One License Plate Light Not Working

[Sib]

Hey guys,

I tried searching but nothing really came up to clear for me. I had a liscense plate bulb out (right side when looking at it). I bought some 194 leds from Wally World to put in my dome lights and used the incandescants that were in the domes to replace the liscense plate lights. I figured since I have to do one, might as well just do both. I plan on getting some leds for those but don't have them yet.

So after researching what I found was maybe some wires going bad but not really sure if that would be it. If that is the case, is there a separate wire that operates each bulb socket? Like I mentioned, I just have one out. Just looking for a little help before I open things up and start poking around. My rear defrost still works fine, wiper still works fine, lock still works fine.

Thanks for any insight.

-Matt

 

[Mounce]

Did you flip the bulb around 180 degrees...? Leds have polarity and will only work one way so if you plug it in flipped the wrong way it won't light up.

 

[Sib]

Did you flip the bulb around 180 degrees...? Leds have polarity and will only work one way so if you plug it in flipped the wrong way it won't light up.

The liscense plate ones are not leds. When I took my map lights out I added leds in there. I used the old map lights that were in there (standard incandescents) for the liscense plate bulbs. The driver side lit up but the passenger side did not and the passenger side was the one that was out originally.

EDIT: sorry if the first post was confusing

 

[BlazingTrails]

The best thing to do is pop the rear gat panel off so you can see the wires. Check for broken wires or any damage. Do you have a multi meter?

 

[Sib]

Ok sounds good. Sounds like a good project to have a few brews with. I don't have a multi meter but I know I need to pick one up. I'll see if I can get to this weekend. I hope with at least one light working the po-po wont be gettin me!

Thanks for replyin to me quick .

 

[MAY03LT]

I've had a few of these that I had to tweak the pins in the socket to get a better bite on the bulb.

 

[Mounce]

My bad, Matt, I read your post too quick lol.

 

[Sib]

I've had a few of these that I had to tweak the pins in the socket to get a better bite on the bulb.

Can I do this without taking panel off? Can I just take cover off and use a screwdriver and fiddle with them a little bit?

My bad, Matt, I read your post too quick lol.

No worries. Sometimes I ramble with my posts. It always makes sense in my head tho!

 

[kickass audio]

Mine had corrosion on the plug and it snapped one of the little pins off the socket when I removed the bulb. I was lucky and my headlights I bought aftermarket came with the 194 bulb sockets so I just cut the OEM one out and put the aftermarket one in and went on my way. If it is just dirty, try some contact cleaner otherwise try a junk yard and either grab the lights from the license plate adapter or from the front corner lights on the headlight.

 

[MAY03LT]

This is what you'll see with the cover off. It might be hard to see in the pic but the contacts are right there. Plenty of room for a mini pick or a pocket screwdriver.

 

[BlazingTrails]

Just make sure to leave your lights off whilst fiddling with the pins

 

[Sib]

20141212_194929.jpg

This is what you'll see with the cover off. It might be hard to see in the pic but the contacts are right there. Plenty of room for a mini pick or a pocket screwdriver.

Thanks. Seems easier than taking door panel off. At least it's a simple starting point.

Just make sure to leave your lights off whilst fiddling with the pins

 

[BlazingTrails]

Thanks. Seems easier than taking door panel off. At least it's a simple starting point.

Yeah that's not a bad idea to check. btw you can get the 194 sockets at the auto parts store. I have several hanging on my pegboard.

 

[Sib]

Yeah that's not a bad idea to check. btw you can get the 194 sockets at the auto parts store. I have several hanging on my pegboard.

Good info. Hopefully it's just the pins. I poke around in there. Also it's an even better project to drink a beer with. Put my head flashlight on so I can see (since I will have my lights off ) and can use one hand on the screwdriver and a cold beer in the other!

 

[BlazingTrails]

Good info. Hopefully it's just the pins. I poke around in there. Also it's an even better project to drink a beer with. Put my head flashlight on so I can see (since I will have my lights off ) and can use one hand on the screwdriver and a cold beer in the other!

Now your using the old noggin for something useful

 

[Sib]

Now your using the old noggin for something useful

I always say...It's more than just a hat holder.

 

[paulcmartin]

I had the same problem...checked fuses...wires and used a multimeter. I put in some led bulbs from ebayband the problem solved itself

 

[Sib]

I've had a few of these that I had to tweak the pins in the socket to get a better bite on the bulb.

I had the same problem...checked fuses...wires and used a multimeter. I put in some led bulbs from ebayband the problem solved itself

So I took a pocket screwdriver and messed with the pins a little. I also just took old bulbs out and added the leds in. I am chalkin it up to me messin with the pins and adding leds. Thanks MAY and paulc.

I'd throw a pic up (cuz I know it didn't happen unless there's a pic) but I have no idea how tbh. I put a pic of the ride up in a diff thread and i don't remember how i did it. WTF is wrong with me?

 

[MAY03LT]

You can use attachments or an image hosting site for pics. I use photobucket.

Also.thanks for coming back to post the fix.