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Loose Taillights? - design flaw?

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Old 06-21-2006 | 09:58 AM
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Rob 97 993c2's Avatar
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Default Loose Taillights? - design flaw?

Anyone else have this issue:
I got a new left tail light assembly as the old one was cracked.
After 2 days of driving it was hanging off by the wire

The shop replaced the assembly and said 993 taillights frequently pop out.
They put 2 pieces of "clear" armorfend as tape over both rear taillights to connect to the center reflector as a 'just in case'.

Anything thing else i can do so my car doesnt look like 'Sanford & son' ?
Old 06-21-2006 | 10:01 AM
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I don't see how they could pop out because the are held on by a screw at the forward most edge. I would check that out and make sure the mounting clip is still there and or is in good condition. Never had or heard of that problem. Anyone else?

Mike
Old 06-21-2006 | 10:09 AM
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my screw works. they pop out from the side touching the center strip and then get loose. I have heard of other people glueing their tailight pieces in for this issues, but im trying to avoid that.
Old 06-21-2006 | 10:15 AM
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I was surprised at how cheap this entire assembly was when I needed to replace a bulb. It was pretty dirty inside as they don't use seals any longer.
Old 06-21-2006 | 10:22 AM
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If that's the case what I would do beside having tape on the outside go to a parts store and buy some 3M Moulding tape(it's 2 sided) and use that to adhere it to the bumper from the inside. At least there won't be tape on the outside. Hope this helps. Also make sure the center reflector is mounted properly. The side lights slide into the center reflector. Let me know how this works I can take pics of mine I just installed new lights and haven't had any issues.

Mike
Old 06-21-2006 | 11:21 AM
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I had this happen to me once after the bulb was replaced by a shop. When the screw is replaced, and one is not paying close attention, it can seem as though it is engaging the clip properly, while it is actually grabbing the side of the piece that holds the clip. After bouncing around for a while, it pops out. I have never had a problem when I double check that the screw has properly engaged the clip.
Old 06-21-2006 | 11:51 AM
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Cooked one of mine at the track. Poped out and cooked the face off.......took a lap or two before I got flagged in for it, by then the face had melted off. The best part is that it was a Euro lense
Old 06-21-2006 | 12:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 993inNC
Cooked one of mine at the track. Poped out and cooked the face off.......took a lap or two before I got flagged in for it, by then the face had melted off. The best part is that it was a Euro lense
I was lucky, as mine poped out on the track also, but got tangled in the radar device wiring and was held about 1 inch above the track. The screw was still in the unit, so I after the black flag I seated the screw properly and was right back on track.
Old 06-21-2006 | 12:34 PM
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Once when I drove the old 993TT back, I realised that the neighbourhood boys were staring at my car a bit more than usual (they were used to it after seeing it for several years and so I was wondering if the car was spewing flames or something like that). After pulling into the garage I realised that the boomerang shaped rear light was barely hanging on. I tightened it and also tightened all four loose lights. My car was basically stock except for a very firm modified suspension. I have a feeling that when 993 suspensions are modified enough to make them sporty, the car also get very "bumpy" (mine was pre-PSS9 days). Over time, the bumpy ride takes its toll and screws loosen (maybe). Check your screws! I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with the basic design. A lot of us have modified suspension PLUS (and more importantly) time takes its toll. It only happened once and I may have tightened the screws all of two times over many years and miles.
Old 06-21-2006 | 01:30 PM
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Holy dangling appendages, Batman! This happened to me this morning! Pulled into the office parking lot, went past the rear of the car, and there was my left tail light, hanging by the wires.
Old 06-21-2006 | 01:49 PM
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There should be a tinnerman clip at the front screw mount of each lens that is very secure when properly tightened, just check the screw for tightness every once in a while.

ZP44
Old 06-21-2006 | 02:18 PM
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same thing happend to me (on the same side: driver's side). i tightened up the screw and it hasn't been a problem since *knock wood* (that was about 3-4 months ago)
Old 06-21-2006 | 02:21 PM
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Happened to me too, I just figured that I hadn't tighted some bolts enough when I put it all back together
Old 06-21-2006 | 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by brucec59
Holy dangling appendages, Batman! This happened to me this morning! Pulled into the office parking lot, went past the rear of the car, and there was my left tail light, hanging by the wires.


Oh you are a riot!

Have to admit -- when I was last polishing the car -- I noticed that the 'passenger' side (curving) light assy. was VERY loose in its mount. I tried to screw the thing in further -- but there was no 'bite' left and the screw just turned and turned and turned...

I ended up taking the assy. out and putting some 'goop' into the (recessed) hole where the (tip of the) screw goes into -- letting it set/solidify a smidge.

THEN I replaced the assy. and screwed the screw IN slowly but 'with some forward pressure' -- and the assy. hasn't 'moved' since.

FWIW, you'll notice if yours is 'not held in very well' and could be cause for trouble down the road -- if you can move the assy. up and down a bit -- and I mean when you do it doesn't feel 'snug' but DOES feel "a bit loose".

G.
Old 06-21-2006 | 06:06 PM
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I had no idea this was so common; coming into the garage area at the Glen (anybody out there thinking 'Rick, don't you drive anyplace else?)' and the drivers side curved lens was hanging right behind the exhaust. Melted it pretty well, but hey, its a track car.
We just screwed it back on and went about our track day.


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