Call me an idiot but...

[Paul In Ireland]

I can't figure how to change a rear indicator bulb in my ute. Took off the panel, disconnected the wires, couldn't twist or pull the bulb holder so what to do next? Don't want to do the wrong thing and break something..... thinking that taking out the whole lens must be a waste of time?

Thanks,
P.

[fe350chev]

Maybe something to do with being Irish  :D

I suggest if you have a missus, ask her to have a look. Problem solved!!! :P

[REDMR2RED]

If it's a standard bulb holder it should have prongs around the bulb holder that spring into position.  Use a screw driver to lever it out, it might be rusted in.

I'll dig out a pic and email it to you.

Red

[surferboy]

Take it to an auto electrician and ask him to change the bulb for you.  ;D

8) 8) 8)

[surferboy]

Then go and work all day Sunday at penalty rates so you can pay the bill   ;D


8) 8) 8)

[jack_fc]

'how many polititians does it take to change a light bulb?...'

(with sincere apologies to Paul, who's not a polititian.... yet  ;)  but lots of us hope he gets there; me included!)

[smithy]

'how many polititians does it take to change a light bulb?...'

(with sincere apologies to Paul, who's not a polititian.... yet  ;)  but lots of us hope he gets there; me included!)

None they prefer us kept in the dark ;D

How long to go Paul?

Na but with the bulb holder, they do become well and truly stuck over the years. Hold it by the base and not the wires jiggle up/ down and side to side you will see it finally coming free ;)

[fe350chev]

if u dont already have a missus, id suggest u not necessarily get one just to change the bulb cos may cos a few bob more than a sparky.

on a serios note, get a rag, preferrrable a towel type, make it slightly damp and wrap it over holder, clamp your hands as tight as u can and give it an almighty yank! It may help to yell out as you pull as hard as u can (like a tennis player)......repeat again if doesnt work. it is probably just stuck. it may help to spray a crc tube around the endg to free up any rust first.

[jack_fc]

Hold it by the base and not the wires jiggle up/ down and side to side you will see it finally coming  ;)

hmmmm...

Smithy, sounds a bit like someone I live with...  ;)

[Paul In Ireland]

OK, OK - I get the point. Yes, it was very difficult to pull out but I did get it out, Just didn't want to do the wrong thing and break it as I have no spares.

Now, with a new bulb that works, when I put it in, it stops working. Like the pressure of pushing it loosend the bulb somewhat. Temporarily, I have sat it in the slot and wedged a rag behind it so it works. Any better suggestions? What would be loose to cause it to do this?

Thanks again - and the election is Friday 25th, Will know by lunch the next day I have been knocked out of the count....

[Glenn 'Stinky' Stankevicius]

Get a scourer and clean up the mating surfaces, the earth is made through the metal as the glode holder is pushed into the housing.

[REDMR2RED]

As Stinky said it most likely is an earthing problem.  It could also be a wiring problem.  Did you test the old globe?  If that works check you have 12 volts in the globe holder.

[Paul In Ireland]

I think it earths ok, the problem is as the unit is squeezed into place, it sort of pops the bulb out a bit, losing contact. In my hand I can shake it about and it works.....

[fe350chev]

often i also find that if i push it in and out a lot it loosens up too.  ;)

if u have a solder iron, find the loose bit and put a small dab of solder on the mating surface. this will make a tight fit. u need a tight fit not a loose fit.

[Glenn 'Stinky' Stankevicius]

it sort of pops the bulb out a bit

is there a spring under the globe/bulb contact?

[FCRB26]

Yep under the bakerlite bit with the contact in it theres a spring under it.