mo0620

hi, i just got my smoked hella tail lights, and after installation my driver side brake light does not light up when i press the brake. the bulb lights up but when i press the brake it doesnt get brighter. do you think it is from the bulb? also would autozone or advance auto parts carry this bulb?

thanks

Esquire6

I don't remember if I reused my stock bulbs for mine. Is that an option or did yours come w/ bulbs?

mo0620

yes, i reused the stock ones. i think what happened was one of the filaments burned out on the brake light. i beleive its a dual filament, but im not sure. can anyone confirm what socket it is and what type of bulb i need to purchase?

thanks

Esquire6

I'd bring the bulb in question to the store/dealer and get two to replace the bulbs on both sides.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

There are several bulbs availalble with anywhere from 21cp to 40cp on the bright side. Take your pick...most euro cars use the two pole bulb with the elongated contacts vice the round contacts. For some reason the elongated contacts last/don't corrode, at least in my experience on Saabs, Volvos, and the 2000 4.2Q. One irritation with the low/40cp brake bulbs is that the 40cp side has about a 400 hour lifespan, which in DC/N VA traffic (bummper to bumper traffic, always on brakes w/automatic trans) means replace the bulbs every two years unless you want to risk no brakelights. Even the CHMBL bulbs need to be replaced every three years...and replace all ten of them at once. They were a $1.50 each at dealer. If I wasn't so lazy/cheap I'd replace them with LEDs...they're just simple wedge bulbs like 194's or somesuch.

Esquire6

Did I understand you correctly, I can get plug N play LED replacements for my stock tail/brake bulbs

mo0620

thanks for the suggestions, i heard that the bulbs are socket 1157, is that correct?

thanks

mo0620

well here is just what happened, i went to an audi dealer bought 2 wiper blades for 28 a peice, and also wanted the bulb but was short $2 , i was soo close to getting one.

Esquire6

That's pretty tough not letting you temorarily slide for $2. Oh well, now you know what you need.

mo0620

yup, oh well i just hope the bulb is the problem, and not the wiring, because the bulb stopped working after i installed the new tail lights.