What you need before you start
Replacing a turn signal bulb takes about five to fifteen minutes and requires only a few things: a replacement bulb that matches your car's make and model, a screwdriver (usually Phillips head, sometimes flathead), and possibly a small flashlight. You do not need special tools or training.
Before you buy a bulb, check your owner's manual or look at the bulb socket itself to find the correct type. Most cars use either a 1156 or 1157 bulb for turn signals, but some models use different sizes. The manual will tell you which one, or you can take a photo of the old bulb to a parts store and they will match it.
Work in daylight or with good lighting so you can see what you are doing. If you are working at night, use a flashlight or work in a garage with overhead lights on. Turn off your engine and let it cool for a few minutes if the car has been running.
Key Takeaways
- Most turn signal bulbs are accessed from inside the wheel well or from behind the bumper, depending on whether the light is on the front or rear of the car.
- You will need to remove a plastic lens or trim piece by unscrewing it or unclipping it, then twist the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it.
- The bulb itself pulls straight out of the socket; do not force it, as the socket is plastic and can crack.
- After inserting the new bulb, test your turn signal before closing everything back up to make sure it works.
Accessing the front turn signal
Front turn signals are usually located in the bumper area or the fender, just behind the headlight. Look for a plastic lens that is amber or orange colored. On some cars, you can access it from inside the engine bay by reaching behind the bumper. On others, you will need to remove the entire lens assembly from the outside.
If you can reach it from inside the engine bay, look for a plastic socket sticking out from the back of the lens. Twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn and it will come free. If you cannot reach it from inside, you will need to remove the lens itself. Look for screws or clips holding it in place—usually two or three screws on the edges. Remove these and gently pull the lens toward you. Once the lens is off, you will see the socket behind it.
Some newer cars have the socket accessible only by removing the entire headlight assembly. If you cannot find the socket after removing the lens, check your owner's manual for the specific steps for your model.
Accessing the rear turn signal
Rear turn signals are in the tail light assembly, which is usually accessed from inside the trunk or cargo area. Open your trunk and look at the back corner where the turn signal is located. You should see a plastic panel or trim piece covering the back of the tail light.
This panel is usually held on by one or two screws or by plastic clips. Remove the screws if there are any, or gently pry the panel away from the car body if it is clipped on. Once the panel is off, you will see the back of the tail light assembly. Look for a plastic socket sticking out from it. Twist this socket counterclockwise and it will come free in your hand.
On some vehicles, you may need to remove the entire tail light lens from the outside of the car instead. This involves removing screws from the bumper or fender area. Your owner's manual will show you which method applies to your car.
Removing and replacing the bulb
Once you have the socket in your hand, look at the bulb inside it. The bulb is held in by a small metal base that sits in the socket. Push the bulb in slightly and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. It will come free. Do not pull hard—if it does not come out easily, twist it a bit more.
Take the new bulb and insert it into the socket, pushing it in gently until you feel it seat. Twist it clockwise about a quarter turn until it stops. You should hear or feel a small click. Do not force it—the socket is plastic and can crack if you twist too hard.
Before you put everything back together, turn on your car and test the turn signal to make sure the new bulb works. Have someone stand behind or in front of the car to confirm the light is flashing. If it does not work, remove the bulb and check that it is seated correctly in the socket.
Putting the lens and trim back on
Once the bulb is working, push the socket back into the lens assembly and twist it clockwise until it is snug. Do not overtighten it. If you removed a plastic lens or trim panel, line it up with the screw holes or clip points and push it back into place. Screw it down or snap the clips back in, making sure everything is tight and flush with the car body.
Check that the lens is sitting evenly and that there are no gaps. If you removed a panel from inside the trunk, make sure it is fully seated before closing the trunk. Test the turn signal one more time to confirm it still works after reassembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the bulb socket is stuck and will not turn?
Do not force it—you can break the plastic. Try spraying a small amount of penetrating oil around the base of the socket and wait a few minutes. Then try again with gentle, steady pressure. If it still will not budge, stop and take the car to a mechanic rather than risk breaking the lens assembly.
Can I use any bulb as long as it fits in the socket?
No. You must use the exact bulb type specified in your owner's manual. Using the wrong wattage or base type can cause the bulb to burn out quickly, not light at all, or damage the electrical circuit. The cost difference between bulb types is small, so buy the correct one.
Why is my new turn signal bulb not working?
The most common reason is that the bulb is not seated properly in the socket. Remove it and push it back in, making sure you hear or feel the click. If it still does not work, the socket itself may be damaged or there may be a wiring problem. Take the car to a mechanic to have the circuit checked.
Do I need to replace both turn signal bulbs at the same time?
Only if both are burned out. However, if one bulb is old and dim, replacing both at the same time means they will wear out together and you will not have mismatched brightness on the front or rear of the car.