One of the turn signal lights on my vehicle is burnt out, usually my husband deals with maintenance so i have no experience with this. Is it as simple as I think it should be? do I just unscrew the cover and change the light bulb or is there more to it? Should I have a professional do it?
The vehicle is a 97 chevy work truck if that makes a difference
2006-11-23 09:35:16 · 9 answers · asked by sheila 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
First check to see if you must remove the cover, the bulb could screw in from back. Remove bulb by pushing in and turning it left. Hold up to light to see if filaments(wires) are burned in two. Look at contacts in socket, if corroded or dirty clean with a few circular twists with a rag. Procure the proper replacement, number is on metal base. Insert in socket, push IN and turn right. Replace. If it still doesn't work check fuses, another question. Wires rarely short out and burn in two. Good luck.
2006-11-23 09:42:29 · answer #1 · answered by James 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do it but you need the right tools. nothing is the same but try this.
Open the tail gate - there should be phillips head screws facing towards the inside of the bed compartment. Phillips head screws look like a + sign and they are slightly inverted.
The very best thing is to be standing in front of an auto parts store so you can get the light bulb right away and if it is wrong you do not have to go far to replace it.
The auto parts store will have the correct tools as well. I suggest buying a interchangable multi head driver - usually has 8 heads. The Phillips Head would he one of the 8.
Unscrew the two or three mounting screws. The light bubs are usually under another plastic cover held together with two or three hex head screws. Remove those screws and presto there are the light bulbs.
There may be three lights on this assembly. Unless you know which of the three is the signal - turn on your head lights and then look to see which one that light is, if you have a buddy close have that person step on the brake pedal to identify that light and usually it is the same as the signal - the third light is usually the reverse light ot back up light. Hey.... don't start your truck then stand behind it while some one puts it in reverse - you will get smushed. You have to unlock the ignition to put it in reverse but the engine does not have to be running.
OK- don't freak out this is still too easy ---
There are different style lights- some push in and twist and the newer ones just push in. You will know once you get the old light out but the best way to install a new light bulb is to add a little socket grease - another good reason to be in front of an auto parts store when changing a bulb. Some folks call this grease -di-electric-silicone - compound, me I call it grease.
Use the tail gate to keep your loose parts safe, if you have a rag or shop towel place that down first less chance of stuff rolling around.
Some folks have a pen and paper handy and draw a little picture of what they are doing and where certain parts go during disassembly. I had a friend take his Harley apart this way and he was actually able to put it all back together using his notes.
you can do it, no worries
2006-11-23 10:05:52 · answer #2 · answered by FLH67 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends if it is a front or rear signal bulb that require replacing?
The lenses are usually part of an assembly that is mounted water tight into the vehicle body and too extensive of a job just to replace burnt out bulbs.
The front siganl bulbs are usually replaced from under tht hood and the rear from the interior of a van.
If it is a seperately manufactured body the rear signals may have removable lenses?
Most garages charge a minimum of half-an-hour's labor the change each bulb ($25?).
2006-11-23 09:55:25 · answer #3 · answered by michelle_greene_ragio 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually a matter of remove 4 screws with a phillip's head screwdriver, take off the lens, remove the old bulb (push and turn counter clockwise) and put a new one in.
2006-11-23 09:41:39 · answer #4 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, the model of the truck makes a HUGE difference...some are within a light assembly that has to be removed entirely...in your case, take the screws off of the plastic houseing on the outside of your vehicle...go to the auto parts store and get the replacement light...take out the old, and put in the new...if you cant figure it out, the auto parts store should do it for you if you take the lens off
2006-11-23 10:23:13 · answer #5 · answered by FJ40spencer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes u may havde to unscrew the tail light to get to the bulb im not sure but when u do push the bulb in an turn it it should pop out then
2006-11-23 09:43:05 · answer #6 · answered by grizz11952001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rear signals are easier than the front, but they're both pretty simple, check your owners manual, go to some neighborhood auto parts store, get the bulb, and go for it!
2006-11-23 09:44:01 · answer #7 · answered by purplepartygirrl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes ; just remove the cover and remove the bulb. very easy.
2006-11-23 09:44:08 · answer #8 · answered by Howard H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you buy a bulb at the dealership and ask nicely they will put it in for free!!!!!!!!!!! P.S. i haved worked at dealerships for 12 years!
2006-11-23 11:11:39 · answer #9 · answered by fasteddie762001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