So I noticed one of my tail lights is not functioning and I can see why when comparing it to the others. The 02 is a new car to me so I'm currently in the learning process. But I couldn't figure out how to fix my problem. The metal connecting bar thing has lost connection with the bulb and I tried a few different ways of bending it to form a connection but was unsuccessful...

Does anyone know how I can fix this?

i searched both here and on the 02faq but didn't find anything about this problem...

how are the metal connectors being held to the tail light bulbs? some sort of solder?

they get a little loose in there. I am experiencing the problem again myself. I'm gonna try to find new tailight assemblies and be done with it

I played around with bending some more and think I have it touching... I dont have another person to look while I step on the brakes... but if its not connected its damn close and I'll use aluminum foil to complete the connection

aluminum foil closed the gap for my brake lights but one of my tail lights has deteriorated completely. i went to remove said bulb and the glass separated from the metal unit that screws into the assembly. now i've tried using pliers to remove the rest of it but have had no luck and sorta messed it up worse. its been squeezed and crunched and pieces of the metal have torn off while trying to remove it. i've also used something to poke the other side while pulling with pliers.... still no luck. shit shit shit shit :mad

i got that mangled bitch out! pliers + something stab the other side out :alright

remember most of these types of bulbs need to be pushed down while turning in order to get them out. and you'll also notice that the little nubs on the sides of the bulbs are staggered, one higher one lower, and needs to go into the bulb socket according to that stagger.

^^^ yes i figured that out by playing with the non corroded bulbs. this bulb nearly shattered when i touched it and chunks of rust came out of the bottom connector piece. fun stuff