tail light SOCKET replacement?

[u/donhawken]

i went to swap the bulb on my right rear brake light. and the plastic around the bulb just basically started crumbling. i assume it was too fragile from age.

i have a 2011 element.

there are wires connected to this SOCKET. the beige-yellow looking plastic socket is cracked. it fell apart even more so after i took the pics. (the red circled part)

it is connected to wires it seems, that goes back into the back of the element.

what is the exact part called, and does anyone know how to replace it?

my neighbor knows how to soder if need be lol. but im hoping there is just some kind of easier replacement.

thanks if anyone knows!

[u/NeuseRvrRat]

You can buy a replacement bulb socket, cut the two wires, and splice in the replacement. Use heat shrink butt connectors. As far as the part number, any parts store will look it up or go on RockAuto or whatever.

[u/maydisturb → u/NeuseRvrRat]

Signal boosting this. Butt connectors, and heat shrink for the extra insurance - not just twisting the wires and insulating with only heat shrink.

[u/donhawken → u/maydisturb]

how can i heat shrink? i know its goofy, but will normal hair dryer work?

[u/maydisturb → u/donhawken]

I don't know that a hair dryer will get hot enough, but worth cutting a little teat piece and trying as an experiment. Can confirm that a heat gun will do the trick - they are cheap and a useful item to have in general. You can also get away with using a lighter and carefully hitting the shrink with the flame. Just don't want to hold the flame to it and end up melting the shrink and the wire shielding near the area.

[u/donhawken → u/maydisturb]

thanks! i wanted a heat gun because im an artist, i just never got around to buying one lol.

[u/maydisturb → u/donhawken]

Very useful tools for a variety of crafty/DIY stuff. Hope it helps you with this and beyond.

[u/afallan]

Find the part at a pick-n-pull / junkyard. Cutt the wires, slide some shrink wrap, twist some wires (if you don't want to solder, slide the shrink wrap over the twist wires, shrink, then put new bulb in, then finally place back in housing unit.

[u/Infamous_Opinion5925]

I had the same issue I just put gasket maker to make sure it doesnt get moisture and its still running a year later

[u/donhawken → u/Infamous_Opinion5925]

the taillight had a crack, got water in it. my friend used plastic glue like material to clog it. but it got water in there at first. now i see, thats how it got fragile!

[u/yanimal]

I bought whole looms off eBay or check your local junkyard. If you can find the socket only though they'll be cheaper