I have replaced the tail light socket (passenger side) and bulb (1157). When the light are turned on, the driver side tail light is very bright and passenger dim. When the brakes are applied, the driver side goes dim and the passenger side gets bright. Whole thing started because I changed the socket - the old socket frame was to loose to hold the bulb. Any help is appreciated.

 

Make sure you're getting a good ground, it sounds like you might not be. The light housing could be corroded where the socket plugs in, or the tab on the socket might not be making contact with the housing. Does anything happen if you fiddle with the sockets while the lights are on?

 

When I wiggle or jiggle the socket, the light will either go out or get brighter. I checked the taillight housing and even wire brushed it to make sure there was good contact. I installed a jumper wire from the socket to the chasis and all that did was make the dim light go bright. Really at wits end. I purchased 2 new sockets and new bulbs and thought I would try that tomorrow. Trying to get this last bug worked out before the Hot Rod Power Tour. I should have just taped the bulb and not replaced the old socket to keep it from being loose.

 

Make sure the tail light housing is grounded well too. I believe there is a ground wire on one of the housing to body bolts.
Could be that your socket(s) are shot too. Have you tried checking with a meter for power on the socket bulb terminals?

 

I agree with Camaro69, sounds like you have a bad/loose/corroded ground somewhere.

 

Well I should have tested the voltage to each wire. I had the drivers side black for lights and white for brake. I wired the passenger side opposite - black was brake and white was lights. I should have checked the voltage to see how the drivers side was wired before installng the new socket. Switched the passenger socket wiring to match the driver side and it works. Thanks for the help. Obviously I just joined the forum - how long before I lose the Newbie line? I haven't joined any other sites like this - there seems to be alot of activity in this forum.

 

Heh, heh, probably till you're no longer a newbie.