This bulb is smarter than me

[Scott2.0]

I feel like an idiot. Shouldn’t this tail light bulb just push in, twist and come out? I’m pushing but it doesn’t want to turn nor eject. Please and thank you.

[cwcarpenter98]

Yes, it should push in and turn. Sometimes, I feel like I pushed mine far enough in, but it wasn't and needed a little more shove

[Scott2.0]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

Yes, it should push in and turn. Sometimes, I feel like I pushed mine far enough in, but it wasn't and needed a little more shove

Feel like it's going to go through my thumb if I push any harder. I'll keep at it. Thanks!

[Joe P]

Wrap it in a rag first. Work it. Wiggle it. Just a little bit. It may come out. Seriously, be careful! I once sliced opened the end of my thumb when the glass crumbled because I was trying to do what you are doing. I can show you the scar. If it wont move then very carefully break the glass (Or pull off the bulb from the base) and use a needle nose or duck bill pliers to push in, twist, and pull out the brass bulb base. I always use dielectric grease or silicone paste when installing the new bulb. Its an old trick and for sure it wont get stuck again. You don't need much, just a light coat. Good luck!

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by Joe P

Wrap it in a rag first. Work it. Wiggle it. Just a little bit. It may come out. Seriously, be careful! I once sliced opened the end of my thumb when the glass crumbled because I was trying to do what you are doing. I can show you the scar. If it wont move then very carefully break the glass (Or pull off the bulb from the base) and use a needle nose or duck bill pliers to push in, twist, and pull out the brass bulb base. I always use dielectric grease or silicone paste when installing the new bulb. Its an old trick and for sure it wont get stuck again. You don't need much, just a light coat. Good luck!

I guess I'm not the only one to slice the snot out of my thumb or finger pulling out a stubborn bulb! I went and looked for a recommendation for bulb pliers to post, but then the lunch tapeworm woke up and I had other business to tend to. I pack the socket full of grease too, after putting in a new bulb. It's not much of a problem in the desert parts of sunny southern California, but bad in a lot of places.

[jayoldschool]

If the bulb is bad already, smash it, clear out the glass, then push/turn the brass with needle nose pliers.

[jweb]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

If the bulb is bad already, smash it, clear out the glass, then push/turn the brass with needle nose pliers.

This is what I would do. It's possible someone put the wrong bulb in and it's really stuck in there. Get the glass out of the way, then you can bend the metal inward if needed to free it up.