2012 MKX - Issues Replacing Driver Side Front Turn Signal Bulb

[boojew]

Has anyone had any issues trying to replace any of the front turn signal bulbs? