Brake Light Bulb Issue

[bonoz]

So my right brake light is out, I try to turn the socket and take it out but it's not moving at all. All the other sockets so easily turn and are taken out comfortably. I can easily take out the brake light socket of my left light, but this one is STUCK. I don't know how to take it out without breaking it. Anyone have any ideas/help/hints? Also, I'll be able to get the bulb at any local auto store right?

Thanks.

[trumpeter]

I can't help with the socket being stuck, but I can tell you I have purchased brake light bulbs from both NAPA and Walmart.

Trumpeter

[deanomyte]

Get a rubberband and a towel. The rubberband for grip and the towel for safety. Wrap the rubberband around the bulb and the towel around the rubberband, and turn. If it breaks you have the towel for protection. If it does break then you need to get a potato and cut it in half. press the potato into the broken shards and turn. Instant broken bulb remover.

[97'scort]

If it doesn't come out, break the holder and buy a new one. They're anywhere from $7-12.

[jathon0815]

I'll echo what 97'scort says. Break the holder if you have to, it's a relatively cheap part to replace.

[OC714CM]

Gee, I can't even figure out how to remove the brake light bulb out. I have the manual and attempted it and I know it is suppose to be easy and should only take like a second to remove but can't seem to figure it out. I have the xenon like bulbs from BIMMIAN.com so I really want to put them on. Anyway, BONOZ, you can buy the bulb from any local parts store for $3 or $5 dollars.

[97'scort]

To get it out, grab the holder and twist it; the whole thing should come out.

[bonoz]

What is a POTATO???

[WV Jim]

What? You call it a "potahto"?

[bonoz]

What? You call it a "potahto"?

yes :(

[bonoz]

Get a rubberband and a towel. The rubberband for grip and the towel for safety. Wrap the rubberband around the bulb and the towel around the rubberband, and turn. If it breaks you have the towel for protection. If it does break then you need to get a potato and cut it in half. press the potato into the broken shards and turn. Instant broken bulb remover.

Could it be stuck for a reason though? maybe it wasn't put back on propperly.. or something?

[bonoz]

So the socket is broken but its still plugged in it.. I'm thinking should I remove the whole rear light housing then work on it?

[bonoz]

bump.

[trumpeter]

If your bulb socket is still stuck, perhaps it has shorted out and welded itself in, (although I can't imagine that happening).

Perhaps it is best if you remove the tailight as it will be easier to see...

Trumpeter

[bonoz]

UPDATE: OK I FINALLY GOT MY TAILLIGHT OUT. IT WAS really stuck in there and I had to use some force to get it out and it popped out and fell to the ground but the light is okay.. then I took a screw driver and pried the socket off... but it proke a little plastic piece so now I'm wondering even if I buy a new socket whether it will fit the housing because of the broken peice?

also as I was taking out the taillight, I couldn't do it easily so I tried to use a screw driver and hands to pry it out and it broke the plastic things on the top and the side... bummed about that.

I don't know what to do, should I for now try to see if a 'new' socket will fit into the taillight? or should I get a new taillight?

and also I have to get my car re-inspected because of this brakelight problem.

[bonoz]

bump!