Turn Signal Bulb Replacement Cost Guide
Front Turn Signal Bulb
Labor Time: 0.2-0.5 hours (depending on vehicle)
Parts Cost: $5-15 per bulb
Labor Cost: $25-63
Total Cost Range: $30-78
Rear Turn Signal Bulb
Labor Time: 0.2-0.4 hours (depending on vehicle)
Parts Cost: $5-12 per bulb
Labor Cost: $25-50
Total Cost Range: $30-62
Side Mirror Turn Signal Bulb
Labor Time: 0.4-0.8 hours (depending on vehicle)
Parts Cost: $15-30 per bulb
Labor Cost: $50-100
Total Cost Range: $65-130
Notes:
- Luxury and European vehicles may have higher parts costs
- LED assemblies, if required, will increase parts costs significantly
- Some vehicles may require additional labor time for access
- Both sides should be replaced at the same time for consistent appearance
All prices are estimates based on our standard labor rate of $125/hour. Actual costs may vary depending on vehicle make, model, and year.
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement Guide
Front Turn Signal Bulb
Time Required:15-30 minutes
Tools Needed:
- Replacement bulb (check owner's manual for correct type)
- Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on vehicle)
- Work gloves
Steps:
- Open the hood and locate the turn signal housing
- Access the bulb housing (may require removing headlight assembly on some vehicles)
- Disconnect the wiring harness from the old bulb
- Remove the old bulb by turning it counterclockwise
- Insert new bulb without touching the glass portion
- Reconnect wiring harness
- Test the new bulb before fully reassembling
- Reinstall any removed components
Rear Turn Signal Bulb
Time Required:15-20 minutes
Tools Needed:
- Replacement bulb (check owner's manual for correct type)
- Socket wrench set
- Screwdriver
- Work gloves
Steps:
- Open trunk or tailgate to access tail light assembly
- Remove any trunk liner or panels covering access to bulbs
- Locate and remove mounting screws/bolts holding tail light assembly
- Gently pull tail light assembly away from vehicle
- Locate turn signal bulb socket and twist counterclockwise to remove
- Pull old bulb straight out of socket
- Insert new bulb into socket
- Reinsert socket and turn clockwise to lock
- Test bulb operation
- Reinstall tail light assembly and interior panels
Important Notes:
- Never touch the glass portion of new bulbs with bare hands
- Ensure proper bulb type and wattage
- Check both bulbs if one is burned out, as they often fail around the same time
- Some vehicles may require dealer service due to complex assembly design
Note: These are general guidelines. Specific procedures may vary by vehicle make and model. Consult your owner's manual or a professional mechanic for vehicle-specific instructions.
Understanding Turn Signal Bulbs
LED Turn Signal Bulbs
What it is:LED (Light Emitting Diode) turn signal bulbs are modern lighting solutions that use semiconductor technology to produce light.
What it does:These bulbs provide bright, instant illumination with minimal power consumption. They last significantly longer than traditional bulbs, often up to 50,000 hours, and produce a crisp, clear light that's highly visible in all weather conditions. LED bulbs also generate less heat and are more resistant to vibration.
Incandescent Turn Signal Bulbs
What it is:Traditional incandescent bulbs that use a tungsten filament that glows when electricity passes through it.
What it does:These bulbs provide reliable, warm-colored illumination at an economical price point. They're the standard option in many older vehicles and offer simple replacement when needed. While they consume more power and have a shorter lifespan (typically 1,000-2,000 hours), they remain a popular choice due to their low initial cost.
Halogen Turn Signal Bulbs
What it is:An enhanced version of incandescent bulbs that contains halogen gas around the filament.
What it does:Halogen bulbs produce a brighter, whiter light than standard incandescent bulbs while maintaining similar power consumption. They typically last longer than standard incandescent bulbs (around 2,000-3,000 hours) and provide better visibility. The halogen gas helps maintain bulb brightness throughout its lifetime.
HID Turn Signal Bulbs
What it is:High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs create light through an electric arc between tungsten electrodes housed in a xenon-filled tube.
What it does:These bulbs produce an extremely bright, distinctive light that's highly visible in all conditions. They offer excellent efficiency and longevity (around 2,000-3,000 hours), though they require a brief warm-up period to reach full brightness. HID bulbs are less common in turn signals but provide superior illumination when used.
Note: Always check your vehicle's specifications and local regulations before replacing turn signal bulbs, as certain types may not be legal in all jurisdictions.
Common Turn Signal Bulb Failure Symptoms and Warning Signs
Turn Signal Bulb Types and Maintenance Guide
Traditional Incandescent Bulbs
Signs of Failure:
- Blinking faster than normal (hyperflashing)
- No blinking at all
- Dimmer than usual operation
- Intermittent function
Service Schedule:
Replace every 2-3 years or when signs of failure appear. Average lifespan is approximately 3,000 hours of operation.
LED Turn Signals
Signs of Failure:
- Partial illumination (some LEDs not lighting)
- Complete failure to illuminate
- Inconsistent brightness
- Error messages on dashboard
Service Schedule:
LEDs typically last 15,000-50,000 hours. Replacement usually only necessary if physical damage occurs or individual LEDs fail. Many LED units last the lifetime of the vehicle.
Xenon Turn Signals
Signs of Failure:
- Pink or purple color instead of white/amber
- Flickering during operation
- Delayed illumination
- Complete failure to light
Service Schedule:
Replace every 5-7 years or when signs of failure appear. Average lifespan is approximately 10,000 hours of operation.
Note: Regardless of bulb type, it's recommended to replace turn signal bulbs in pairs to ensure consistent brightness and color.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
