Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Taillamp Wiring/Bulb-Socket problem-Need Advice!

Note: I posted this initally in the Aesthetics Forum, but later decided to post it here, hoping to get some feedback, hope this is okay with the Mods--Thanks!


I recently had to completely change out the rear-left taillamp assembly on my 1998 Contour for a new one. I purchased a used 1998 assembly from a fellow CEGer and the assembly came with it's own bulb-socket that would attach to the factory wiring harness. I installed it today and it fits perfectly in my car. However, I've run into a problem and was looking for some feedback.

My original bulb-socket and wiring harness do not match the new taillamp or the bulb-socket that was sent with it. At first I thought perhaps I was a bit screwy but as it turns out the bulb-socket uses a different type of bulb than I was using originally in my car. Additionally, the socket itself is shaped slightly differently, than my original and now my wiring harness plug will not fit into the back of the new bulb-socket that came with the new assembly. I'm really confused as to this. They both came from 1998 Contours so they should be interchangable. The only thing I can think of is that my car was manufactured in June 98 and perhaps by then they had a mid-year upgrade of some sort that affected the wiring harness/socket/taillamp assembly in these cars.

I'm kind of lost about what to do at this point and was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice. I've tried calling a number of autostores to see if they carry such an adaptor or new harness -- hoping to purchase one and splice the new plug into the existing wiring, but no one seems to carry them.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Only thing I can think of is on all the wiring diagrams there is a change after 03/98.
If the retired guru Horseydug runs into this, he knows everything!!! Eh!!! Heh those electrical engineers are an interesting bunch!

Paul

That's an interesting point. So does that mean that after 3/98 there was a number of upgrades to the Contour that may have affected this? My car being built in 6/98 may have been affected. Would the logical conclusion then be that I'm looking for a wiring harness from a pre-3/98 Contour? Possible 95-very early 98?

Any insight would be appreciated.

There is two different bulb styles on 98 contours almost made the same mistake when replaceing tail light lens on mine. Also had to replace socket due to a stray cooler smashimg one i found a replacement one at junk yard you may be able to get replacement ends that work from a similer source. The plug in sockets are nice unless you need the whole end, the dealer will only sell you the whole wireing harness good luck