Fixing a burned-out turn signal bulb is a safety concern as well as a monetary one. When a turn signal bulb gets burned out, it's important to replace it as quickly as possible. If you drive with a burned-out turn signal bulb, you are at risk for a possible ticket and heavy fines.
You can easily change a blown out turn signal bulb using basic tools and by following some easy steps.
Part 1 of 3: Find the burned-out turn signal bulb
Materials Needed
- Free Autozone repair manuals
- Protective gloves
- Chilton repair manuals(optional)
- Safety glasses
Step 1: Prepare to test the turn signals. Park your vehicle and set the emergency brake.
Step 2: Switch on the turn signals. Turn the ignition to the accessory position and turn on the turn signals one side at a time.
Walk around the vehicle to determine which turn signal has failed.
Step 3: Switch off the turn signals. Turn the turn signals and ignition off.
Part 2 of 3: Replace the front turn signal bulb (if applicable)
If you determine that one of your front turn signals is burnt out, the next step is to replace it.
You can find detailed instructions on front turn signal bulb removal for your car’s specific make and model in either your owner’s manual or the factory repair manual.
Materials Needed
- Free Autozone repair manuals
- Protective gloves
- Chilton repair manuals
- Replacement headlight bulb
- Safety glasses
The following steps will work for most modern cars.
Step 1: Prepare to remove the old turn signal bulb. Open the hood and go to the turn signal that you have to replace. Ensure that you know which bulb to remove.
Step 2: Remove the electrical connector. Remove the electrical connector by pushing down on the locking tab and sliding it back.
Step 3: Remove the old bulb. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise.
Depending on the design, either pull the turn signal bulb straight out or press the bulb in while turning it counterclockwise.
- Note: On some vehicles, it is necessary to unfasten the retaining screws, then remove the turn signal housing from the front of the vehicle to access the turn signal bulb.
Step 4: Insert the new bulb. If the bulb has alignment pins on the base, make sure they line up with the complementary slots in the socket.
Step 5: Reassemble the turn signal. Put everything back together in the reverse order of disassembly. Turn on your car and then test the new turn signal bulb to see if it is working.
Part 3 of 3: Replace the rear turn signal bulb (if applicable)
Detailed instructions on rear turn signal bulb removal can be found in either your owner’s manual or the factory repair manual.
Materials Needed
- Free Autozone repair manuals
- Protective gloves
- Chilton repair manuals (optional)
- Replacement headlight bulb
- Safety glasses
The following steps work on most modern cars:
Step 1: Switch on the turn signals. Switch on the turn signals again to ensure you know which bulb to remove.
Step 2: Switch off the turn signals. Turn the turn signals off and switch off the ignition.
Step 3: Remove the retaining screws. Open the trunk or hatch. Locate the tail light lens retaining screws or wingnuts and remove them.
Step 4: Remove the electrical connector. Remove the electrical connector by pushing down on the locking tab and sliding it back.
Step 5: Remove the tail light lens. Carefully pull the tail light lens straight out and away from the vehicle.
Step 6: Remove the bulb. Depending on the design of the bulb, either pull the turn signal bulb straight out or press the bulb in while turning it counterclockwise to remove it.
Step 7: Insert the new bulb. If the bulb has alignment pins on the base, make sure they line up with the complementary slots in the socket.
Step 8: Reassemble the turn signal. Put everything back together in the reverse order of disassembly.
- Note: On some vehicles, it is necessary to remove the rear interior trim panel to access the bulb retaining fasteners. To do this, remove the nuts or other retainers from the rear trim, then remove the trim.
Although this sounds easy in theory, some bulbs can be difficult to replace. If you face any difficulty in changing a turn signal bulb, the team at YourMechanic offers expert turn signal bulb replacement.
