Yep, went from zero to OMG pretty quick. Got myself a Type 97 bulb for the license, and tried installing, only it wouldn't seat far enough to lock into place. Upon further inspection, the contacts inside were gross, so I tried manipulating them with a screwdriver to get the spring action going. No luck. Then I grabbed the PB Blaster to penetrate and unstick things, and that did the trick. Got the bulb in, then turned the marker lights on to test. Nothing. While vehicle out. But then, a flicker. Then all my lights started flickering like crazy. License bulb never did come on, but as I was checking it, smoke starts emanating from the fixture. Ah! Holy crap!! Pulled it out fast.
So, I have two theories. One, PB Blaster conducts electricity and it shorted everything out. Not likely, but who knows. Two, the fixture is just so old and full of rust some random bit of metal (rust, corrosion, etc.) ended up shorting out, and it took the whole system out. Then the short circuit heated up and cooked off some of the PB. Once that bulb was removed, the rest of the system returned to normal.
I'm leaning toward the second scenario, but what do you think?
So, I have two theories. One, PB Blaster conducts electricity and it shorted everything out. Not likely, but who knows. Two, the fixture is just so old and full of rust some random bit of metal (rust, corrosion, etc.) ended up shorting out, and it took the whole system out. Then the short circuit heated up and cooked off some of the PB. Once that bulb was removed, the rest of the system returned to normal.
I'm leaning toward the second scenario, but what do you think?