs that are commonly found in trailer light for the brake and turn signal, plus a single filament bulb for the backup light (refer to the attached picture.) We are having chronic problems with the two filament bulbs coming dislodged, thereby making the brake light and/or the turn signal inoperative. Removing the lens and jiggling the bulb solves the problem, but the problem re-occurs after we get back on the road. IS there any effective solution to this problem?

Is there any way to replace these light fixtures with LED fixture? If so, can anyone recommend a specific product? Ideally, I would prefer something that can be surface-mounted, so I don't have to cut holes in the fiberglass for a recessed mounted fixture.

Tail light picture
Class C
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Oct 22, 2020
    Replace the bulb socket, check auto store, Amazon etc. Google LED compatible bulb type for your bulb.
  • Hank85713's avatar
    Hank85713
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2020
    most truck stops will have the LEDs you are looking for as they use surface mounts a lot.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Oct 22, 2020
    I,m 74. been in the auto business for most my life ,never seen a bulb come loose in the socket there spring loaded . push in twist they lock in the socket. I have seen where the glass and the brass come loose and the light still worked . pull the blub all the way out so you have the complete bulb in your hand look at the number and buy a new one. or stop at autozone and they,ll change it for you.
  • Krusty's avatar
    Krusty
    Nomad II
    Oct 22, 2020
    Have you tried giving the socket a little squeeze so it holds the bulb a little tighter?
  • rockylarson's avatar
    rockylarson
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2020
    Drop a small dab of solder on both connections of the bulb. File down slightly to make them flat and still fit in the socket. WFM, YMMV
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Oct 22, 2020
    The socket can be replaced, but you may have to remove the whole tail light housing.
  • Ramblin__Rosie's avatar
    Ramblin__Rosie
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2020
    midnightsadie wrote:
    I,m 74. been in the auto business for most my life ,never seen a bulb come loose in the socket there spring loaded . push in twist they lock in the socket. I have seen where the glass and the brass come loose and the light still worked . pull the blub all the way out so you have the complete bulb in your hand look at the number and buy a new one. or stop at autozone and they,ll change it for you.


    We have replaced the bulb several time, with brand new bulbs. I think there is a problem with the bulb sockets.
  • Matt_Colie's avatar
    Matt_Colie
    Explorer II
    Oct 22, 2020
    Rosie,

    I bet you dollars to donuts that you have a defective socket or two. I have recently run into several sockets that were defective. If you don't have to seriously push on the bulb to get it to go into the locked position or can't get it there at all, that is what you have.

    There is supposed to be a slot or a forming that causes the pins of the bulb to lock into the bayonet. This feature is a kind of L shape with the short part towards the lens. If this is the case, and it does not cause the bulb to lock in, it can be repaired buying a replacement socket is the better bet.

    Some years back, I ran into sockets that did not have springs, but had rubber plugs for the contact base and the rubber aged out. If that is what you have, just cut the effort and go buy new sockets.

    Matt
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Oct 23, 2020
    Pinching the socket down a bit is a free and easy approach. I’d try that first. If no worky, replace socket or tail light assembly?

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