Burned out

I had a turn signal indicator that was flashing very fast. Googled it and learned that this is by design when a bulb no longer works. Went out and checked and sure enough, left-rear light was out.

Removed the whole red-plastic-covered “assembly,” disconnected the wiring, removed the bulb-and-socket and went off to the auto parts store. Well, took this photo first, for “macro-march.” This bulb (Sylvania #3157) is approximately an inch across and 1-5/16" from base to crown.

For $7.99 (tax included), I came home with two new bulbs and “bulb grease.” Greased the base, replaced the bulb, reconnected the wiring, reinserted the bulb into its collar, reattached the whole assembly to the car and I’m good to go again. Parts, $7.99. Google? Priceless, right? (And the O’Reilly Auto Parts web site, too!)

Can someone explain why these modern bulbs won’t work, even though the filament is seemingly unbroken?

1 year ago (“Spring’s a-comin’!”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2013-03-10
2 years ago (“Spring is springing forth!”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-03-10
3 years ago (“Lighting by IKEA…”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-03-10

[Frank Hymus]

Fun shot. Looks like something I would see at the Thomas Edison Museum just down the road from me in New Jersey. http://www.nps.gov/edis/index.htm

[Rick Schies]

An easy fix I assume. Sometimes just being able to get to the bulb is a maze of unscrewing this and that, a major job.

[Thom Mitchell]

@digitalrn Yep; easy fix. And you're right about gaining access, Rick! This is most of the time. Is it any wonder when mechanics have to get at "stuff" under the hood, most of the labor is just getting to the problem!

[Thom Mitchell]

@frankhymus Thanks, Frank! And at the Henry Ford in Michigan, http://www.thehenryford.org/village/map.aspx?extLocation=edisoncomplex, where my older daughter worked in the Edison laboratory a couple summers in college.