Side Lights

[The Dog House]

The side lights on my F26 have 12V when measured with a multimeter but the light bulbs do not light. The previous owner mounted a combination bowlight that works so I'm legal for night running. I'm just wondering why/how the sockets would have 12V but the light bulbs stay dark. The bulbs work in other installations, so I know the bulbs are good. Any ideas?

[gettaway]

are you checking 12V + and the ground across the fixture ? is it a bayonet or socket bulb ?
If a socket style, do you have the correct bulb, some have two contacts on the bottom, some have a single contact, the locking pins will fit but the bulb wont light with the wrong pin / socket combination

just some ideas you may already know

[The Dog House]

The bulbs are festoon bulbs with the electrical contact at each end. I'm measuring the voltage between the two electrical contacts that the ends of the bulb sit in.

[P-Dogg]

Voltage is different from current, and the light needs both. You can measure 12v and have insufficient current to power the bulb. Most likely you have a corroded contact somewhere (not necessarily at the bulb) which is preventing adequate current from passing. Try loosening and re-tightening any screwed-together contacts that feed the light (both positive and ground). If that doesn't work, turn your attention to crimped connectors. Good luck.

As I went to hit "preview", it occurred to me that the bulb contacts may be riveted. Check them for corrosion that may be preventing good electrical contact.

[lawyerdave71]

Also try light sanding of contacts and bulbs which I have to do from time to time.