Xmas lights experts needed

[Teggy]

So here's the deal: I was born one of the chosen people, so I don't have any experience with Christmas decorations. However, I married a shiksa, and now that we have been settled in our new house for a while I have to get with the program.

We've got these mechanical animals with lights that I set up on the front lawn. However, the lights on part of one strand running up the reindeer antlers are not working. I followed the wires, and basically from the plug to about halfway along the strand the lights are on, but then they just stop. I tried replacing the first bulb that was out, but that didn't do the trick. How do you fix these things?

Basic illustration:

plug---on---on---on---off---off--off---end

[wonderpug]

Your light string is made up of two parts.  The second half has at least one burnt or loose bulb.  It could be any one of the bulbs in that second half.  The lights are in series, so one bad bulb makes the circuit incomplete. 

Push in each and every bulb to make sure they're all secure, and scan for charry evidence of a burnt bulb, but if this is brand new then that's not likely.  Are you handy with a multimeter?  You can also use that to help narrow down which one is faulty.

[Teggy]

Ah, ok, I didn't realize it was two parts.  I'll check all the bulbs and report back. Maybe I should get one of those "as seen on tv" things

[CeeKay]

after this experience you should watch National Lampoon's X-Mas Vaction if you haven't already seen it.

[Teggy]

I've seen it - believe me I am starting very small.

[Purge]

Those red pistols that detect the break actually work.

[Teggy]

I tried looking at it today but couldn't see any bad bulbs. My wife brought me home some doodad from sears I'll have to try tomorrow. 

[wonderpug]

I have childhood memories of taking a known good bulb and trying it in every slot of a bad string.  Sears doodad is a smart idea.