How to Change the Turn Signal Light on a 2008 Jeep Wrangler

In 1987, Jeep replaced the classic CJ-series of small SUVs with the Wrangler. In the 2007 model year, Jeep redesigned the Wrangler, giving it a slightly slanted grille and cleaner body lines. Despite these changes, the Wrangler retained the majority of its rugged look. The basic design of the headlights, taillights and turn signals were part of the 2008 Wranglers rugged look. Replacing the front turn signal bulb on the 2008 Wrangler involves removing the front grille, and replacement of the rear bulb requires removal of the taillight assembly.

Instructions

Front Turn Signal Replacement

1

Open the Wrangler's hood and locate the six retaining pins on top of the grille. Turn the center of the retaining pins a quarter-turn counterclockwise, using a flat-head screwdriver, to unlock them. Pry the pins from the grille, using a flat-head screwdriver.

2

Pull the bottom of the grille outward to release the retaining clips. Pull the grille from the front of the Wrangler.

3

Grab the rear of the turn signal socket and turn it counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the socket and bulb from the grille.

4

Pull the burned-out bulb from the socket with a slight wiggling motion. Grab a new 3157 bulb with a clean, lint-free cloth and press it into the socket. Don't touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare hands, as the oil from your hands may cause premature bulb failure.

5

Insert the socket and new bulb into the hole in the grille, lining up the tabs on the bulb with the notches in the grille. Twist the socket clockwise to lock it in place.

6

Set the grille back in place on the front of the Wrangler and press the bottom until the retaining clips snap into place. Insert the retaining pins into the top of the grille and twist the center part a quarter-turn clockwise, using a flat-head screwdriver, to lock them in place.

Rear Turn Signal Replacement

7

Remove the two inner screws on the taillight assembly, using a Phillips screwdriver. Do not remove the outer screws.

8

Slide the taillight toward the center of the Wrangler to disengage the outer clips. Pull outward on the taillight assembly to remove it from the SUV.

9

Grab the turn signal socket -- the top socket -- on the rear of the taillight assembly and twist it counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the socket and bulb from the taillight assembly.

10

Grab the burned-out turn signal bulb and pull it from the socket with a slight wiggling motion. Grab a new 3157 bulb with a clean, lint-free cloth, and press it into the socket -- touching the bulb with your bare hands may cause premature bulb failure.

11

Insert the socket and new bulb into the rear of the taillight, lining up the tabs on the socket with the notches on the taillight assembly. Twist the socket clockwise to lock it into place.

12

Set the taillight assembly on the rear of the Wrangler, and slide it toward the outside of the SUV to engage the outer clips. Tighten the inner taillight screws with a Phillips screwdriver.