Tail Light Issue

**jediracer** · 08-26-2009, 10:47 AM

I'm having an issue with my right side tail light bulbs burning out. I change the bulbs and a week later I find they are burnt out again. The bulb isn't broken but it is smoky. Do I have a short somewhere? Any ideas on how to test or find the problem?

**Jimmiee** · 08-26-2009, 10:58 AM

Are you using good bulbs or cheap off shore bulbs? I've seen some bad imitation off shore bulbs that don't last and even cause electrical problems.

**jediracer** · 08-26-2009, 11:01 AM

I bought them at Autozone. I don't remember the brand name.

**Southern Thunder** · 08-26-2009, 11:06 AM

I had that issue in my old truck and it was a bad body to frame ground cable that was loose

**jediracer** · 08-26-2009, 12:03 PM

Thanks! I'll check that out!

**bill190** · 08-26-2009, 01:17 PM

I went through 3 new bulbs for the inside of my car in one month! It turns out they are making junk bulbs these days.

I got disgusted and bought a LED replacement. It has been working fine since.

The problem with replacing a tail light with an LED is I don't know if it will be as bright. Then the "resistance" or ohms reading may be different and this could change how frequently the lights flash or if it works at all!

You could add a resistor across the connection to make the new bulb act like the old bulb.

Or they may have similar solutions at the LED store? Here is one store...

http://www.superbrightleds.com

**jediracer** · 08-26-2009, 01:21 PM

Thanks for the LED idea. I will look into this.

**Custom04Chevy** · 08-26-2009, 03:19 PM

I second the LED motion. I have replaced a bulb in my tail light 3 times since i bought my truck last november. Not really worth it. Plus the LED tail lights look soooooooo much better in my opinion.