Corvette C5 turn signal, park light and side marker replacement
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- Since the owner's manual doesn't mention it Mark shows you how to replace the front turn signal, park light and side marker lights on 1997 to 2004 Chevrolet Corvettes. There are two ways to do it and he shows you all the tools and tips on how to do it like a pro to save yourself time and money - Cheers to all those who do it themselves!
I want to buy this guy a beer...or a case of beer. I did the through the headlights method. Both bulbs replaced in 20 minutes! Genius! Thank you! Very easy to follow and great video!
Anytime Neil - I live in Ontario Canada
I just recently dealt with this issue on my own C-5 after trying several other recommendations from videos posted on TH-cam I found yours not only to be correct but to offer more than one way to deal with it
thanks
I really appreciate your video and insight .....
Glad it helped WD - Cheers from Canada!
Thanks a bunch. I have big hands and tried the go through the brake vent method elsewhere on TH-cam with no luck. Then I found your video and Part 2 worked great for me. Very straightforward direction.
Me too - scratched the hell out of my hand when I went through the duct
Next on the list is the replacement of the lens with clear ones. I kind of put the cart before the horse, but wanted to see how I liked the DRL Switchback LED lights first. I think they will look great inside the clear lenses. I plan using the same method for installing those. I hope I can sneak them in the opening.
The second method was as easy as described. The lost bulb inside was easy to access with a piece of 8 gauge wire wrapped in reverse duct tape. Great solutions
Thanks John - Cheers from Canada!
Sir :
Just finished it .
Left turn signal was out .
Took me 1 1/2 hrs including trip to O’reilly. I removed the panel under the front bumper 5 screws. Thanks buddy.
El rojo C5
red candy: 100010 miles on it.
Well done Mario - Cheers from Canada!
@@carquestions
Greetings from North Texas
Best how to video I have ever watched. I'm 62 and watched my share. Most of the videos I have watched I watched very little before terminating many different idiosyncrasies and plane ignorance. Too many unnecessary words and really don't know what they're talking about.
Thanks Harold - I also happen to be 62 for a few more months - Cheers from Canada!
I just replaced my drivers side signal lamp for my C-5, it was easily done through the top. I didn’t have to turn on the lights, there’s a knob to manually open the headlamp. Also, once I removed the headlamp door & lowered the headlamp back down into the fender with the manual knob there was enough room to easily get into the area where the signal lamp went. Your video was extremely helpful because it’s not easy to replace the signal lamps.
Thanks for the info Tonya - cheers!
as a new 1998 c5 vette owner and having 0 knowledge of how to fix a car. you made it very simple and easy to figure out thank you! happy fixing hahaha
Thanks Triz - Cheers from Canada!
great thank youand am a member of the corvette forum, also I have found out how to remove the consoleThank you again .corvette a work of art in motion , all thanks to the workers of this American made Icon
Wow I used the second way of changing the turn bulb. Worked great !
Excellent result Marcin
Great video!! Very helpful quick and to the point. I took the 4 screws on the side out and squeezed my arm in from the side i could only reach the peanut. I dont recommend my way. I wish i watched this video first. Almost had to spray wd40 on my arm to get it out. Thanks for the video.
Sounds like you have an arm like mine
Man, I wish GM made this just a tad bit easier to do but nonetheless got it done thank you for the tutorial.
Good to hear Z06 - Cheers from Canada!
Great video sir! I ended up replacing the bulb through the light, which enabled me to clean everything in the process, and replace the side marker bulb as well. Thanks again and you now have a new subscriber!
Thanks Kieth! - cheers
Thanks so much for the excellent video. My 2001 C5 started with the "disco" light show two days ago, and it was the first time it did this since it was brand new. Your video is very clear and easy to understand-even I could do it! I used the top through-the-headlight method and had no problems with easily getting it done. However, when I tested the flashers and turn signal afterwards (while everything was still disassembled) , it still was doing the same thing-rapid turn signal and emergency lights! Well.... Seems the guy at Autozone, where I bought the bulbs (I changed the large amber and small clear bulb) advised me to squeezed some "bulb or socket lube" down into the sockets before plugging in the new bulbs. He said the GM plugs can be burned and this would be good to help prevent that, if they were OK now. So I did. It made no sense why the new bulbs didn't work. After giving it some thought, I pulled the bulbs out and wiped off all of that lube that I could. Presto! That was the problem-they weren't making contact because of the lube. Guess I overdid it with the stuff, but anyway, after cleaning the contacts they now work perfectly. Again thank you for taking the time to make such a straightforward, well-done video. Saved a lot of money, and I appreciate it!!
