Chevy Blazer Broken/Stuck Bulb in Rear Right Tail Light

I tried that and was able to tear out some pieces of the base...assuming I can't get it all out (or try TOO hard and bust the socket itself), is the socket easy to replace? I would like to avoid splicing wires (although I have a friend who can help with that) if at all possible. Thanks for your help...this is driving me nuts!

I had a similar problem with a 2000 C2500 tail lamp. The socket was replaceable. I was able to get it at NAPA auto [arts cheaper then the dealership. I tried just changing the bulb after removing the corrode bulb but it would not work properly. It would go on and off with every bump I hit in the road. I think the lamp assembly cost around 32.00 dollars.

Sarge

Make that a BIG flat bladed screwdriver! Push/pound it in as you turn to grind all the filler out (they usualy give up and come out about the time you get to the bottom), then use an icepick or a thin screwdriver to collapse the wall of the bulb inward until you can grab it with the needle nose pliers. Turn counterclockwise as you dig it out so that it will loosen if it gives. Once you get it out, use some fine emory cloth to clean out the obviously corroded socket and contacts. I usually pack the socket about half full of dielectric grease so that it squeezes out as I insert the new bulb - keeps water/air out and (despite the name) doesn't keep the contacts from making connection but it sure makes getting it out the next time a heck of a lot easier and it will stop the corrosion problem.

Does the socket just pop off of the wiring? I pulled back one of the corners and there appeared to be a "peanut buttery" grease smeared all over the inside so I left it alone. I assume this goo is to keep out water/air (didn't seem to help in this case hehe).... Did you replace the goo or just stick the socket right back on to the existing goo? $32 sounds like a lot for just a socket?

Would spraying in some WD40 first help to loosen up the stuck shards or just make a bigger mess?

Won't hurt. Won't cause long term damage. Might help...

If the socket is >

On my truck the wiring harness plugged into a plastic housing. The housing contained the socket. The lens and lens gasket can also be purchased. I am not sure if that is the same design as a 2000 Chevy C2500.

Sarge

His '87 uses a socket that plugs into the housing assembly. NAPA, AutoZone most all parts store will have replacement sockets usually under $5 but they all require three splices, you have to cut the wires going to the old one. The best way is to slide shrink tubing up the wire, then solder the splice and then slide the shrink tubing down over the repair after it cools and heat shrink it. Repeat on the remaining wires. AutoZone had some supposed weather proof crimp style splice connectors last time I was in, but I have never used them. And yes pack the socket full of dielectric grease before inserting the bulb. More than likely the housing has a crack in it and that's how water is getting in. Whitelightning

I was able to remove the remnant of the bulb with a pair of needle nose pliers. A small piece of the plastic tab on the outside of the socket (that holds the socket inside the hole in the tail light case) broke off so I used some super-sticky duct tape to hold the "twist" onto the tail light case. In the process of removing the old bulb I must have blown a fuse because the tail and dash lights were not working (safety feature to blow out the dash when tail lights fail?)...replaced the Tail Light fuse and now everything is A-OK! Oh what a wonderful feeling....my old truck is well again!

Yes, it is a safety feature, done intentionally for just that reason.

Good to hear you got it out. You might be able to make a better fix than duct tape by us>

I've got a Samurai with the same problem. It's kinda funny though- one of my turn signals quit working a while ago, so I took off the light cover, only to discover grass growing in the turn-signal. I think I spent too much time stuck in the mud. I hate to think what other parts of the Sammy could have mud and grass in them....

-Will

Any chance that what you thought was grass was really rice shoots? :-)

Hahaha! (ROFL)