GMC Repair: Rear taillight issues, rubber gasket, socket assembly

Question
Hi,

I've got a 98 Tahoe and my driver's side taillight has been having issues.  It seems to burn out (literally burns the bulbs plastic base) the brake and turn signal light (same one) after only a few weeks.  I tried cleaning the socket out but that didnt help.  I bought a new socket assembly but it is an aftermarket part and while it looks like it should be the same, for some reason the lights dont work that well with it.  I have to hold the plug down real tight to the back of the assembly to get the lights to work.  If I take out the rubber gasket on the plug to get the plug to go down further it still wont work.  So I'm left wondering if its an electrical issue with the plug and its wiring or the socket assembly.  Curious due to the fact that the lights work fine in the OEM socket assembly it just burns the one bulb out so often.  How can I test this?  Also, if you think I need to replace the wiring....how?

Answer
It appears to be most definately a SOCKET issue. I would order one from your local dealer. The aftermarkets have their problems as you found out. NEVER EVER leave the gasket off.

Anytine their is a poor connection to the bulb from the socket it will usually melt the plastic.

Make SURE that the BLACK ground wire is tightened securely at or near the rear tail light assembly as a loose ground will also cause this same problem.

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