05 corolla tail light bulb oem mismatch-any one else had this issue?

[ekimwons]

Hi guys, i have a problem with my tail light on an 05 american corolla. the brake light on the left side works fine, but the running light on that side is not working. (same bulb i know) so i went to auto zone, asked for replacement, they gave me a sylvania 3157 LL long life i believe is the correct number. this bulb is NOT the same as the stock bulb that i pulled out, it does not snap in the same way as the base is a few millimeters longer. when i secured it with some duct tape so as not to loose it into the assembly when i hit bumps, neither of the circuits illuminated. anyways i put back in the stock bulb to keep me from getting pulled over before i can change it, and for whatever reason, the stock running and brake on the left side now works. it must not have been seated properly.

my question is, have any of you had a problem with a mismatch on an oem part? specifically tail lights? could someone with the manual let me know which one i should be looking for because it was very very similar but not exact, and that bugs me. i will be going back there tommorow to get my 4 bux back okay thanks for any and all help guys. great forum.
mike snow
los angeles

[daniel2002p]

here is your best bet, take out the OEM bulb and look on it and see which number it is, then match it up to a aftermarket one

[lexusk8]

For future reference, if you need to know the bulb types in your car just go to http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProd...lacementGuide/. Find your car there, then print out the list and keep it where it's handy. That's that

[Flashmn]

better yet, throw those ricer bulbs in the trash and go for Osram or philips brand lights.