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How do you change front turn signal bulb?

Old 03-10-2009, 03:16 PM
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LTCHAPPA
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Default How do you change front turn signal bulb?

There does'nt seem to be an easy way to get to the bulb. I was thinking of removing the inner fender. Does anyone have any idea on what i thought was a real simple job?
Old 03-10-2009, 03:20 PM
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c3andc5
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Manually crank the headlights open and remove the black plastic housing.
Old 03-10-2009, 03:21 PM
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Mr.TT
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If your arms are on the skinny side you can fit your arm down the headlight without removing anything. Just raise it like c3andc5 suggests.
Old 03-10-2009, 03:21 PM
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k0ts
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It depends on how small your arm is.. Some people can get their arm in the brake duct hole and reach the bulb/socket.. If not you can get to it from right under the bulb.. You
have to remove the splash guard just under the bulb and aft of the bumper cover.. It's
not that hard a job but is a pain just to change a bulb..

Good luck...
joe
Old 03-10-2009, 03:23 PM
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PETE O.
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Originally Posted by LTCHAPPA
There does'nt seem to be an easy way to get to the bulb. I was thinking of removing the inner fender. Does anyone have any idea on what i thought was a real simple job?
Go to the TECH section under the Ultimate DYI thread and it'll tell you all about it. You get to them from the inner wheel well.
Old 03-10-2009, 03:31 PM
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There's an access panel on the underside of the facia.
Old 03-10-2009, 03:49 PM
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DeeGee
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You'll get three suggestions

Go in through the brake ducts - not easy with a Z06 or if you have screens

Go in through the bottom by taking out the bottom panel



The one that works for me is:

Turn on the headlights and back off one position to kill the lights.
Unscrew the 3 small screws on the black plastic housing around the headlight. Gently pull the housing clear. Reach down around the headlight unit and release the bulb holder. It comes out by turning the bulb holder a ¼ turn counter clockwise but it has a plastic clip which you need to squeeze to release it. Here’s how the bulb fits into the lamp unit. The DRL bulb is the lower of the two.



Here’s the light socket. This one’s after market but it gives you the idea. You can see the clip you need to squeeze.



Change the bulb. It’s a push fit into the lamp holder. Push it home firmly but don’t handle the glass. Use latex gloves if you have them. Reseat the bulb holder and turn clockwise until it clicks back in place. Put the plastic headlight housing back in place making sure to locate the small plastic tab in the bracket on the headlamp cover. Replace the 3 screws and close the lights.

It’s a 10 minute job. Some guys have had the lights close if they’ve taken a while to do the fix. If you’re worried about that, disconnect the battery once the lights are up.

The bulb is a 4157NA

Some guys with big arms remove the hood adjusting screw for better access. Guys with even bigger arms have had to take off the headlight cover. Four torx screws (2 back, 1 each side). Take the back ones off first with the lamps down. Raise the lights and take the side ones out.
Old 03-10-2009, 03:57 PM
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csexton
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Originally Posted by jrose7004
There's an access panel on the underside of the facia.


Chuck
Old 03-10-2009, 04:01 PM
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GK
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Does anybody sell LED's bright enough to replace the DRL's with?
Old 03-10-2009, 09:53 PM
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robsc501
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Hi There:
Use the access panel under the fascia as jrose7004 stated. I like having the use of my hands.besides its safer.
robsc501
Old 03-11-2009, 07:47 AM
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Shane_S
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lift the hood. crank up the headlight manually, and unscrew the hood bumpstop right next to the headlight, then you'll be able to get your arm down in there and get the socket out and pull it back up through the hole. or stick it through the brake duct hole in the front and replace the bulb, either way this is the easiest way i've found to change the bulb. Can do it in the auto-zone parking lot. unless youve got large forearms it should be your best bet.

Shane
Old 03-11-2009, 11:14 AM
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Mike Mercury
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Originally Posted by Shane_S
lift the hood. crank up the headlight manually, and unscrew the hood bumpstop right next to the headlight,...
very important step
Old 03-11-2009, 11:19 AM
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dgrant3830
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Originally Posted by Shane_S
lift the hood. crank up the headlight manually, and unscrew the hood bumpstop right next to the headlight, then you'll be able to get your arm down in there and get the socket out and pull it back up through the hole. or stick it through the brake duct hole in the front and replace the bulb, either way this is the easiest way i've found to change the bulb. Can do it in the auto-zone parking lot. unless youve got large forearms it should be your best bet.

Shane
That's what I've done with no problem. Quick and easy.
Old 03-11-2009, 03:38 PM
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Crash94536
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Step 1; buy pizza and beer

Step 2; find someone who knows how to do it

Step 3; share pizza and beer

Step 4; drive home (only if the mechanic drank most of the beer)
Old 03-11-2009, 08:11 PM
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NorCalVette Kid
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Originally Posted by Crash94536
Step 1; buy pizza and beer

Step 2; find someone who knows how to do it

Step 3; share pizza and beer

Step 4; drive home (only if the mechanic drank most of the beer)
I'll do it for pizza and beer, where you live??
Old 03-11-2009, 10:28 PM
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GK
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Originally Posted by NorCalVette Kid
I'll do it for pizza and beer, where you live??
I'll hook you up with pizza and beer for help.

I'm your neighbor in Union City.
Old 03-11-2009, 10:30 PM
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Unless you have skinny arms, do it as DeeGee mentions. It gives you complete access to the bulb sockets.
Old 03-11-2009, 10:33 PM
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I am by no means large and I couldn't even get close w/out pulling the access panel in the wheel well.
Old 03-17-2009, 11:54 AM
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RedWuken
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Awesome guide DeeGee! I had to replace my DRL today. Used the headlight housing removal route, and took 10min in front of the AutoZone where I bought the bulb. Just don't forget your philips screwdriver. You should include unscrewing the hood bumbstop as a standard step though, since I had to do it even though I have kermit arms.

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