Firebird tail light problems
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: The Plywood State
Firebird tail light problems Hello all,
The car I am working on is a 1998 Pontiac Firebird with the 3800 series V6. I replaced all of the tail lights because I noticed some were out. I then had a friend tap the brakes and it seemed the new bulbs made no difference at all. The driver's side tail light is as bright as can be, while the passenger side tail light is very dim.
How can I fix this problem, or is this a typical F-body quirk?
The car I am working on is a 1998 Pontiac Firebird with the 3800 series V6. I replaced all of the tail lights because I noticed some were out. I then had a friend tap the brakes and it seemed the new bulbs made no difference at all. The driver's side tail light is as bright as can be, while the passenger side tail light is very dim.
How can I fix this problem, or is this a typical F-body quirk?
Teching In
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23
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Check the SOCKETS! I had the same problen in an 02 Z28, don't know if the part is the same, but likely very similar if not. The sockets are relatively complex, and prone to corrosion.
In my car, there was actually WATER inside of the tail light assembly. After pouring it out for the second time, I removed the lens assembly and went around the areas that were leaking with GE clear silicone.
I also got a small wire brush and cleaned the socket contact points as well as possible. The sockets are about $80 EACH from GM, so I would look for leaks in the assembly to prevent (further) corrosion.
I've also done the forward running lights several times, and they need it yeat again. In my opinion the lighting system in the F-body is definately prone to failure!
Good luck.
In my car, there was actually WATER inside of the tail light assembly. After pouring it out for the second time, I removed the lens assembly and went around the areas that were leaking with GE clear silicone.
I also got a small wire brush and cleaned the socket contact points as well as possible. The sockets are about $80 EACH from GM, so I would look for leaks in the assembly to prevent (further) corrosion.
I've also done the forward running lights several times, and they need it yeat again. In my opinion the lighting system in the F-body is definately prone to failure!
Good luck.
I forgot- don't forget to use bulb grease in the socket! 
