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Can you use this simple tester to see if there is power in a socket. The socket has two metal leads. The tester has a red probe and a black probe. But it never lights up. I'm touching the probes to the two leads, no light. I tried it on a 9volt battery. Still no light

Maybe the test thiser is broken or I'm not doing it correctly. Maybe they call this tester
A continuty tester



Update: This voltage tester works okay in a wall socket. But on the directional signal in the car, it will not light. When you touch the leads. Even with new bulb. It will not light. Either in the hazard mode or the turn signal mode.

Here, this should help:HomeTips: Testing an Electrical Circuit (http://www.hometips.com/articles/sunset_books/complete_wiring/circuits/circuit_testing050.html)

Check the voltage ratings of yours, I doubt it can measure 9 volts.

For house hold wiring, you need to set meter to 250 volts AC. That is the most Meter would see on house wiring. Not counting Ballast or transformers exceeding 240/250.
Automotive circuits need to be set to DC volts. And set to 20, or whatever scale above 15
Volts. Most an auto should see. If in wrong range, you may "Peg"needle or blow fuse.
Be sure not to measure continuity on circuits with voltage or damage to meter may result.

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can you use this simple tester to see if there is power in a socket. the socket has two metal leads. The tester has a red probe and a black probe. but it never lights up. I'm touching the probes to the two leads, no light. I tried it on a 9volt battery. still no light

maybe the test thiser is broken or I'm not doing it correctly. maybe they call this tester
a continuty tester



Update: This voltage tester works okay in a wall socket. but on the directional signal in the car, it will not light. when you touch the leads. even with new bulb. it will not light. either in the hazard mode or the turn signal mode.
New voltage tester has an alligator clip and probe. Rear directional signal socket I believe
Is not getting power. I don't know why. New bulb?

You can post a picture directly using the "Go advanced" tab.

Go to the battery of the car. If it lights there, it should light at the bulb socket if it has power. If not at the battery, find one rated for 12 volts DC.

Auto parts stores sells a test light for about $6, has a metal pin tip, that can pierce insulation. Avoid damage, and it has an aligator clip, you usually connect to ground. Be careful testing bulb sockets, If probe touches outer shell and a pin, it will blow fuse if circuit is live.
If you are testing stop/turn, Turn on 4 way flashers and walk around vehicle. Remember the 4 way flasher and stop/turn are on different fuses, but it will tell if bulbs and wiring to signal head are good.

Auto parts stores sells a test light for about $6, has a metal pin tip, that can pierce insulation. avoid damage, and it has an aligator clip, you usually connect to ground. Be carefull testing bulb sockets, If probe touches outer shell and a pin, it will blow fuse if circuit is live.
If you are testing stop/turn, Turn on 4 way flashers and walk around vehicle. Remember the 4 way flasher and stop/turn are on different fuses, but it will tell if bulbs and wiring to signal head are good.

All the flashers work. Except the right rear. Socket itself is okay. Because
It works in the left hand side. The sockets are removable. Maybe a broken
Ground wire?

Clip ground of probe to known good chassis ground, If socket is hot, then you measure off bulb socket ground, and no voltage, then you did lose ground,
Most problems I have seen with Tail lights is the ground in the socket.