Rear tail light holder issues

[jakeru]

I had the problem of the metal pieces that hold the bulbs in the rear taillight assemblies pulling out of the plastic housing, which caused the bulb to not work reliably.

Fixed by mixing up some plastic-compatible epoxy, and dabbing it with a toothpick into the crevices where the metal tangs are seated into the plastic material.


I can't imagine it possibly failing again, anytime soon. Just noticed in this thread, others doing similar sorts of repairs.

Another tip while you're in there: put a light dab or coating of silicone grease on all of the metal-to-metal electrical contacts, to prevent corrosion from building up and keeping good, reliable electrical connection. Only needed in a few spots, such as where the base of the bulb makes electrical contact, and where locking pins of the bulb make contact with the metal bulb holder.

[98Sixer]

Originally Posted by jakeru

I had the problem of the metal pieces that hold the bulbs in the rear taillight assemblies pulling out of the plastic housing, which caused the bulb to not work reliably.

Fixed by mixing up some plastic-compatible epoxy, and dabbing it with a toothpick into the crevices where the metal tangs are seated into the plastic material.


I can't imagine it possibly failing again, anytime soon. Just noticed in this thread, others doing similar sorts of repairs.

Another tip while you're in there: put a light dab or coating of silicone grease on all of the metal-to-metal electrical contacts, to prevent corrosion from building up and keeping good, reliable electrical connection. Only needed in a few spots, such as where the base of the bulb makes electrical contact, and where locking pins of the bulb make contact with the metal bulb holder.

Thanks for the tip as this is the problem on my '02. Thought I was losing my mind as I changed bulbs and verified all bulbs for functionality before inserting back into the taillight housings.

Sure enough once everything was reinstalled, all lights have been intermittent from brake lights, running lights and reverse on both sides. A real PITA!

[98Sixer]

Originally Posted by 98Sixer

Thanks for the tip as this is the problem on my '02. Thought I was losing my mind as I changed bulbs and verified all bulbs for functionality before inserting back into the taillight housings.

Sure enough once everything was reinstalled, all lights have been intermittent from brake lights, running lights and reverse on both sides. A real PITA!

Ended up buying the replacement holders from Sunset Porsched in Beaverton for $39.00/each. At that price didn't want to mess with DIY repairs and sure enough everything works great!