Glad to hear it worked out Ron - Cheers from Canada!
thanks for the video, it was a big help, went through the top and was done in no time, thanks again
Second method works great. Little trouble with headlight cover, but it worked great. Thank you!!
Good to hear Steve - cheers!
Excellent video! If you have trouble on the top side method, don't panic. The entire light can be removed by removing two T15 bolts and 1 pin with a retention clip. I just replaced my entire headlights with halo projectors. Not a hard install to upgrade the lights.
Thanks for the informative video , I used the Headlight Access method - too easy !!!
Anytime Jeff - Cheers from Canada!
Good how to , thanks. I have a 1999 and the owners manual does mention it on page 6-35.
Also check to see if the bulb is burning the inside housing above it - big problem in Canada since its used as a daytime running light
Best video on the subject. My only comment is that there are two other T-15 screws that hold the headlight cover to the headlight frame assembly besides the 2 in the back. Otherwise, spot on, and the easiest (and cleanest) is truly from the top. Thanks a lot, sir!
Worked like a charm. Just the thought of messing around the headlights made me ill. 15 min fix!
Good going Jim - Cheers from Canada!
thank you for a GREAT explanation and video. i found a "third" way to it. (if you arm is small enough) remove the hood adjustment rubber stopper near the headlight. ( you will need an Open End 1/2" wrench. Carefully loosen the nut, keeping in mind how many turns you turned, so as not to replace the adjuster out of the proper height. After removing the adjuster, reach in to remove the side marker socket and bulb and replace the bulb. You can do it with one hand. This is really the fastest way to do the front side marker light bulb change.
Also used the 2nd method. About an hour start to finish. 100% repaired, cost me the price of a little tiny light bulb. Thanks!
Nice work Tony - Cheers from Canada!
Good video! I used the second method and it was better for my large hands. Even so it was tricky to depress the tab and twist with one hand. I ended up using my left hand for the tab and my right hand to twist.
Did that myself Max - Cheers from Canada!
Pretty straight forward, thanks for making it easy! If I can do it, anyone can do it.
Well done JJ
Thanks for the tips. gonna save this video for when I need to replace my lights. thanks.
No problem
I’ve been changing bulbs in my c5 for a decade plus. They blow out whenever water splashes up there. All you need is a Phillips head screw driver. That’s it. Take off the black bezel. Reach down and unscrew the bulb from the plastic light assembly while light is still up. No torque driver needed, no removing headlight covers etc. I did mine today in 2 min 45 seconds stop start to finish with engine running and lights up. I timed it. I should make a video as well :D. IPeace. Cheers.
Good tip Micky - thanks!
I already made that video on my channel but you are doing way more than is necessary. My way needs no tools and you don't have to remove ANYTHING, just unplug the socket and bulb . Add to that, there is a specific reason that the bulb is blowing. Your lens housing has developed a crack ON TOP of it due to the heat exerted on the top of the housing by the bulb. The way to avoid this after replacing the housing is to use a L.E.D. instead of that incandescent bulb. That will eliminate the heat that melts the housing, which allow water to drip down on top of the bulb and blow it. Remember, the bulb is vertical and it faces UP, not down so the water has to drip DOWN onto the bulb in order to blow it. I've been working on the C5 for almost 20-years now and there is nothing common that you will see with this car that I haven't addressed.
@@Junkman2008 Good tip and Yes you did the DRL but not the side marker - and in the video you can clearly see that I used an LED light and mentioned burning. As far as addressing common problems - you need one on the seat rocking, fuel tank recall, column lock bypass.........
@@carquestions
Every fix that you mentioned are ones that I have done extensive writeups on, including the starter motor that breaks off the block (and takes some of the block with it), the wheel bearings, leaky output shaft seal, erratic turn signals, blown head gaskets, dim radio lights, drowning wiper motors, oil pressure sensor replacement and a ton of others that are common to the C5. I even show how to replace the DRL housing by removing the front facia, so that you can retrieve your build sheet that is stored inside the frame. I had them posted on various Corvette forums but the scene changed and I quit posting. I let my Photobucket account lapse since I quit doing technical writeups so if you find any of my threads somewhere, they won't contain the many, many pictures that were always included in my technical writeups.
