The Best LED Turn Signal Bulb Guide: Buying and Replacing
When your turn signal bulb malfunctions, such as going out or not responding in a timely manner, it can pose a safety hazard on the road as it fails to alert drivers in front or behind you about your intended actions. To ensure road safety, it's crucial to know when to replace your turn signal bulb.
Signs that indicate you need to replace your turn signal light bulb include other drivers not responding to your turn signal lights, the turn signal light not illuminating, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) turn signal light appearing dim, your hazard lights not working, or a dashboard warning notification.
One effective way to improve your road driving safety is by upgrading to LED turn signal bulbs, which offer several advantages.
Types of Turn Signal Bulbs
There are different types of LED turn signal bulbs available, including switchback function LED bulbs and amber LED bulbs.
SWITCHBACK FUNCTION LED TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BULB
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Switchback function LED bulbs are suitable for dual function lights that combine parking/city light and turn signal functions in one bulb. These bulbs offer Xenon White color during parking light mode and switch to Amber during the turn signal mode, ensuring legal compliance with color requirements while maintaining a stylish look.
In addition, switchback LED bulbs provide better vehicle visibility for other drivers by utilizing an "Amber-Off-Amber-Off" color change when using the turn signal function.
SwitchBack LED Turn Signal Light Bulbs Quick Comparison Chart
AMBER LED TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BULB （FRONT OR REAR)
These LED bulbs are used as turn signal lights ONLY. (They are single-function, and could not be used as day running lights or parking lights)
A common problem with LED turn signal bulbs is rapid flashing or error codes on the dashboard because of their lower power consumption compared to halogen or HID bulbs. To solve this problem, you can use LED bulbs specifically designed for decoding turn signals to ensure proper operation without any errors or rapid flickering.
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AUXITO offers various series of error-free bulbs that mimic the power draw of original halogen or HID bulbs for easy installation without the need for additional resistors or relays.
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These series bulbs are designed to emit 360° high luminous efficiency and full amber light with no blind spots, ensuring optimal visibility and safety while driving. These LED turn signals may flicker too fast after installation.
For more details click to learn why LED turn signals may flicker too fast after installation and provides solutions to the problem.
LED Turn Signal Light Bulbs Quick Comparison Chart
HOW TO REPLACE TURN SIGNAL BULB?
Even if you're a novice, replacing a turn signal bulb isn't a difficult task. Here's a structured guide to help you through the process:
CONFIRM BULB SIZE
Every car may have a different turn signal bulb size, and the choice of LED turn signal bulbs needs to be determined by the model, make, and year of your car.
We recommend checking the owner's manual or looking at the original bulb's size before purchasing the bulb, or you can go to any website that sells turn signal bulbs for your vehicle and use fliter, enter the year, make, model, and application, and they will tell you what type of bulb you need!
TOOLS & MATERIALS NEEDED
- Replacement LED bulb
- Screwdrivers (Phillips, flathead, or Torx, depending on your car)
- Gloves (to avoid touching the old or new bulb)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Turn off the vehicle and disconnect the power to ensure safe operation.
- Find the turn signal bulbs housing and access the bulb(Please wear gloves to avoid touching the glass with your bare hands)
Front turn signal bulb: Typically accessed via the engine bay or wheel well.
Rear turn signal bulb: Often reached from inside the trunk or by removing a taillight cover. - Align the new bulb’s tabs with the socket and insert securely. For bayonet bulbs, push and twist clockwise.
- Test the LED turn signal bulb to ensure it works properly in both Parking Light and Turn Signal modes (if applicable).
- Place the replacement turn signal back into the assembly just as you took it out. Also, make sure all parts are securely tightened to prevent moisture from entering.
SOME TIPS YOU MAY NEED
LED bulb polarity: If the LED bulb you purchased has polarity, it may need to be reversed 180 degrees and reinserted for testing when plugged in and not lit.
LED Bulb Failure: If the LED bulb does not light up, flickers, or reports an error after installation, it may have been detected by the vehicle's CANbus system. This can be solved by installing a decoder.
FINAL THOUGHTS
“What turn signal bulb do i need?" To choose the right LED turn signal bulb for your vehicle, you need to confirm the bulb model and color.
Front turn signal bulbs are generally amber in color, while rear turn signals can be red or amber. It's important to also consider the color of your vehicle's turn signal shades and confirm local state laws before choosing a different color turn signal.
You can use the AUXITO Bulb Finder tool to find the recommended bulb model for your vehicle, check the owner's manual for the bulb size, or remove the original halogen bulb and check the model number marked on it.
The following turn signal bulb sizes are commonly used in vehicles:
3157/3156/T25 | 7443 7444 7440 | BA15S 1156 7506 | BAY15D 1157 7528 | BAU15S 7507 PY21W
Installation is a simple thing, but for sensitive vehicles that may flicker or report errors, a resistor is a good solution.
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