Troubleshooting 1157 Replacement Light Bulb That Will Not Illuminate

Question:

Having hard time getting new bulb to connect to contacts

asked by: Greg

Expert Reply:

An 1157 bulb like # A1157B installs by rotating it in the socket so that the two small tabs on its base lock into place. This makes the ground connection. The bottom of the bulb's base has a contact for the +12V input. Please check that the bulb is fully inserted and rotated into its locked position.

If you see any discoloration at all on the socket - even slight greenish or whitish discoloration - this can indicate corrosion that could be interfering with power reaching the bulb. You can try using a spray-on contact cleaner like Caig De-Oxit or try using a pencil eraser to rub off the corrosion. In cases of severe corrosion some very fine (500-grit) sand paper placed over the pencil eraser will help to clean off the corrosion.

Once you get your bulb going you can use dielectric grease like # 11755 to keep dirt and moisture out of the connections for better long-term performance.

expert reply by: Adam R