I posted a few of my writeups on LSI Tech and managed to find one thread that was still intact. It's the OPS replacement writeup that I did. You can see it here. ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-external-engine/1284303-diy-junkman-s-engine-oil-pressure-sensor-replacement-relocation-dummies.html
@@Junkman2008 You go to all that trouble helping - get no money for it- and they get rid of it? - mother....that's why we should stick to You Tube I guess
Thank you for posting. I went through the headlight door. Took about 5 minutes.
Option 2 worked great for me. Big thank you for posting this.
Glad it helped Dave cheers from Canada!
Thanks just did the passenger side bulb, less than 14 minutes. Piece of cake.
Anytime Shawn - Cheers!
Thanks for this video. Very good explained and in good quality. You saved a lot of my time !!👍
You're welcome Eco - Cheers from Canada!
Retrieving the lamp from below worked well. The problem after getting it loose was gEtting the build assembly with both hands to carefully remove the bulb. Moving the brake vent down allows the harness and bulb to bE in a far better position for bulb removal and replacement via the exterior brake vent opening.
Thanks for a concise video! Appreciate the help..
Wonder if it is advisable to snap the plastic spring type keeper off of the bulb holder to allow easier extraction in the future??
Thanks for the info Paul
Thank you for the video! Right on time. Bet its frustrating looking at all the comments from the "know-it-all's." Thanks again!
Good Video! There's no need to remove the painted headlight lid though. You can easily access the bulb by putting your arm in through the side of the headlight assembly. It was large enough to fit my large arms. You might want to quickly remove the hood bumper bolt to give you even more access. That's a lot easier than removing the lid.
Thanks, just did this tonight with the help of this video!
Anytime Josh glad to help - BTW If you have any neck, knee or back pain I've got stuff that works - could you do me a favour and check out my arthritis video and let me know what you think please - I need some feedback - cheers! th-cam.com/video/a7np4SOn1KE/w-d-xo.html
Wow thanks for the video! Took me about 6 minutes to just change the turn signal bulb.
Anytime Chris - Cheers from Canada!
Excellent tutorial! well detailed, what's not to like! well done!!
Thanks Terry - cheers!
Thank you about this... didn't know you could get down there from the h/l covers 👍🏼
Anytime - Cheers from Canada FabsG!
Thx for info, have left side out but will do them all while I have it apart!
Let me know how you make out Dave
You’re video was very helpful, used method #2, worked great. Thank you!
Anytime Paul - Cheers from Canada!
Thank you. Greased my arm up with dawn and replaced one through vent. Used second method for the other light.
Half hour.
Nice work - Cheers from Canada Ken!
Thank you I like the second way better
Me to
WOW you got back to me ; Thank you , aim a vet and should you and wife come to Ocean Shores WA my door is open to you .
am a old brown fart (66 soon to be 67years old )Thank you for sharing your experience with this grate American made car.Corvette is art in motions Thank you again.
Thank you for the invitation - very generous
from one old fart to another - anytime, and yes it is art
my corvette is a c5 2002 74,567. miles on it very well taken care of , and I want to keep it that way only drive it on good days , I live in the northwest and we have sunny days But wait an hour or two and it's rain
EXCELLENT, thank you for posting, All the best bro!
Anytime Robert
Outstanding and VERY helpful.
I too would like to buy you a beer! 🍻
Anytime CTsan - thanks and Cheers from Canada!
Good god looks like a job for my boys at Midas. I’ll never be able to do this. Lol. Thanks for the video, I love these do it yourself fix it replace it repair it videos 👍
Great video. Very informative. Thanks for the info.
Anytime - cheers!
I have a different panel under mine! Gonna have to try down through the headlight!
Hunter is right, IF you have slender arms, and though it will scrape you up a bit maybe, going in the brake duct vent can take as little as 1 minute per side to swap the lights. It's tight, and don't try it alone - I got kinda stuck at one point. Take your watch and ANY jewelry off. For the passenger lamp, lay on your right side and go in with your left hand, opposite on the other of course. I put in LED - saw a red dot on one side of the bulb, wondered...hmm, polarity? but saw no mark on the socket so put it all together and.. no light. Undid it, flipped it around - light. So make sure the light works before reinstalling, duh. Hardest part, twisting it in securely but it just has to travel maybe 1/4" of rotation to lock in place. I used this same techqnique last year on my turn signal lamps, it is the ONLY way to do this easily. Chunky arms.. fuhgedaboudit. Find a skinny friend.
Good info - thanks for the comment
Gotta do this on my Vette. Very nice video thank you!
Anytime Ben - Cheers!
Hey, thanks for the video. It was very helpful.
Anytime Peter - cheers!
Thanks I may try it I replaced one at the dealer a month ago.
