Green goo in headlight receptacle

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 4:40 am

The low beam headlight on the passenger side of my 04 Vibe has turned out. I bought a new bulb, unplugged the old bulb, but can't get the old bulb out. I guess I'll have to go to a mechanic to do that, but before I do I'm concerned about the green goo that's on the prongs of the bulb and in the receptacle that it plugs into. What is this stuff and should I be concerned?I spent most of my life in New York City without a car and am obviously profoundly ignorant when it comes to cars and how they work. Thanks.

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 5:05 am

corrosion. Wipe it off and add some new dielectric grease to the plug socket before you put the new bulb in

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 5:13 am

Any advice on how to get the old bulb out? I can reach its prongs with my fingers, but can't get a good enough grip to pull it out. I've tried pliers, but can't position them in a way that I can pull the old bulb straight out.

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 6:20 am

there is a spring bulb retainer that holds the bulb in location.once you push down and pull out to swing the retention spring away the bulb will come right out.

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 6:46 am

What about the rubber seal around the bulb...can you pull that out?I'm amazed by your pictures and wondering if it's especially hard to replace bulbs in older Vibes like my '04. Thanks.

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 7:17 am

pull the rubber seal off.All 03-08 vibe headlights are the same.

djkeev · Post by **djkeev** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 9:39 am

Just a tip, if you're replacing one, replace the other. The bulbs were put in at the factory on the same day at the same time and have burned for the same number of hours. The life span will be very similar. It may also save you from getting a friendly fix it ticket from your local law enforcement people!This holds true with every bulb on the car that come in pairs or multiples. One burns, replace all similar ones at the same time.maybe it's just me but you don't have to keep doing it again and again.Also consider the bulb you are putting in. There is a vast selection of bulbs, some WAY better than others and some have a very very short life span. Do some research, stay away from the Silver Star crap. It is often reported, they don't last, also from personal experience, they don't last, only got 8 months out of them.Dave

Green goo in headlight receptacle

Green goo in headlight receptacle

Re: Green goo in headlight receptacle (Lefty)

Re: (Lefty)

Re: (Lefty)

Re: Green goo in headlight receptacle (Lefty)