🔧 IS - Front Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

Your IS front turn signals use a small replaceable bulb inside the headlamp housing. The usual access is through the front wheel-well liner so you can reach the bulb socket without removing the headlight.

Assumption: Your IS uses a replaceable front turn-signal bulb (not a sealed LED module).

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and support the car with jack stands (never rely on a jack alone).
• ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the car.
• ⚠️ Let the headlamp area cool before reaching behind it.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the glass of the new bulb with bare fingers; skin oils can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this bulb swap.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (pair, rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm lug nut socket
• 1/2" drive breaker bar
• 1/2" drive torque wrench
• 10mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 6" socket extension
• Phillips screwdriver
• Trim clip removal tool
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front turn signal bulb (amber) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Fender liner push clips - Optional if any break - Qty: 4

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a flat surface, shift to P, and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Tip: Do one side at a time.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the front wheel lug nuts

• Use a 21mm lug nut socket with a 1/2" breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts about 1 turn (do not remove yet).

Step 2: Raise and support the front corner

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front corner you’re working on.
• Set the car down onto jack stands (pair, rated 3-ton minimum).

Step 3: Remove the front wheel

• Remove the loosened lug nuts using the 21mm lug nut socket and take the wheel off.

Step 4: Open the front fender liner access

• Turn your flashlight toward the front of the wheel well (bumper/headlamp area).
• Remove the small section of liner fasteners near the front using a trim clip removal tool.
• If screws are present, remove them with a Phillips screwdriver.
• If a small 10mm bolt is present, remove it with a 10mm socket, 3/8" drive ratchet, and 6" socket extension.
• Pull the liner back just enough to fit your hand behind the headlamp.
• Tip: Don’t crease the liner; bend gently.

Step 5: Remove the turn signal bulb socket

• Find the turn signal bulb socket on the back of the headlamp. (It’s a round twist-lock socket.)
• Rotate the socket counterclockwise by hand and pull it straight out.
• If it’s tight, use nitrile gloves for better grip.

Step 6: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Install the new front turn signal bulb (amber) by pushing it straight into the socket.
• Avoid touching the bulb glass with bare fingers (use nitrile gloves).

Step 7: Reinstall the socket and test

• Insert the socket back into the headlamp and turn clockwise until it locks.
• Turn ignition to ON and switch on that turn signal to verify it flashes normally.
• If it doesn’t light, turn ignition OFF and re-check the bulb seating in the socket.

Step 8: Reinstall fender liner fasteners

• Reposition the liner.
• Reinstall clips using the trim clip removal tool (push pin style clips press in to lock).
• Reinstall any 10mm bolt using the 10mm socket, 3/8" drive ratchet, and 6" socket extension.

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel and torque lug nuts

• Install the wheel and hand-thread lug nuts.
• Lower the car off the jack stands using the floor jack.
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a 1/2" drive torque wrench: Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat Steps 1–9 for the opposite front turn signal.
• Tip: Replace bulbs in pairs for even brightness.

---

✅ After Repair

• Verify left and right turn signals flash at a normal speed.
• Verify hazard lights work and both front signals illuminate evenly.
• Check that the fender liner is secure and not rubbing the tire on full lock.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$180 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $10-$40 (parts only)

You Save: $80-$140 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.