I bought new bulbs for my 86GT but they do not fit in the sockets. I don't know the differences in tail lights from year to year. Were mine replaced with '88 lenses? If so, do they use different bulbs? It seems that one of the bulb-tabs is higher than the other (on the new '86 bulbs), but the sockets in my car need tabs on the same level (if you know what I mean when I say "tabs").

Anyway, what am I missing? Here is a shot of my lenses:

Should be 2057's for turn and tail.

quote Originally posted by Dodgerunner:Should be 2057's for turn and tail.

That's what I tried, but they don't fit. Hmmm...

Unless someone changed sockets they should be. Sure they are not bent a little.
Someone didn't put in sequential light and change sockets did they?


Maybe that V8 takes up to much room and they don't fit

[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 09-12-2006).]

The sockets look standard. I guess I can try to put the bulbs into the 87GT I have outside to see if they work.

So, all stock Fieros use the same bulbs?

Thanks for the advice-

Clean out all the goop in the sockets, you`ll find that there are single & dual sockets back there, look for the little slider on each socket side, line up your bulbs side nub with that, press down and turn, then take them back out and re-goop the sockets...Did you get your axle boot fixed ? How does 330HP plus+ feel ?

Not to be a smarta** but did you rotate the bulbs 180 degree and try again? one tab is lower than the other on the bulb making it not fit one way, but fit the other way.

You would not believe the number of cars I see on the road that one of their lights dim when they hit the brakes and then goes back bright as a brake light when they take off because they forced the bulbs in wrong.

Also depending how long the bulbs have been in there, the fiero sockets tend to melt a bit. Almost every socket in my 86GT taillights melted and I had to cut away a bit of plastic that was actually stuck to the bulbs.

quote Originally posted by timgray:Not to be a smarta** but did you rotate the bulbs 180 degree and try again? one tab is lower than the other on the bulb making it not fit one way, but fit the other way. You would not believe the number of cars I see on the road that one of their lights dim when they hit the brakes and then goes back bright as a brake light when they take off because they forced the bulbs in wrong. Also depending how long the bulbs have been in there, the fiero sockets tend to melt a bit. Almost every socket in my 86GT taillights melted and I had to cut away a bit of plastic that was actually stuck to the bulbs.

I did try to reverse the bulbs but no go. I did put in another bulb that only had one tab and it slid in just fine - with the tabs facing either way, so that makes me think that the tabs are level instead of offset. Again, I will try the bulbs in my 87GT to see if they fit - and if they do, I'll just need a new harness because they are all that way.

[This message has been edited by Saxman (edited 09-13-2006).]

The level tabs are usually for the backup light type bulb. Sounds like you have some messed up sockets or someone forced blubs into them the wrong way and buggered them.

quote Originally posted by Saxman: I can't even take off the wheels because the lug nuts all use some type of Torx fitting, but T-55 is too small and T-60 is too big.

call any transmission parts place.
and ask them for a t55"plus" for the bell housing on a chevy truck tranny. should be around $15.00

55 just a bit too small and 60 is just a bit too big.

and dont try the 55 with some valve grinding compound on it, it still wont work.

[This message has been edited by buddycraigg (edited 09-13-2006).]

quote Originally posted by buddycraigg:call any transmission parts place. and ask them for a t55"plus" for the bell housing on a chevy truck tranny. should be around $15.00. 55 just a bit too small and 60 is just a bit too big. and dont try the 55 with some valve grinding compound on it, it still wont work.

Thanks-

I think I will end up going to get a lug nut removal tool and tear them off since they are rusty and won't be reused. I don't want to blow another $15 on something that may not work. It would be nice if Yons still had the right lug tool...

Damn - I just saw that those removal sets are $60! Oh well, plan B (whatever that is). Yons - are you out there?

Wow, guess I'm lucky my son works at Oreily's and got me a pair for $16. Of course you won't believe the markup on tools at parts stores. Most are about 100%

Fun all the stuff you run into with a new car. Never know what someone has done to it...

[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 09-14-2006).]

quote Originally posted by Dodgerunner:Wow, guess I'm lucky my son works at Oreily's and got me a pair for $16. Of course you won't believe the markup on tools at parts stores. Most are about 100%. Fun all the stuff you run into with a new car. Never know what someone has done to it...

No kidding! I still have a list of 6 or 7 questions for the previous owner to answer.

As always - thanks for the help!