OK here's what happened today.

 

I go to the second-closest Subaru dealership (the closest, Stevens Creek Subaru, is a proper stealership trying to force people to buy cars marked over MSRP) to buy a new right front turn signal lamp because I'm an OEM whore (despite being more expensive and with same parts available at auto stores), and that they'd probably have an easier time finding a bulb for me.

 

Not what I thought, I was told to get the bulb myself. So I did. Not a problem, right? Wrong!

 

Long story short, the signal lamp assembly was a PITA to take off, since the Haynes Service Manual simply said to "maneuver the assembly out". Easier said than done. After fiddling with it, gave it to the parts guy, got my overpriced amber bulb ($12?!), then put it back.

 

I turn on the hazards, it doesn't work. I turn on the battery (with headlights on) and try the right-turn signal. It flashes fast. So I go back and clean the contacts on the bulb. Hazards and signals fine.

 

BUT here's the problem:

 

The signal lamps by default turn on partially when the headlights are on. Now the right front signal lamp does not turn on when the headlights are on, but do work when signaling or using hazards.

 

Can anybody help? This isn't too big of an issue, but I would like all my lamps to be fully working! As for searching, the search function wasn't too helpful for me since it gave me a large proportion of unrelated threads.

What year and model Subaru do you have?

you have a short...check the rear lamps in the hatch. ive seen these get super rusty and cause all kinds of issues...also if you have trailer lights check the converter box.

And the Owners manual tells you how to replace bulbs. I go with the short but why did you buy a bulb at a dealer$hip. Bulbs are bulbs are bulbs and any autopart chain store will have a full selection

 

CLean all the contacts, and how well do the rears operate.

What year and model Subaru do you have?

1999 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited wagon

 

you have a short...check the rear lamps in the hatch. ive seen these get super rusty and cause all kinds of issues...also if you have trailer lights check the converter box.

I was sure the rear lamps are fine, but I'll check again.

 

And the Owners manual tells you how to replace bulbs. I go with the short but why did you buy a bulb at a dealer$hip. Bulbs are bulbs are bulbs and any autopart chain store will have a full selection

 

CLean all the contacts, and how well do the rears operate.

 

DOH! Dammit, I forgot the owners manual shows how to replace bulbs. I was using the Haynes Subaru Legacy service manual. It's not very helpful sometimes...

 

 

Anyways, I'll consider all that you've said!

 

EDIT: I just checked the rear lamps if they work, they all work. As for their condition, I'll get to that. First, I'll clean the contacts tomorrow, maybe that has an effect on it...

Edited August 9, 201015 yr by AWDfreak
update

 

EDIT: I just checked the rear lamps if they work, they all work. As for their condition, I'll get to that. First, I'll clean the contacts tomorrow, maybe that has an effect on it...

 

set up the car so it is doing the wrong thing, use a stick or brick to push on the brake pedal. then pull the rear light bulbs until something changes. if it is a bulb you will find it. it you don't find it then it's a wire.

I feel incredibly STUPID!

 

Cleaned the contacts on the bulb (AGAIN) and then bent the bulb housing (or whatever it's called) contacts longer to make sure it made full contact. Tried the headlights, worked. Tried the turn signals and hazards, worked.

 

 

Yeah, simple as that, the contacts were probably too dirty and/or not touching very well.