🔧 Legacy - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

You’ll access the rear lamp from inside the trunk, remove the turn-signal bulb socket, and swap in a new bulb. This restores proper signaling and keeps you road-legal and safe.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.3-0.8 hours

Assumption: your rear turn signal uses a 7440/7440A amber bulb.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Do not touch the new bulb glass with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life. Use gloves.
• ⚠️ Support the trunk trim panels gently to avoid breaking clips.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• Small flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb (amber 7440/7440A) - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and shift to Park.
• Open the trunk and keep it fully raised.
• Set your flashlight ready so you can clearly see the bulb sockets.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the rear lamp area in the trunk

• Use a small flashlight to locate the rear corner behind the tail lamp.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to pop open the trunk side access cover (or gently pull the trunk liner back).
• If your liner uses screws, remove them with a Phillips #2 screwdriver.
• Trim tool = plastic pry tool for clips.

Step 2: Remove the turn signal bulb socket

• Find the bulb socket that corresponds to the turn signal (usually the amber bulb position in the rear combination lamp).
• Grip the socket and rotate it counterclockwise about 1/4 turn by hand, then pull it straight out.
• If it’s tight, wiggle gently—don’t force it.

Step 3: Replace the bulb

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket (it’s a push-in style).
• Push the new rear turn signal bulb (amber 7440/7440A) straight into the socket until fully seated.

Step 4: Reinstall the socket and test

• Insert the socket back into the lamp housing.
• Rotate the socket clockwise to lock it in place.
• Turn the ignition to ON and test the rear turn signal on that side.
• If it doesn’t work, remove the socket and reseat the bulb firmly.

Step 5: Reinstall the trunk trim/access cover

• Reposition the trunk liner/access cover.
• Reinstall any fasteners using a Phillips #2 screwdriver.

Optional Step (only if you can’t access the socket): Remove the rear lamp assembly

• Remove the access panel, then remove the lamp retaining nuts with a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Carefully pull the lamp straight rearward to release the alignment pins.
• Replace the bulb as above, then reinstall the lamp.
• Reinstall the nuts and Torque to 7.5 Nm (5.5 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Test both rear turn signals, hazards, and brake lights (to confirm no other bulbs were disturbed).
• Make sure the bulb socket is fully locked to prevent water leaks into the lamp.
• Replace bulbs in pairs for even brightness.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $6-$25 (parts only)

You Save: $35-$130 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.8 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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