How to fix a burnt-out signal bulb

By Lawrence Minnie 

Small, easy-to-do maintenance jobs can be a lot of fun to tackle. Replacing a burnt-out signal bulb is just one of many of this type of DIY job.

You don’t always need to take your car to a mechanic to have work done. When it comes to small, easy to do DIY tasks, you can tackle these with confidence. Let us take you through the process, step by step.

Replace that flicker bulb!

1. In order to get to the offending bulb, you will need to access the light cluster in which it is housed. To get to the cluster you will need to move some of the panels out of the way, enabling you to get to the bulb mounts. Automakers all have different mounting solutions, and may require you to remove the entire light cluster, or they may just have an access plate to remove. Our car requires removal of the cluster, so we will move on to the next step.

2. Once you have removed the cover panels you can start removing the retaining hardware that keeps the light cluster in place.

3. Remove the light cluster, and release the wires for easier access. Don’t just pull on the wires, as this may damage the connector – some cars have locking tabs which keep the connector in place, so release this first, before pulling on the connector.

4. Carefully unscrew the bulb holders.

5. Locate the burnt-out turn signal bulb, and gently push or twist it out of the bulb holder.

6. Ensure that you have the correct type and voltage of bulb and replace them.

7. Be sure to wipe off any oily residue that you may leave behind on the bulb’s glass, as this can lead to premature bulb failure down the line.

8. Gently replace the bulb holders back into the cluster.

9. You can now replace the cluster, ensuring that you don’t pinch any of the wires.

10. Be sure and replace all the mounting hardware, again making sure that none of the wires are pinched.

11. You can now test the signal bulb to make sure everything is working.