02 RR 4.6 P38 Third brake light issue (one bulb in particular)
 

Out of the five bulbs the center refuses to illuminate. I switched the bulb with another of the bulbs and nothing. Still the center socket is not functioning. The silver band that connects each socket looks new. I'm thinking that the problem is on the other side which of course I can not see without removing the circuit board. Any ideas before I start taking things apart.
Thanks in advance and Happy Easter to those who celebrate!

I took down the third brake light and found that it is a sealed unit. I did further testing and found that the socket must have to be replaced since whatever bulb I used out of the other bulbs the one socket which twists out did not function. I thought is was a simple electrical connection and tried cleaning and scratching the metal connectors and nothing. I will pop down to the stealership and pick up a new socket. I will post whether or not this little project works so it doesn't keep people guessing.
Thanks for reading.

As it turns out the sockets are not available at my dealer! They suggested a auto parts place. They did say the entire 5 lamp unit was available for $100+ . ugg! I will continue my search. Maybe another dealer may have it. Worth a call.

It doesn't surprise me that a dealership doesn't have the part. The P38 is an old beast in their books. Your best bet would be to pull one from a scrapper in my opinion.

Recently I have seen many P38's in the county here. Scrap yards are not my favorite with all the rats running around. Last thing I need is to get bit. It would ruin my day. lol I'm going to check at Advance Auto. Sounded like they may be able to track down a socket that would be equivalent. Wish me luck. Any other suggestions ideas are welcome.

You have rats in your scrap yards? The worst thing I've seen is a mint condition rangie that was obviously a cash for clunkers ;)

I remember cash for clunkers and so many people turned in their P38s. And they were in great condition too! Just kidding about the rats. I've never seen one there. Those boys hang out where this is a decent food source. lol

My 2000 has 5 sockets on a PC board the twist out in a half turn, try using a good buld socket combo and see what the problem light does. On the socket does not work check and see if the metal tabs are bent like the one that works. I suspect the tabs are bent and are not making electrical contact on the PC side you can't see.