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Car Lighting
How to Fix a Burned Out Signal Bulb Download Article Co-authored by Jason Shackelford
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
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Finding the Right Bulb and Where It Goes
|
Removing an Old Turn Signal Bulb
|
Installing a New Bulb
|
Expert Interview
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Q&A
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Jason Shackelford. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. This article has been viewed 137,959 times.
Turn signals are an important safety feature in your vehicle. Using them indicates your intentions to other drivers and helps you to avoid accidents. If your turn signal begins flashing more quickly than usual on your dashboard, it usually means that you have a turn signal bulb out. Replace blown out turn signal bulbs as quickly as you can to avoid dangerous situations or violating the law.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Finding the Right Bulb and Where It Goes
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1 Purchase the right bulb for your vehicle. There are many variations in the bulbs used by auto manufacturers, so it’s important that you get the right one for your vehicle. You can find information pertaining to what bulb to purchase in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
If you do not have the owner’s manual, you can ask the clerk at your local auto parts store to assist you.
You can also find bulb information on the automakers web site.
2 Disconnect the battery. Before beginning any project that involves your vehicle’s electrical system, you should always disconnect the battery to prevent damage or injury. Use the appropriate sized hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut on the cable going to the negative terminal on your battery. [1]XResearch source
Tuck the cable to the side of the battery so it can’t come back into contact with the negative terminal.
You do not need to remove the positive cable.
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3 Open the hood or trunk lid. If the blown out signal bulb is in the back of the vehicle, you will likely need to open the trunk in order to access it. If the blown out bulb is in the front of the vehicle, your best point of access will probably be under the hood.[2]XResearch source
Ask a friend to stand in front of the vehicle, then behind it, as you test your turn signals to identify which one or ones need to be replaced.
4 Identify how to access the turn signal bulb. You may need to remove trim or even body components in order to access the signal bulb in your vehicle. Determine how best to access the turn signal bulb by either examining the area around the turn signal or by referring to the service manual for your specific vehicle. Generally, if you can spot screws holding the outside cover down, this will be an easy access point.[3]XResearch source
The service manual for your vehicle will explain exactly how to remove any components between you and the blown out bulb.
In many vehicles, you will be able to determine how to access the bulb simply by looking.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Removing an Old Turn Signal Bulb
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1 Remove any interior pieces necessary. Once you have determined how best to access the bulb, remove any body or trim pieces that are in the way. Be careful not to damage the finish on painted body components. Plastic trim pieces are often held in place with fasteners that may break when removed.
You can purchase replacement trim fasteners at most auto parts stores.
Refer to your vehicle’s service manual if you are uncertain of how to remove a body or trim component.
2 Disconnect the wiring. Once you have gotten access to the where the signal bulb is housed, first disconnect the wiring harness that powers the bulb. In most applications, this requires pulling back or pressing in on a clip, then pulling the harness backward away from the bulb housing.
Be sure to pull on the clip rather than the wires, as the wires may accidentally come free from the harness.
3 Turn the bulb counter clockwise and pull it out. With the wiring removed, grip the base of the plastic bulb seat and turn it counter clockwise (to the left). Most vehicles design the bulb to be seated quickly with a quick-release system and typically only requires a quarter turn before it’s released completely. [4]XResearch source
It may take a bit of force to loosen the bulb in some applications.
4 Pull the bulb out toward you. Once the bulb is loose, pull it backward out of its housing. The bulb should slide right out once it has been unscrewed a quarter turn. With the wiring disconnected, you should be able to remove the bulb and its plastic seat together in one motion.[5]XResearch source
The seat for the bulb comes out with it to make it easy to swap signal bulbs.
Be careful not to misplace the seat after you remove the old bulb.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Installing a New Bulb
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1 Swap in the new bulb. Remove the old bulb by holding the plastic seat in one hand and gripping as close to the base of the bulb in the other. Pull the two apart and the old bulb should pop out. Then remove the new bulb from the packaging and insert it into the seat. [6]XResearch source
Be careful not to break the old bulb by squeezing it too hard, as that may cut you.
If you do break the old bulb, remove it from the housing using pliers to avoid cutting yourself on broken glass.
2 Use a rag when touching the new bulb. When handling the new bulb, do not allow your skin to touch the bulb. Oils coating your skin can adhere to the glass of the bulb and damage the bulb when it is turned on and operating at high temperatures. Use a rag instead to handle the bulb and insert it into the plastic seat. [7]XResearch source
If you do touch the bulb, wipe it down with some rubbing alcohol to clean it off.
3 Insert the new bulb and housing. With the new bulb in the plastic seat, insert them both back into the hole in the signal light housing. Once pressed in fully, turn the bulb clockwise (to the right) a quarter turn to lock it into place. [8]XResearch source
The bulb and plastic seat should lock in place and not move around once secure.
If you have difficulty reinserting the bulb, check to make sure there is nothing blocking the entry way, then reinsert it.
4 Connect the wiring. With the new bulb and seat securely fastened within the turn signal housing, reconnect the wiring you disconnected earlier. When connecting the wire harness to the bulb seat, you should be able to simply press it onto the clip until they connect. [9]XResearch source
You will hear a click when the harness is firmly seated and connected.
Tug on the clip lightly just to ensure it is securely fastened.
5 Conduct a function check. Before reassembling the trim or body components you removed to access the turn signal, reconnect the battery and ask a friend to test the turn signals. Watch the signal you just installed and make sure it functions properly.
Have your friend test the turn signals, hazard flashers and brake lights to ensure they all function.
If the turn signal does not work, check the connection to ensure it is secure.
