Ariel.Club Forum

I had Brammo send me new light fittings.  My front clear lamps haven't worked properly since day one and my rear brake lights didn't work with regular bulbs, but I managed to get LED bulbs to stay in there...just by luck they're a little different on the size of the posts at the base of the bulb.

Anyways, I don't have my Atom here to test, but, I'm probably the most recent one to recieve the new housings and I plan on installing them myself, and I wanted to comment for anyone else needing replacements.  The most current version I recieved looks identical at least from memory, however the fitment is WAY WAY better.  When you insert the bulb and depress the bulb and turn it so that it seats in the housing, there's no doubt it's going to stay put.  In contrast the original ones when you pushed the bulb in and twisted  it, it would pop back out unless you did it JUST right.

I'll take close up pics when I get my car back so I can post the difference for everyone to see.  But for now I wanted to post up so that if there's anyone else needing replacements they know the newest rendition seems to be the best.

[quote="Lane"]
Well, I've read about everyone's bulb problems and it just happened to me.  Unfortunate part was I was in the middle of my registration inspection with a state patrol inspector and the fact that I drove there (and now had to drive home) with non-functioning brake lights didn't go over very well.  [/quote]

Take a look at my "spare parts I carry in my car" list.

1156 and 1157 bulbs (get ones with silver-colored bases, not brass) and a screwdriver will set you right. And most inspectors will accept an "on-the-spot" repair, particularly if you assure them that you checked when you left the house and everything was good then.

Well, I've read about everyone's bulb problems and it just happened to me.  Unfortunate part was I was in the middle of my registration inspection with a state patrol inspector and the fact that I drove there (and now had to drive home) with non-functioning brake lights didn't go over very well. 

As suggested in another post, a few tiny dots of solder on the bulb side posts appeared to help.

Thanks cshama, Joe is already sending me the interim replacements, should get it this week.
I tried epoxy/silicone, but the socket was so bad, that nothing would be able to hold it, anyways, lets trade notes once we get the new ones installed.
Fiesty

Why you are waiting for the Brammo replacement I have a quick but nasty fix. Smear epoxy around the base of the bulb nd insert it. It will not lose contact again. Changing burnt out bulbs wont be easy though. My feeling is that it is such a safety/legal problem that I wanted something done asap.

Contact Joe Wissman at Brammo and he will help you. They have a fix.

you'd be surprised what things Brammo is being prevented from doing cough cough

[quote="Bruce Fielding"]
I find it interesting that hardly any of the Brit contingent (with the possible exception of Mr Lloyd) have as much trouble with brake lights as you guys do. I don't suppose it could be the bulbs available in the US as opposed to the holders?
[/quote]

It's possible that the pins on the sides of the bulbs are different.  It seems like they don't have enough interference with the housing.  The housings have "J" shaped slots to hold the pins.  If the pins aren't long enough, they will slip out.  I'm not sure, but I think that's what happened to mine.

[quote="Bruce Fielding"]
I find it interesting that hardly any of the Brit contingent (with the possible exception of Mr Lloyd) have as much trouble with brake lights as you guys do. I don't suppose it could be the bulbs available in the US as opposed to the holders?
[/quote]

On a mile per bulb (or should that be a bulb per mile) basis I'm no worse than anyone else.  I've been trying to crack 23,000 miles (not bulbs), but it hasn't stopped rainning for 2 months.

I find it interesting that hardly any of the Brit contingent (with the possible exception of Mr Lloyd) have as much trouble with brake lights as you guys do. I don't suppose it could be the bulbs available in the US as opposed to the holders?

Yeah, and don't hit the brakes hard if someone is behind you.

[quote="fiestycolumbian"]
I traced the problem to the bulbs not sitting and holding in the socket. any suggestions on how to keep the bulb in the socket in the right position? I have tried everything including tape, silicone, but nothing is able to cope with the vibration and heat surrounding these sockets.
Fiesty
PS- There are no words in the english dictionary to describe how useless these socket housings are, they are completely useless and not to mention bloody frustrating. Brammo has a fix, but can't release it until they get approval from the UK, and I find that is unacceptable that the UK Ariel has not allowed Brammo to release this to its customer, I mean brake light are very important!!
[/quote]

We're all with you.  Wait for a fix from Brammo or replace them with LED lights or some other replacement lights.  In the meantime, avoid driving at night and hope the police don't notice.

I traced the problem to the bulbs not sitting and holding in the socket. any suggestions on how to keep the bulb in the socket in the right position? I have tried everything including tape, silicone, but nothing is able to cope with the vibration and heat surrounding these sockets.
Fiesty
PS- There are no words in the english dictionary to describe how useless these socket housings are, they are completely useless and not to mention bloody frustrating. Brammo has a fix, but can't release it until they get approval from the UK, and I find that is unacceptable that the UK Ariel has not allowed Brammo to release this to its customer, I mean brake light are very important!!

AWWW Fiesty, what do ya need brakes for? Sounds like a short. Good luck.

Take off the red covers and make sure the bulbs are tight.  If not, it can cause some strange results.