How to replace turn signal lens

[fillup]

For anyone that has to replace the turn signal bulb or lens, I thought I would share what I found, since I was given some incorrect information when I posted the question a week ago.

The lens assembly does not simply 'pop' out. It has a plastic hook on the top, and a plastic spring clip on the bottom. In order to remove it, the bottom clip must be released. It is possible to release clip by pushing on it through the grill with a long, small diameter screw driver, but good luck with that approach. It is impossible to see, so you have to know exactly where to push.

I managed to disengage the spring clip by removing the rubber gasket (between the lens assembly and the car body), and CAREFULLY pulling up on the lens assembly enough to get a small screw driver in the gap and push on the clip.

If you need to replace the lens, it cannot be replaced separately; it is a glued assembly, and the whole turn signal light must be replaced.

[Spudboy]

No offense, but your approach sounds much more likely to cause damage to either the seal, the paint, or the lamp. Pushing a flat bladed screwdriver thru the small hole underneath is far simpler and eliminates the risks.

[Aedo]

Good writeup!

Originally Posted by Spudboy

No offense, but your approach sounds much more likely to cause damage to either the seal, the paint, or the lamp. Pushing a flat bladed screwdriver thru the small hole underneath is far simpler and eliminates the risks.

This method is easy, works, and you won't damage the bodywork or paint - you can get the rubber gasket/seal out easily and without taking the lens out. Once it is out the lens is easy to extract (particularly if the tab is broken )

[carl]

great idea i've done it the factory way and is a PIA. you stand a good chance of breaking the clip then is buy a new light time. the clip should be metal not brittle plastic. carl

[TimMullen]

The problem with removing the rubber gasket is that with with age that rubber is going to get brittle. Trying to remove it after a few years is going to crack and tear the rubber.

Yes, using a rod (screw driver) from under is a pain, but once you've done it once, and get a fell for it, it isn't hard to do.. I spent about 30 minutes trying to get one off the first time, about 30 seconds the second time...