Changing a blinker light is a 10-minute job you can do in a parking lot

A blinker light burns out when the filament inside the bulb breaks. You can replace it yourself without tools or a mechanic visit. The process is the same whether the burned-out light is on the front or back of your car: remove the lens cover, pull out the old bulb, and push in a new one that matches your car's model.

The hardest part is usually getting the lens cover off, because different car makers use different clips and fasteners. Once you know what you are looking for, the whole job takes about 10 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • You need only a replacement bulb that matches your car's year, make, and model — check your owner's manual or the part number printed on the old bulb.
  • The lens cover is held on by clips, screws, or bolts that you remove by hand or with a screwdriver, depending on your car.
  • The bulb socket twists counterclockwise to come out, and the bulb itself pulls straight out of the socket.
  • Replacement bulbs cost between $5 and $15 and are sold at auto parts stores, gas stations, and online retailers.

Find the right bulb for your car

Your owner's manual lists the bulb type and wattage you need. If you do not have the manual, open your car's door and look at the inside edge of the door frame — many cars have a sticker showing bulb types and part numbers. You can also take a photo of the burned-out bulb and show it to a staff member at an auto parts store, and they will find the match.

Blinker bulbs are usually amber or yellow. Front blinkers and rear blinkers often use different bulb types, so make sure you know which one is burned out before you buy.

Remove the lens cover

Locate the burned-out light on your car. Look at the edge of the lens cover — the plastic or glass piece that covers the bulb. You will see either small clips, screws, or bolts holding it in place.

If the cover has clips, gently pry the edge with a flat screwdriver or your fingernail until the clips release and the cover comes free. If it has screws or bolts, unscrew them by hand or with a screwdriver and set them somewhere you will not lose them. Some cars require you to remove the entire tail light assembly from the back of the car, but most allow you to access the bulb from inside the lens cover alone.

Remove the old bulb and socket

Once the lens cover is off, you will see the bulb socket — a plastic or metal piece that holds the bulb. The socket twists counterclockwise to release it from the housing. Grip the socket firmly and turn it about a quarter turn until it comes free.

Pull the bulb straight out of the socket. Do not twist it; it should come out with gentle, steady pressure. If it is stuck, wiggle it slightly as you pull.

Install the new bulb

Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it seats fully. You should feel it click or seat with a slight resistance. Do not force it — if it does not go in easily, check that you have the right bulb type.

Twist the socket clockwise to lock it back into the housing. Turn it until you feel it stop — you do not need to force it. Replace the lens cover by reversing the steps you used to remove it: clip it back on, or screw the fasteners back in.

Test the light before you leave

Turn on your car's ignition and set up the turn signal on the side you just repaired. Walk around to the light and confirm it is working. If it is not, the bulb may not be seated properly — remove the lens cover again and check that the bulb is pushed all the way into the socket.

If the light still does not work after you have reseated the bulb, the socket itself may be damaged or corroded. This is rare, but if it happens, you will need a mechanic to inspect it.

Where to buy replacement bulbs

Auto parts stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and NAPA stock blinker bulbs for most cars. Gas stations and convenience stores often carry them too. Online retailers including Amazon and eBay sell them, though you will wait for shipping. Dealerships carry bulbs as well, but they usually cost more than independent retailers.

Bulbs are inexpensive — typically $5 to $15 per bulb depending on the type and brand. Buy a spare while you are at it, since blinker bulbs fail without warning and having a replacement on hand means you can fix it when ready if it burns out again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I touch the new bulb with my bare hands?

Halogen bulbs should not be touched with bare skin because oils from your hands can damage the bulb and shorten its life. If you touch one, wipe it clean with a dry cloth before installing it. Standard incandescent blinker bulbs are less sensitive, but it is still good practice to avoid touching the glass.

What if the lens cover will not come off?

Check that you have removed all fasteners — sometimes there are clips on multiple sides. If clips are stuck, explore gentle, steady pressure with a plastic pry tool or old credit card rather than a metal screwdriver, which can crack the plastic. If the cover is truly stuck, stop and take the car to a mechanic rather than risk breaking it.

How often do blinker bulbs burn out?

Blinker bulbs last thousands of hours, so most cars go years between replacements. If a bulb burns out and you replace it, the next one will likely last just as long. If blinkers burn out frequently, the electrical system may have a problem and you should have a mechanic inspect it.

Do I need to disconnect the battery?

No. Blinker lights run on low voltage and are safe to work on without disconnecting the battery. You do not need to turn off the car, though it is safer to work with the engine off and the keys out of the ignition.