Let me know how you make out - Cheers from Canada!
Just changed mine. Thank you!!
glad it helped - Cheers!
Very good. Easy to follow. 2 ways...🧐🤔 I like that.
3rd easy way: reach in the brake air duct in front; push accordion pleated duct back away from front. Reach thru air inlet opening to get to the light bulbs. When done, reposition the duct back into its original place.
And that also works depending on hand size - Cheers from Canada!
@@carquestions Put coconut oil on your wrist and it works much better.
@@carycase5563 Might as well go all the way and get her a dozen roses eh? - Cheers from Canada!
@@carquestions After that, I am the one that deserves a dozen roses! I changes both moving the air duct down and reaching under, in less than three minutes, I was done ✅
@@carquestions🍻
your are outstanding in your direction in the videothank yougreg fox Yakima,wa
anytime Greg - thanks
Nie video. I would suggest replacing those cheap LEDs ( I'm assuming they are cheap they look like the cheap ones you get from eBay ) and put in some Phillips or Sylvanias.
Bought them years back when they first came out from Corvette Central
***** No flickering after all those years?
oh ya - got to get some new ones
When you installed the LED's, did you have to also install resistors to slow down the hyper blinking?
Yep - always
Thanks for the tips!
Method 1 is shown in my field service manual.
Good to know Scott - thanks
It looks like the outside headlight cover has some adjustment. Is it easy to reset it straight/square with the hood?
The headlight cover - the black rap around piece has no adjustment - the headlight itself does though
I tried to do it using the brake duct and I have scars to prove it. The 2nd way was easy
I agree though others with small hands see no problems - cheers!
Thanks for this!
Anytime - Cheers from Canada!
Great Video 👍🏿
If you are upgrading to LED, make sure to have the light switch ON when you install. LED lights are polarity sensitive and may require flipping them around to work. Ask me how I know 😂
Yep Chad - we've all done that - plus more - years back the first time I sent 2 bulbs back thinking they were defective
When using the LEDs do you have to use resistors or anything?
yes - get the electronic flasher for trailer lights - google it
great can you do a video on headlight replacement
Next chance I get - Cheers from Canada!
Thanks I will try that 😊
Did it work Victor?
Not Yet
THANKS never know when lights will go out-? thanks for info- 1998 C-5 owner......phill
How about going through the brake duct?
I have a problem I change my blub (right front blinker ) The old blub was not burnt out ; The socket has brown marks (hot and contacts rust) clean the rust off (just because) installed new bulb (not LED). The issues; no left and right turn signal ; To make it work I press hazarder button ( both light up right and left ) push again to turn off hazarder of , and low and behold right and left work . this is intermitting problem. (sometime it works and other times it does not . When it does not work I push hazarder button and press again to turn off Hazarder left and right signal works. do you have any Idea what is going on with this (My thought a short some were )
Robert - there are a gang of grounds all bunched together in a black connector about 1 inch wide bolted to the frame on both sides of the car and other places - take them apart and check for rust - they are known problem areas - look for a black connector directly under the AC pressure test port nearest the rad on the front right side and at the front of the coolant tank - this could be the source of your problem - take the connector apart carefully even if it looks clean on the outside - let me know what you find
Ok will do ; I have no schematic for c5 corvette wiring diagram ; I know there is a service manual from Eckler's for $289.99 have to buy later (fix income, retired from Honeywell and Boeing aerospace ) avionics; just to let you know
Good going Robert - I retired from teaching 4 years ago after 30 years - You need to sign up online at corvette forums and do a search for C5 ground locations - you"ll have the info you need in 5 minutes
Thank you on my way
The top way looks a helluva lot easier!! Got my C5 yesterday and the damn left front turn signal bulb just went out on me.
Whichever way works best for you based on hand size and flexibility
Can you say where to get the LED replacement for side marker and blinker?
AutoZone will have led bulbs but you'll need to get another part to stop something called hyper flash - check it out on google
Good video!!!
Thanks for the visit MG - cheers from Canada!
What LED bulbs did you use for the turn signal and marker light?
whatever fit - try amazon
ThankYou!!!
Anytime Benny
Saw a guy push in the brake cooler duct and just reach in there without doing all that.
Yep - if you have small hands you can -
Thx to your vid and the replies , good vid.. I subscribed.. I like your details
Does anyone even know what the skde marker lights are used for? the little tiny one. I just replaced the housings yesterday and now I'm curious. The main amber bulb blinker blinks with the blink or hazards on, but when does that smaller side bulb even turn on??
