Trouble with High Mount Brake Lights

I have had this problem for some time now. Wondering if anyone else has encountered this. I can't keep them lit. One or both of them go out and the bulbs are still good. If I pull the sockets out and wiggle the bulb or plastic connectors they use, the bulbs light. The problem seems to be the plastic connectors they use. I am losing contact there. They seem to fit tight but the connection is not stable. I am thinking of just buying some replacement sockets of the right size, clipping off the plastic connector and wiring the sockets directly.

My sockets have given me no trouble.

That said, these socket things are not exotic. You'll find compatible sockets on RockAuto.com with the "universal" listings, in cars of that era in pick-n-pulls, and so on. My further hunch is they are not all that expensive at the GM dealer either. I'd just replace them. However, I think if you look closely you'll find that the metal contact in the center of the socket has fatigued or flattented and you can try putting a dot of solder on it, or bending it a little, to get it behaving if you want.

I had an Audi that had bum turn signal sockets. Re-plating the contacts with solder fixed them. I actually showed a dealer tech how to do it because their "instructions" from Audi were to replace them with new. The problem was that corrosion would form on the contact and then it would make-and-break for a little while (week or so) and finally just punk out. I have no idea why they made them as they did.

Thx Albert,
The problem is these sockets have no wiring, they plug into a connector that is wired. Wish I could post a picture. It isn't the bulb contact inside the socket, it's where the socket plugs into the connector that is the problem, it isn't a tight connection either.

This is the socket,

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-GM-5972532-Mount-Socket/dp/B000QICRQ6

And they are stupid expensive for what they are.

LARRY70GS wrote:

Thx Albert,
                  The problem is these sockets have no wiring, they plug into a connector that is wired.  Wish I could post a picture.  It isn't the bulb contact inside the socket, it's where the socket plugs into the connector that is the problem, it isn't a tight connection either.

Aieeeee... I didn't read carefully, apology. I've worked on my CHMSL before but just to reverse the wiring so LED 1156 bulbs would work right.

A pick-n-pull would likely not charge much for a couple of those.  If they are really getting that, might be time to pull a few and post them on eBay... However I won't be going there in the near future.

Hmmm...

One or another of those... Time to look at truck electrical bits.  Try this LINK.  Also try this LINK, it's a pair that should twist right in to the CHMSL panel.  If you put "1156 bulb socket" into eBay's search box you'll get a number of different ones to choose from.  The genuine ones are there too, they run about $10 less than the amazon listing (incl post).

As for connectors, a full-line auto parts store will have the Hopkins flat 2-wire connectors, or to save $ try this LINK. If you search for "2-wire connector" you will also get a generic version of the Weatherpak connector.

Thx Albert,
I'll play with bending all the contacts in an attempt to tighten everything up. If all else fails, I'll wire in some replacement sockets.

LARRY70GS wrote:

Thx Albert,
                   I'll play with bending all the contacts in an attempt to tighten everything up.  If all else fails, I'll wire in some replacement sockets.

...watch out for the possibility that the problem really is the bulb contacts have flattened.  They do that over a long time.

Albert

The problem I found was the bulb was getting so hot that it was melting the contact at the bottom of the bulb. I am going to wire in some LED bulbs, just have to get the polarity right.