Failed VA State Inspection - Light Bulb Issue
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Centreville VA
Failed VA State Inspection - Light Bulb Issue
After 6 months of waiting to finally get back from Afghanistan and get my trailing arm replaced, my car back is finally back on the road, BUT that was short lived as it failed the VA State inspection.
The passenger side tail bulb does not illuminate enough when applying the brakes when the lights are on. The inspection tech said both filaments in the bulb are active when the lights are on. Has anyone had this issue? The tech suggested it is a wiring issue, the car passed inspection last year, I think he is just being too overly critical of a minor issue with a classic car.
When I apply the brakes the light does illuminate a tad bit more, it is just not as apparent on the right side as the left.
The passenger side tail bulb does not illuminate enough when applying the brakes when the lights are on. The inspection tech said both filaments in the bulb are active when the lights are on. Has anyone had this issue? The tech suggested it is a wiring issue, the car passed inspection last year, I think he is just being too overly critical of a minor issue with a classic car.
When I apply the brakes the light does illuminate a tad bit more, it is just not as apparent on the right side as the left.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
Glad I don't live in Va anymore! Mine on my right wouldn't light up real bright so I pulled the lens and found that the bulb socket had slipped out so the light was only about half way in the tail light lens, if that makes sense...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
how do they know how many miles you drive? i used to live in fairfax county and dealt with this crap used to be every 6 months, now i guess its yearly. the problem was finding an inspector with some intelligence. few good places. i agree though, likely a ground issue. heck add a ground to the taillights.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 675
Likes: 1
From: Mount Laurel NJ
I live in VA as well, best to do antique. You just can't drive it as a daily driver, you technically are only suppose to go back and forth to car shows, repair shops, etc and minimal personal driving.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Centreville VA
My car does get alot of attention everywhere it goes. I will take a look at the ground, clean the terminals and hope for the best.
I am probably going to sell the car in the fall (I have a baby on the way), will antique plates help or hinder a possible sale?
I am probably going to sell the car in the fall (I have a baby on the way), will antique plates help or hinder a possible sale?
Pro
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake Virginia
I doubt the plates would have an impact, but, not having an inspection may, most people aren't familiar with cars and assume that if it has a valid inspection it MUST be in good shape---and converesly, if it doesn't have one, there HAS to be something wrong with it.
if you get lucky and find someone who knows cars and more importantly, corvettes it probably won't hurt ya.
if you get lucky and find someone who knows cars and more importantly, corvettes it probably won't hurt ya.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Bad ground if the bulb doesn't provide much light. You may also want to check if the bulb is installed 180 degrees out from how it should be installed. If I remember correctly, that is a bayonet type bulb with two pins protruding from the sides. But, the [height] positioning of the pins is different. Put it in the wrong way and it won't work properly. So, try inserting it the other way.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 363
Likes: 72
From: Somers New York
Yeah, bad ground/electrical connection somewhere. Check the bulb socket contacts for corrosion. Also check the corresponding contacts on the end of the bulb. And thank you for your military service.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
I too would do antique plates on it. I've got them on my 79. There's no milieage restriction, but as stated above, you're restricted in the usage of the car. It's never been an issue to me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 9
From: Winston Ga.
hey 75_stinger
when you pull your lights give the wires a little tug at the bulb socket. I found one of mine (with the same issue) was corroded inside the socket and when I tugged on it it just pulled right out.
New socket and all was well.
I agree its got to be a ground somewhere.
when you pull your lights give the wires a little tug at the bulb socket. I found one of mine (with the same issue) was corroded inside the socket and when I tugged on it it just pulled right out.
New socket and all was well.
I agree its got to be a ground somewhere.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Centreville VA
Thanks for all the tips, I did find a more understanding inspector yesterday and he passed the car. I did identify the issue though, two of them actually.
When I turn the lights on, it shorts out the radio for a second. Also, both turn signals work just fine when the headlights are off, but when the headlights are on, the right turn signal will activate and just stay on, it won't blink.......I am a little stumped.
I pulled the bulb, the leads and connections are clean and rust free, the bulb is in the correct position, anyone know what the issue could be?
When I turn the lights on, it shorts out the radio for a second. Also, both turn signals work just fine when the headlights are off, but when the headlights are on, the right turn signal will activate and just stay on, it won't blink.......I am a little stumped.
I pulled the bulb, the leads and connections are clean and rust free, the bulb is in the correct position, anyone know what the issue could be?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Triangle Area NC
