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Hi, this topic is covered in many other places on the forum. But it took me a while to dig out the relevant details.. and came across some ambiguities on the way. So here is a couple of days of digging, then the project itself in pictures.
My dealer quoted me $275 per socket for him to replace them. I spent less than $50 in parts to do it myself for both.... 'cuz they both looked burnt and why not?
SHORT STORY Problem:
- left front turn signal not flashing, rear turn signal flashing double quick Diagnosis:
- left front bulb is burned out Action:
- replace bulb Result:
- no change Action:
- Confirmed bulb is burned out using continuity meter Diagnosis:
- socket is burned out.. (it sure looked crispy and out of round) Action:
- replace socket Result:
- turn signal works!
PARTS
(I’m not affiliated with Autozone .. just tried to make the links for one stop shopping)
(NOTE: both Autozone and O’Reilly websites claim the Dorman 85881 socket will NOT fit the C6.. they are WRONG)
Jack up the front end to drop the front tires enough to provide easy access
Use nylon prybar to remove retaining pins
This is the driver's side. Depress locking tab, push in slightly and turn counter clockwise to remove socket. Yep, it's really tight to get your hands in there.
This is as far as the socket comes out
Comparison of old crispy socket and new socket
Cut wires close to old socket and remove. Trim new socket wires to 5" or less. Strip all wires to about 5/8" long. Remember to put 2" of heat shrink tubing on the wires before you twist wires together. Now is a good time to review the How to Solder link above if you are out of practice. NOTE: the Dorman 85881 socket wires are NOT color coded like the OEM socket - but the back of the socket DOES call out the wires exactly the same as the OEM socket. Be sure to match the wires when twisting them into the OEM harness.
Twist wires together and apply solder flux to wires. If you carefully keep the wires separated, you can test the turn signal prior to soldering at this point.
Solder complete. NOTE: the Dorman 85881 socket wires are NOT color coded like the OEM socket.
Apply dielectric grease BEFORE covering wires with the heat shrink tubing
Slide heat shrink tubing over the solder joints
Shrink the tubing from the center > outwards ... this will force the excess dielectric grease to squish out the ends and ensure water resistant seal
Clean up the wires with some e-tape
Apply dielectric grease to the contacts on the bulb and insert in new socket. Remember to clean the bulb with isopropyl alcohol to remove any grease/fingerprints.
FINAL STEPS
Re-insert bulb and socket into the lamp housing
Turn clockwise to seat the socket
Check that it locks in place
Test the turn signal
Replace the access panel
Do it all again on the passenger's side
Challenge for another post .. getting the front end jacked up to allow access in the first place!
Nice work and write up, thanks for sharing. For $275 a side your dealer would not have soldered & heat shrunk the splices or used dielectric grease, they would simply butt splice in new sockets and call it good.
Here's one way to lift & support the front end. The jack goes under the 2x4 at center to lift the front end, then jack stands are placed at each end to support. Same process is used at the rear.
Hi, this topic is covered in many other places on the forum. But it took me a while to dig out the relevant details.. and came across some ambiguities on the way. So here is a couple of days of digging, then the project itself in pictures.
My dealer quoted me $275 per socket for him to replace them. I spent less than $50 in parts to do it myself for both.... 'cuz they both looked burnt and why not?
SHORT STORY Problem:
- left front turn signal not flashing, rear turn signal flashing double quick Diagnosis:
- left front bulb is burned out Action:
- replace bulb Result:
- no change Action:
- Confirmed bulb is burned out using continuity meter Diagnosis:
- socket is burned out.. (it sure looked crispy and out of round) Action:
- replace socket Result:
- turn signal works!
PARTS
(I’m not affiliated with Autozone .. just tried to make the links for one stop shopping)
(NOTE: both Autozone and O’Reilly websites claim the Dorman 85881 socket will NOT fit the C6.. they are WRONG)
Jack up the front end to drop the front tires enough to provide easy access
Use nylon prybar to remove retaining pins
This is the driver's side. Depress locking tab, push in slightly and turn counter clockwise to remove socket. Yep, it's really tight to get your hands in there.
This is as far as the socket comes out
Comparison of old crispy socket and new socket
Cut wires close to old socket and remove. Trim new socket wires to 5" or less. Strip all wires to about 5/8" long. Remember to put 2" of heat shrink tubing on the wires before you twist wires together. Now is a good time to review the How to Solder link above if you are out of practice. NOTE: the Dorman 85881 socket wires are NOT color coded like the OEM socket - but the back of the socket DOES call out the wires exactly the same as the OEM socket. Be sure to match the wires when twisting them into the OEM harness.
Twist wires together and apply solder flux to wires. If you carefully keep the wires separated, you can test the turn signal prior to soldering at this point.
Solder complete. NOTE: the Dorman 85881 socket wires are NOT color coded like the OEM socket.
Apply dielectric grease BEFORE covering wires with the heat shrink tubing
Slide heat shrink tubing over the solder joints
Shrink the tubing from the center > outwards ... this will force the excess dielectric grease to squish out the ends and ensure water resistant seal
Clean up the wires with some e-tape
Apply dielectric grease to the contacts on the bulb and insert in new socket. Remember to clean the bulb with isopropyl alcohol to remove any grease/fingerprints.
FINAL STEPS
Re-insert bulb and socket into the lamp housing
Turn clockwise to seat the socket
Check that it locks in place
Test the turn signal
Replace the access panel
Do it all again on the passenger's side
Challenge for another post .. getting the front end jacked up to allow access in the first place!
Sorry that I'm responding to an old thread but I do have at least one question. I launched the link for the socket itself and several sites have told me that PN doesn't fit my car (2008 Z06). This is the socket I'd need correct?
DIY Replace Turn Signal bulb/sockets
