gbbarr209

1968 Olds Cutlass S model. Front Parking light bulb replacement. I have removed the two screws and chrome bezel. Before I attempt to pry this out is this the correct way to change the bulb? lens assy does not want to pull out with bezel off.

Octania

yes, it is the right method
typically the gasket has become stuck to the lens.
pry gently and carefully.
I use the screw holes if possible
give it time- apply force and wait
if any section begins to move and come free, concentrate on that area.
you may break the lens anyhow. Can you get a new one ?

wire brush clean out the socket - plumbing wire brush may work.
put silicone grease on the base of the bulb to ward off oxidation.
finally, put silicone grease where the gasket contacts the lens, to ease future work, and ward off water entry, and put some on the screws as well, to ward off oxidation there.

joe_padavano

Actually, there is a tool made specifically for this, available in auto parts stores under KD or Lisle brands, I think:

gbbarr209

gbbarr209

Thank you. It worked great. removed and replaced bulb. after further inspection I realized the concern is the bulb works when turn signal is activated, however not when the lights are on.

Octania

bad ground or faulty turn signal switch comes to mind. Does the TS Sw feel odd as you actuate it, like it may be broken inside? ALL the flasher and signal wiring runs thru that switch.

joe_padavano

That's a bad ground at the socket. The 1157 bulb has two separate filaments joined at the ground. When the ground is bad, the turn signal filament will ground through the parking light circuit, so long as the lights are off. When the lights are on, there's +12V on the parking light circuit and thus the turn signal doesn't have a ground path. Fix the bad ground.

Yellowstatue

Also, the '68 park light has a separate ground wire that is attached to the rad cradle in front of the battery. There are two or three wires grounded at that point, headlight etc.

Octania

Here is what I meant for grease
for those who assert that DIELECTRIC grease is not for electrical connections, please not the wording pointed out.

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