Running /tail light inop

[theref]

I have a instrument panel light that comes on when the lights are turned on. I have determined that the passenger side tail light is not illuminating. I have the electrical manual and have identified the pin and wire related to this light as well as the pin and wire that goes to ground but I have no meter to trace power. I changed the bulb with a known good one and no joy. I have cleaned the contacts with no change. I do not see any relays in the path that would impact just this one bulb. Any ideas? Or a source for a cheap meter?

[SD Blue]

Is there any corrosion present at the socket?
An inexpensive multimeter is available at most aftermarket parts stores and Home Depot or Lowe's. A decent one for automotive work will cost $20-40. There are cheaper ones but I wouldn't waste my time with them as they are usually a "lesson in frustration". Pretty much, find the best for less than $50 and you'll be good to go.

[theref]

Nothing on the pins-and nothing on the socket.

Will check out HD meter.

[Diseasel300]

If this is the W124 in your signature line, be looking at the exterior lamp warning module. It's the massive "relay" in your relay box. They're well known for developing poor solder joints and causing exterior lights to "fail".

[Sugar Bear]

There is a brown wire in the metal strip that the bulbs go into, this is the ground wire. This wire goes into a groove and may have a bad connection. We were able to remove the metal strip that the bulbs go into and pinch the wire tighter in the groove making the lights work properly.

Good luck!!!

[theref]

And the brown wire to ground as well. All other lights work on both sides. Would that eliminate either or both of these as the fault?

[theref]

the one with the 3 sockets in it. Located brown wire and traced it to the correct #2 socket. No apparent looseness.

[Sugar Bear]

Not likely a loose faulty ground connection would be detected by the eye at this location. Try running a temporary jumper wire from the the metal where the brown wire connects to any known good ground. That will rule it in or out.

Good luck!!!

[theref]

I have no idea what resolved the passenger side running light issue. I did remove and reinstall the tail light assemble and in the process left the lights on and drained the battery. I had to jump from another car of mine. I opened the fuse box but did not change anything. I never opened the relay box-which I assume is the one just aft of the fuse box. Got it started and no problem remains. Now to drive it to see if bumps disconnect something.

Thanks to all who made suggestions.