How to Remove and Replace the Turn Signal on a 1997 Jimmy

Two model years in the early 1980s were key in the progress of Chevy and GMC: The 1982 release of the S-10 and S-15 compact pickup trucks sparked excitement, and the 1983 release of the Blazer, based on the S-10, and the Jimmy, based on the S-15, extended the brands' reach. The 1997 GMC Jimmy was two years removed from a significant redesign and included a special off-road package called the Highrider. GMC mounted the front turn signals on the 1997 Jimmy on the front bumper, and the rear brake lights doubled as the rear turn signals. Replacing the turn signals on the 1997 Jimmy is a fairly simple task that any do-it-yourself mechanic can perform.

Instructions

Front Turn Signal

1

Lift the front of the SUV with a floor jack and slide jack stands under the vehicles frame rails.

2

Slide under the Jimmy until you have a clear visual on the rear of the bumper-mounted turn signal assembly.

3

Twist the socket on the rear of the turn signal assembly about a quarter-turn counterclockwise to unlock it and pull the socket and bulb from the turn signal assembly.

4

Remove the bulb from the socket by pulling it straight from the socket with a slight wiggling motion.

5

Grab a new 3157NA-style bulb with a clean, lint-free cloth and press it into its socket until you hear it click into place.

6

Guide the socket and new bulb back into the rear of the turn signal assembly and rotate the socket clockwise to lock it into place.

7

Replace the bulb on the other side of the bumper by repeating steps 2 through 6

8

Raise the SUV off the jack stands with a floor jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the Jimmy to the ground.

Rear Turn Signal

9

Open the rear hatch and find the two screws on the innermost part of the taillight assembly. Remove these screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

10

Pull that taillight assembly from the rear of the truck, just far enough to access the lights on the rear of the assembly.

11

Press the unlocking tab on the topmost socket on the rear of the taillight assembly and turn the socket a quarter-turn counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the socket and bulb from the rear of the taillight assembly.

12

Pull the bulb from the socket with a slight wiggling motion.

13

Grab a new 3057-style light bulb with a clean, lint-free cloth and press it into the socket until you hear the bulb click into place.

14

Insert the socket and new bulb back into its hole in the rear of the taillight assembly and rotate the socket clockwise to lock it into place.

15

Set the taillight assembly back into its bed on the rear of the truck and tighten its screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

16

Repeat steps 1 through 7 to replace the rear turn signal on the other side of the Jimmy.

17

Close the rear hatch.