2002 Chevy Cavalier Rear Blinker / Brake Light Problem

CANDYLEER

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET CAVALIER

2002 Chevy Cavalier

I recently changed one of my blinker bulbs due to it being burnt out. Ever since then (last week), both of my blinkers and my break lights only work intemittently. I have found that if I "jiggle" the sockets on both sides, that the lights will start working again, but as soon as I hit a bump, they stop.

Any advise on how to go about fixing this problem without having to spend a fortune at the shop? I do not have the extra money right now to pay for a shop to fix this problem, but driving without blinkers / brakes is definitely not a good thing.

Any and all help would be appreciated.

Candy

4 Replies

JLEGUE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hey there, I just posted a similar question about my 2002 Cavalier. Same thing happened to me but I am not getting ripped off at the shop so I thought posting here might help. Seems you haven't gotten any response. Doesn't look good for me. If you got any info for me I would appreciate it - my post is on the Cavalier posting site and my ID is jlegue

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Thursday, June 26th, 2008 AT 1:38 PM

CANDYLEER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I am sorry to hear that you are having the same problems as I am having with my car. The last time that I looked at my bulbs and such, I actually took the bulb out and noticed that the sockets actually look like they are corroded a bit. I tried calling the dealer and asking if I could just buy the socket, but unfortunately I can't. It is a whole wiring harness - one for each side. And they run $90 per side - plus the cost of labor (about 30 min each). For me, I am looking at about $300 to get it repaired.

I am on the search for a possible way to "clean up" the sockets and get rid of the erosion. If I find anything, I will let you know. If you could do the same it would be most appreciated.

Candy

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Thursday, June 26th, 2008 AT 1:52 PM

JUSTDON

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150 POSTS

Most auto parts stores sell cleaners for the socket connectors. They also sell a grease to help prevent further problems.

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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 AT 9:18 AM

CORSETKRAZY

MEMBER
1 POST

Yes, I had this exact problem and the answer is that whatever grease they used when inserting the bulbs corrodes, and both mine did it on the exact same day and then worked intermittently for 2 months (giggling here and there). Take out the bulbs and clean them and clean down in the socket with a cleaner from the auto parts store, make sure to clean the wires, and then put a thin coating of sythentic oil like #1 grease and that will solve your problem. I know this drove me crazy and I was sweating a huge service bill but thank goodness we figured it out.

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Monday, March 2nd, 2009 AT 9:24 PM