G Pro - The purpose of side marker lights is for other cars to see you when approaching at night from a perpendicular angle like backing out your driveway - they are mandatory safety items and on all cars and trucks - they must turn on anytime you turn on the parking lights or headlights. - Cheers from Canada
@@carquestions Okay thank you :) they must turn on when i turn on my headlights then I guess, that's when all the "night lights" spring to life lol
There are more than 2 screws that hold the headlight cowling on!!!Thanks jack wagon. Now I need to buy a new cowling! There are two anchor screws at the back of the headlight carriage. Other than that, great advice.
Dear Jack Wagon at exactly 8:51 I show you the two screws you are referring to and need to remove on the back of the headlight lid - Apparently keen observation and listening skills are not something you have mastered.
You forgot to mention the 3rd way. Going through the brake duct with the car sitting on the ground and no tools required.
Thanks for the info Junkman
So which wheels are those the chrome or the polished aluminum wheels ??
I love those wheels man great video very easy to follow ty
I have the 2014 Corvette Stingray Z51
Nice!
Fairly easy........................unless the bulb is fused to the plastic holder, which happens frequently on these models.
Yes they do good point - so use led's - I do
LEDs burn cooler? Makes sense. My bulb casing was pretty warped, but still functional. I'm guessing I won't be so lucky next time, so I'm going to follow your advice. Now I have to get off my lazy butt and replace the plastic gears in the headlight assembly with the new brass gears. Grinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd, grind. What a noise! Oh, and the column lock bypass. Corvettes are worse than women, always demanding attention. ;)
What LED light Buld did you buy?
just ask the parts guy/girl
Very good
Thanks Zanec - Cheers from Canada!
what bulb do I use for the turn signal?
3157
Thanks!
Anytime Iris - Cheers from Canada!
one more question on the 2002 C5 why is there not a light (at night console ) to let the driver know were to place his or her shift (automatic in drive or reveries????) I bought this Vet a year 1/2 ago only drive it doing the summer time ; My jeep brock down as I am repairing it; now I have to put my (blue lady in the elements of nature and road grim) corvette in harms way ; will follow your comment . Its all good ; better then trouble shooting a ring laser gyro on a 747
Yep there is a light - have to take centre console out to fix it - check the procedure on Corvette forums
carquestions
I have a Euro C5 and I believe this process is much more difficult.
if you have DRL - check for melted plastic above bulb as well - cheers from Canada!
@@carquestions Thanks 👍🏼
Why is it so much pain in the ass to work on C5's god...this is unbelievable !!
Loads of cars are worse - but I hear ya
Tell me about it lol. Great car but there are sacrifices u have to deal with lol
@Mickey Winters WOW
Leave your screwdrivers on a big magnet overnight and the screwdriver will always hold the screw from dropping into the depths of no return....turns it into a magnetized tool. Like me.
I have a addition and a correction. You do not I repeat, you do not have to take. The headlight covers off the top painted ones. Only the black with the headlights up. You can reach your hands down in there. Have you get the black benzel's off Once again save yourself some time and possible screwing up your head like cover Paint
Good tip -
My 2000 corvette never turn off fog lights.
I would appreciate it very much if you knew how to do it.
Greetings.
My C-5 is a 2004, there’s a fog lamp switch right above the trunk opening button on the lower dash to the left of the steering column, you may have a switch to turn off your fog lamps on yours too.
Thanks @@The_Cobalt_Lair.. I try it but, here is the high beam option.. the only way to turn off fog light is with hand brake.
It seems to be a problem with the fuses.
Disassembling from the top was easy but I can't seem to release the signal bulb. I've fooled with it for a good hour and I don't understand why the lock tab won't release the bulb. Frustrated. I'm now thinking I have to jack up the car and go at it from the bottom
Check the other side and look closely at the orientation of the other light - there is a chance someone has jammed the one you are trying to remove - practice taking the other side out first
Where do I get the bulbs
Any auto parts place should have them - bring them the old bulb - Cheers!
It looks like in the wheel well approach that he took the tire off. He does not say so. Did he?
Thank you for this upload! Thumbs up and a sub from me... Stay safe... Rico
Thanks Rico - cheers!
...or simply remove the hood support stud with a 1/2 wrench and reach in and change the bulb.
Like to see that for sure
What size is the smaller bulb
194
My 02 C5 panels are NOTHING LIKE THAT!!!!!
Bobby - maybe someone swapped them out - what do they look like?
@@carquestions No they are definite stock looking! I’m gonna try the headlight method! lol. Thanks