Turn signal / running light bulb replacement

[98TXRed]

This should be easy, but I'm finding that there is really nothing easy with these Vettes.

How do you replace the front turn signal / running light bulb? It appears that there is a panel at the bottom of the car with a couple of screws holding it in place. If this is where you access the bulbs, how hard is it to actually get to the bulbs once the panel is removed? Little room and hard to get to ... this must be the place!

 

[PIPO]

Hi
It seems that GM has made it to be obliged to go to the repair shop to change the bulb..

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
You will only need a 7MM socket, and reference the attached.
This will show you the close out panel, that you will have to remove, and then just reach up inside, and remove the socket, and change the bulb.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[98TXRed]

C4C5, you are amazing and helpful as always! That's where I thought it was, but I wasn't sure. Thanks.

 

[PIPO]

Thanks
I was thinking to reach the bulb from the head light side.

 

[98TXRed]

Hmmm, C4C5, “just reach up inside, and remove the socket, and change the bulb”? That is easier said than done! Lying on my back with about 6 inches to work with, reaching into a hole that I can’t even see in, and I can’t figure out how to get that darn bulb out! I know that there is a tab on it, but does the bulb twist or pull out? I tried both, but I was afraid to force it. I would really be "up the creek" if I broke it!

As an aside, I first pulled out the back bulb and replaced it before I realize that that it was the wrong one. I knew that it was too easy and sticking in the bulb into the holder using only one hand is a real trick.

What was GM thinking when they made replacing bulbs so "easy"???

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Please reference the attached diagram, maybe this will assist you.
That tab must be depressed, and then rotate the socket 75 degrees.
Please let us know how you make out, c4c5

 

[98TXRed]

C4C5, what is a reasonable labor time to change this bulb? That is, how long should it take me to change it and how long would it take for you to change it?

 

[98TXRed]

Just to let you know, I was getting my six-month alignment over the holidays, so I decided to let the dealership service department replace the bulb since it would be on the rack and easier to get to. That was a mistake! The dealership charged me $71.20 to change the light bulb and told me that they had to remove the front bumper to get to it. Now, I don't know if they actually did remove the bumper or used the correct procedure, but 0.8-hour labor is obscene.

And to make matters worse, when I questioned the labor, the service manager said that the cost was pricey, but correct, and that “they typically provided some maintenance items, such as alignments, at lower than the competition, in order to entice the customers to have all their maintenance performed there”. I guess that’s typical of any dealership, but I would think that it should take less that 48 minutes to change a light bulb, particularly when it is already on the rack!

 

[c4c5specialist]

It takes me 10 mins, which would equate to .2 on the labor time guide.
That just makes me sick.
c4c5

 

[ROCKnROLL]

you can get to it thru the headlight opening if you have long skinny arms.
open the hood.
manually raise the headlamp door.
remove plastic shroud (3 screws).
manually lower door about a quarter or third of the way.
reach down and release bulb.
you may pick up a few red (rub) marks on your arm.
it worked for me.

 

[danl72]

I have done it. It took me a few minutes.

 

[vettebob1999]

could you post the attached diagram

HI there,
Please reference the attached diagram, maybe this will assist you.
That tab must be depressed, and then rotate the socket 75 degrees.
Please let us know how you make out, c4c5

Hello,
I am new to 'this' forum. I've been a proud Vette owner for 20+ years. My latest is a 99 and I need to replace the turn signal light bulb. My hand is too big to enter via the brake air duct vent. I'm thinking your remedy might be what I need. but I don't see the 'attached diagram'. I looked under the vehicle and could see what might be the access? but your diagram may be what I need to see.

thanks

 

[jseni]

C4C5 Specialist are you still around? Can you bring back your diagram turn signal bulb replacement?

Hello,
I am new to 'this' forum. I've been a proud Vette owner for 20+ years. My latest is a 99 and I need to replace the turn signal light bulb. My hand is too big to enter via the brake air duct vent. I'm thinking your remedy might be what I need. but I don't see the 'attached diagram'. I looked under the vehicle and could see what might be the access? but your diagram may be what I need to see.

thanks

I haven't been on in years and I too don't see the diagram C4C5 Specialist referenced... if you see this, please help if you can.

My passenger side turn signal bulb is out and I would rather do it myself than pay the dealer job rate.

 

[bwing]

I haven't been on in years and I too don't see the diagram C4C5 Specialist referenced... if you see this, please help if you can.

My passenger side turn signal bulb is out and I would rather do it myself than pay the dealer job rate.

You can access the turn signal bulb by going through the brake vent opening. You'll have to push the vent tubing away from the opening and push it down. Reach in and up and you'll feel the bulbs. Grab the bulb socket and twist to remove. You should have enough wire to pull the burnt bulb out through the opening. Re-install in reverse order. I have fairly large hands and I could do it. Hope this works for you.

 

[froggy47]

You can access the turn signal bulb by going through the brake vent opening. You'll have to push the vent tubing away from the opening and push it down. Reach in and up and you'll feel the bulbs. Grab the bulb socket and twist to remove. You should have enough wire to pull the burnt bulb out through the opening. Re-install in reverse order. I have fairly large hands and I could do it. Hope this works for you.

I have a video (or 2?) on my channel (click below) that will help.