You mean I can't even use cheap taillight bulbs?

[entirelyturbo]

I had an 1157 go out in the taillight a few months ago, how did I know? Because that stupid Stop Lamp light comes on the dash every single time you hit the brakes ! So my grandfather said he had some 1157's laying around, so I got one, it was a cheap-ass Big Lots one, but who cares? It's just a bulb...

As I pulled this very bulb tonight because my stupid dash light started coming on again, I noticed some oxidation on the metal part. I got some real genuine 1157's (Toyota ones ) and haven't had the problem since (about a half-hour ago), I will check again to see if this problem reoccurs...

So I have concluded that no cheap car part is quality, period...

[vrg3]

The bulbs heat and cool often, in an oxygen-rich atmosphere, so it's easy for them to oxidize... As you've experienced, the type of metal used can make a big difference. The better bulbs (like all the European ones) have nickel-plated contacts.

[Legacy777]

Use some light grease/dielectric grease as well to help seal the air out of the bulb socket....which should cut down on oxidation

[HomeSlice]

WHAT JOSH SAID