Tail Light Bulbs - Hot and Melting

[alittleedgy]

Hello guys and gals:

 

I have a 2007 Ford Edge. I think I've seen this being discussed in some places...but thought I would re-introduce the topic as it is a bit perplexing and potentially dangerous.

 

My tail light bulbs and bulb sockets are showing a lot of evidence of getting hot and melting. Ford of course is NOT fessing up and I have read similar experiences from others elsewhere. I went to the dealer yesterday and they were dismissive as I was expecting. When I brought up the subject of reading about numerous instances on the internet he responded "You can find evidence of ANYTHING on the interenet if you look hard enough". So, to hell with the Ford dealer - I will remember this when I replace this car. I am on my own. So, on to the fix - I trust this forum more than the Ford dealer at this point.

 

I am going to replace the socket and the bulb. The socket will have to remain OEM. But the bulb...obvioiusly needs to be an LED.. I have seen where others have replaced these bulbs (Sylvania 4157 is what the car came with) with LEDs. Now...I am unsure as to the replacement I should be looking for.

 

1. Should I be looking to replace a 4157 or a 3157? (I've seen both being discussed)

2. Should I be looking for a red or white light? (I have seen both discussed)

3. And what about the flashing feature? Do I need to take this into consideration? I have seen this discussed insofar as having to mate the correct flasher to the LED. Seems odd because I thouight the bulb was a dumb part and only takes the signal given it. Hopefully someone can shed light on this for me (pun intended).

 

Also - it seems odd that there does not seem to be a dedicated fuse for the tail lights...must be shared on a different circuit. At least that's the way it seems to be according to my owner's manual.

 

AND...if anyone can be so kind as to suggest a source and P/N for the replacement bulb I would be additionally grateful as there seems to be many POTENTIAL types and sources - hard to know which may have given others trouble/success.

 

Thanks all for your help...last time I was on this forum with an issue it was very, very helpful!!

[full_jingbang]

I am having the same problem, the socket as well as the plastic base of the bulb is melted. it was hard to take out the bulb to replace it. but I did it anyways.

now i am looking for the socket to change and found a part number 13411B about 11$-15$ ea.

use a normal double filament bulb (it will also melt, i dont know why).

[Lincwitsync]

Hey...you might want to check your headlight sockets too. My light sockets had melted brown spots only on the driver's side for the headlights and directional tailights. I kept mine stock as far as replacement goes. I just keep an eye on the sockets/wiring to make sure my baby doesn't catch fire.

Edited January 5, 2013 by Lincwitsync

[railroad]

There are LED replacements for all of the common filiment type bulbs. They do not require changing out the sockets. Most truck stops have them. Speedway automotive also carries them. After replacing them, your turn signals may not work. The LEDs do not draw enough current to activate the flasher switch. The automotive market also sells a plug in load cell to correct for this, so again no modifications required. There may be a problem with the sockets melting, but make sure you are not resting your foot on the brake while driving. The bright side of the bulb does generate a lot of heat.

[Lincwitsync]

I am curious to the end result myself. Please keep us informed.

[Christopher Jay Dunning]

Any updates on this?

[CAW1966]

I had a tail light go out this week. Took it in to be changed today and found out the socket is burnt and needs replaced. This is a 2008 model. Ford needs to have a fix or recall on this.

[full_jingbang]

I had the same problem for the tail lights,

replaced the sockets & bulbs,

Im sure this will happen again some day, so im just waiting for the light to go OFF, then again I will replace them

 

I think they used poor plastic for the sockets, it cannot take the heat of electricity.... and I dont think FORD is focusing on this issue,

[Ron Bemberry]

have u guys tried changing the fuse to a smaller one

[2007Edge]

I just replaced mine complete burned but still working, the price in ford dealer was 20 something $,found replacement on rockauto for 3.67 (in the lamp & socket for ford escape 2007 2.3 L L4). it fits on ford edge 2007.

part

AIRTEX / WELLS 1P1466‏

 

Edited January 8, 2014 by 2007Edge

[enigma-2]

Sorry about reviving such an old thread. My pass rear turn signal bulb burnt out and I thought I replace both (as when one me goes, the other is also probably as worn.)

 

Reason I'm posting is, both sockets looked like new, no evidence of burning or overheating. Bulb is 3057K. (09 MKX).