6 Replace any interior pieces. After you’ve checked to make sure your new turn signal bulb is working, reinstall any pieces of the vehicle you removed in order to access the bulb. If there were multiple components, replace them in the opposite order you removed them in, as parts often overlap and must be installed in the correct order.
If you find yourself unsure of how to replace the trim or body pieces you removed, refer to the vehicle’s service manual for guidance.
Replace any damaged fasteners with matching ones from your local auto parts store.
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Community Q&A
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Question How do I replace the rear turn signal bulb for a 2005 Chevrolet cargo van? Community Answer Take the taillight assembly out by removing the screws or plastic nuts from inside the van and replace the burned out bulb. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question All lights work, turn/brake/flasher, except the tail light on my 2004 Cadillac Escalade. Are they all fused separately, and do you have any suggestions? Community Answer The tail lamp has a separate bulb. It may have fused. You need to open the cover and check. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about car maintenance and repair, check out our in-depth interview with .
Co-authored by: Jason Shackelford Auto Technician This article was co-authored by Jason Shackelford. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. This article has been viewed 137,959 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 13Updated: December 17, 2025 Views: 137,959 Categories: Car LightingArticle SummaryX
Before you can replace a burned out signal bulb, check your owner’s manual to see what kind of bulb you need, or ask a clerk at an auto store for help. Once you’ve bought the right type of bulb, disconnect the car battery and open the hood or trunk so you can access the bulb. Then, disconnect the bulb’s wiring, unscrew the old bulb, and screw in the new one without touching the bulb with your bare skin. Finally, reconnect the wiring and check to make sure the bulb works. Keep reading to learn where the bulbs are located on the car and how to get to them!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Shannon BakerMiller
Jul 10, 2017
"Very informative. I especially was pleased with the step by step method that was provided. Gave an example followed by a solution."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Jason Shackelford Auto Technician 2 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 13Updated: December 17, 2025 Views: 137,959
Shannon BakerMiller
Jul 10, 2017
"Very informative. I especially was pleased with the step by step method that was provided. Gave an example followed by a solution."..." more
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Sep 5, 2017
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Co-authored by: Jason Shackelford Auto Technician This article was co-authored by Jason Shackelford. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. This article has been viewed 137,959 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 13 Updated: December 17, 2025 Views: 137,959 Categories: Car Lighting Article SummaryX
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1 Purchase the right bulb for your vehicle. There are many variations in the bulbs used by auto manufacturers, so it’s important that you get the right one for your vehicle. You can find information pertaining to what bulb to purchase in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. 
2 Disconnect the battery. Before beginning any project that involves your vehicle’s electrical system, you should always disconnect the battery to prevent damage or injury. Use the appropriate sized hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut on the cable going to the negative terminal on your battery. [1] 
3 Open the hood or trunk lid. If the blown out signal bulb is in the back of the vehicle, you will likely need to open the trunk in order to access it. If the blown out bulb is in the front of the vehicle, your best point of access will probably be under the hood.[2] 
4 Identify how to access the turn signal bulb. You may need to remove trim or even body components in order to access the signal bulb in your vehicle. Determine how best to access the turn signal bulb by either examining the area around the turn signal or by referring to the service manual for your specific vehicle. Generally, if you can spot screws holding the outside cover down, this will be an easy access point.[3] 
1 Remove any interior pieces necessary. Once you have determined how best to access the bulb, remove any body or trim pieces that are in the way. Be careful not to damage the finish on painted body components. Plastic trim pieces are often held in place with fasteners that may break when removed. 
2 Disconnect the wiring. Once you have gotten access to the where the signal bulb is housed, first disconnect the wiring harness that powers the bulb. In most applications, this requires pulling back or pressing in on a clip, then pulling the harness backward away from the bulb housing. 
3 Turn the bulb counter clockwise and pull it out. With the wiring removed, grip the base of the plastic bulb seat and turn it counter clockwise (to the left). Most vehicles design the bulb to be seated quickly with a quick-release system and typically only requires a quarter turn before it’s released completely. [4] 
4 Pull the bulb out toward you. Once the bulb is loose, pull it backward out of its housing. The bulb should slide right out once it has been unscrewed a quarter turn. With the wiring disconnected, you should be able to remove the bulb and its plastic seat together in one motion.[5] 
1 Swap in the new bulb. Remove the old bulb by holding the plastic seat in one hand and gripping as close to the base of the bulb in the other. Pull the two apart and the old bulb should pop out. Then remove the new bulb from the packaging and insert it into the seat. [6] 
2 Use a rag when touching the new bulb. When handling the new bulb, do not allow your skin to touch the bulb. Oils coating your skin can adhere to the glass of the bulb and damage the bulb when it is turned on and operating at high temperatures. Use a rag instead to handle the bulb and insert it into the plastic seat. [7] 
3 Insert the new bulb and housing. With the new bulb in the plastic seat, insert them both back into the hole in the signal light housing. Once pressed in fully, turn the bulb clockwise (to the right) a quarter turn to lock it into place. [8] 
4 Connect the wiring. With the new bulb and seat securely fastened within the turn signal housing, reconnect the wiring you disconnected earlier. When connecting the wire harness to the bulb seat, you should be able to simply press it onto the clip until they connect. [9] 
5 Conduct a function check. Before reassembling the trim or body components you removed to access the turn signal, reconnect the battery and ask a friend to test the turn signals. Watch the signal you just installed and make sure it functions properly. 
6 Replace any interior pieces. After you’ve checked to make sure your new turn signal bulb is working, reinstall any pieces of the vehicle you removed in order to access the bulb. If there were multiple components, replace them in the opposite order you removed them in, as parts often overlap and must be installed in the correct order. 
Community Answer Take the taillight assembly out by removing the screws or plastic nuts from inside the van and replace the burned out bulb. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0