Problem with dash lights

32sbct · Post by **32sbct** » Thu May 10, 2018 4:27 pm

I hate even posting this one but I'm not having any success getting new dash light bulbs into the socket. I assume that it's like the other bulbs, push down and turn it to the tight. However, no matter how hard I push down I can't get it to seat far enough down to turn it. Am I missing something? Thanks Marty.

mdainsd · Post by **mdainsd** » Thu May 10, 2018 6:30 pm

Help us out a bit here.

What type of light fixture? Old style with the glass red lenses or the newer with the screw in plastic red lens.

Either way, may sure you have the right bulb. the two bayonet pins on the side of the base need to be the same height.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Fri May 11, 2018 5:04 am

Sometimes those rusty old springs bond to the housing.

If the spring isn’t compressing you’ll never get the bulb in.

32sbct · Post by **32sbct** » Fri May 11, 2018 4:00 pm

Both light fixtures are NOS (1986) . The bulbs are the correct 12 volt versions. I measured the height, width, etc. against an original bulb that was in the old light fixture. I'm using the original metal tops and glass lenses. I took one apart last night and found the problem. The new lights have an embossed U shape on one side that displaces the same shape into the bulb socket area. The old lights don't have that. The I'd love to post a picture but my Mac died of old age last night.

When I was finally was able to force a bulb all the way down into the socket, then pried it back out, that U shape actually caused the bulb's socket to dent on that side.

I still can't get it to turn though because of that bulge. However, the bulbs are in so tight it's like a friction fit so I think I'll be OK. Thanks to all for your advice.