I recently purchased an '01 SSEi. Today, I was following my wife and noticed that the only brake lamp functioning was the third brake out of the trunk lid. I discovered this evening that all four lamps had burnt brake lamp filiments in every bulb. The parking/running filiments were all good. As for the bulb sockets, they were all pretty charred. I'll need to get some new pigtails soon. I replaced all the bulbs after literally digging them out of the sockets. Anyone else come across this problem? Just wondering if this is common.

Lots of people have had problems with bulbs burning out prematurely, but this is the first time I've heard of this problem. Perhaps others have heard of this, but I don't believe it to be common. Depending on how many you need, a wrecker might be a better option and just replace the applicable harnesses.

I agree that this is the first that I recall of a damaged socket in the 00+*. Any moisture getting into the assembly? The OEM bulbs do seem to go relatively early. I've had good luck with the Sylvania Long Life bulbs as replacements. While you're in there, may well check the side marker lamps (#3 in the picture in this techinfo thread) which are likely also burned out.
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...=article&k=105

I didn' find any moisture in the actual housings themselves. I purchased the car from Shreveport, LA. The first thing I did was check under all the carpet and pulled the leather loose from the seat frames to check for rust. As far as I can tell, it was NOT a Katrina car. I had to break 3 of the 4 bulbs to pry them out of the sockets. So, I twisted the filaments together the get a pair of crimpers to grasp them. As soon as I get time to take pics of the car and the sockets, you'll see what I mean. As for finding a junk Bonnie around the West Texas area, they're pretty scarce. Everything around here is SUV'* and Oil Field trucks. But I'll keep looking.

If you can't find used, Autozone carries the replacements.

I have changed out 3 taillight bulbs in 6 years, 87000 miles .....

Carter

If the connection was bad enough..I could see them heating up over time and causing the charred issue.

When you get new sockets and reassemble, make sure you use dielectric great to ensure good clean contacts.