HELP: Running light issue

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Jul 6, 2008 | 05:14 PM

chieftransam

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From: Virginia

HELP: Running light issue

I have an 01 TA and I've had constant problems with the running lights. My driver side works fine but the passenger one never works properly. It will come on while I have my headlights on but will not blink when I turn on the blinker, it also will not work at all (not even light up) if I don't have the headlights on. I've tried changing bulbs but nothing seems to help it. I have no idea how to fix it or make it work all the time. It also lights up when I set the alarm on the car or when I unlock the car. Does anyone have any suggestions or cures?

Thanks,
Billy

Jul 6, 2008 | 07:07 PM

WhiteBird00

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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)

You're talking about two different filaments in that bulb. The dim filament lights up with the headlights/parking lights and when you arm/disarm the alarm. The bright filament lights up for the DRLs and turn signals. Since you've already changed the bulb (assuming you put in the correct dual filament bulb #3157NA), chances are that the socket is corroded. Our cars tend to get water in the front lamp housing causing corrosion of the bulb socket.

Jul 6, 2008 | 07:16 PM

chieftransam

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From: Virginia

Yes I've changed out the bulb with the 3157 a few times now, so where can I order this socket from and do you have a part # for it? I'm stationed in Germany and they have no experience on my car so I'm having to order all the parts from the states and do all the work myself (hopefully). Thanks for your help WhiteBird00.

Jul 7, 2008 | 07:43 AM

WhiteBird00

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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)

You're best bet might be to order a socket online. The OEM part is quite expensive - three times the price of an aftermarket replacement. The part is GM specific but not model specific - it's used on dozens of different GM models - so it is readily available as an aftermarket part. Here is one example: http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...goryCode=4074B

Note that the socket is for the correct 3157 wedge bulb. There are similar sockets available that use the older 1157 style bayonnet bulb. You can use those with 1157NA or 2357NA bulbs if you find them easier to obtain (they are quite common and stocked at most auto parts stores).

Sep 10, 2008 | 10:24 AM

ramsoccer11

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so are you saying that you could replace the front socket with this?

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...pe=758&PTSet=A

...i'm having trouble finding the 3157 style socket and dont particularly want to pay $40+ for one from gm.

Sep 10, 2008 | 12:02 PM

Lordsauran

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From: Tomball/Houston

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramsoccer11

You can buy new sockets at an autozone or other auto parts store. they are around 8 bucks each if i remember right

Sep 10, 2008 | 09:42 PM

WhiteBird00

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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)

If you can't find the wedge style (3157) sockets then you can use the bayonnet style (1157/2057) sockets. They will fit the same - only the bulbs are different.