Changed my right rear running light today. I turned the headlights on the car to see which where burnt out. Found it, fixed it, but it was hot.Why would it be hot? It was burnt out and very black. Here are the new and old bulbs--guess which.

Julien/Vancouver (BC)
1998 SL2 (M/T) 150,000 km

 

Can't help but notice all the corrosion on the old bulb. Was probably leaking current thru the corrosion betw the contacts at the bottom of the bulb

 

Mmmm, toasty. The corrosion may have closed the circuit heating up the metal of the bulb. Hope you put some dielectric grease on there!

 

I have replaced many bulbs that were black and hot. I have also changed many bulbs that are dim and not quite as black. I assume that the bulbs are still lit but the glass is so dark you can't see the light.

 

Well, well....that's what happens when ya overlook the obvious

Thanks for hangin out here, Andy...

(you display such grace in revealing the truth without inflicting emotional distress to those whom have failed before you)