Tail Light Assembly

I have a 2000 Grand Am SE1 Sedan with about 75,000 miles and have been having issues with the rear tail light and brake lights not functioning. Opening up the rear light assembley I have noticed that the light sockets seem to be melting from the heat of the bulbs distorting them enough that in some instances the bulbs can no longer make contact.

The assemblies are $179 each and the dealers parts personnel state that they have not seen this problem before.

Any thoughts?

That dealer is just lucky , or is a lier .
This is a Big problem with all 99+ GA's !!

Might Try a local bodyshop , or ebay for a new ones.
IMO If you are going to pay $180 for one, you might as well replace both with some clear fancy taillights.

The last time mine did this, I totally disassembled the light housing down to the inside where the metal pieces attached all the sockets.

You'll probly find corrosion/rust inside which is whats causing the shorts.

Try and clean off the corrosion/rust with sandpaper or a Dremel tool. Scrape the wire connectors where the bulbs plug into, then replace the melted bulbs.

I sealed the housing with RTV silicone so water doesnt get into it anymore.

Tail light assembly (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c242/xeroinfinity/auto%20odds-ends/tailhousingapart.jpg)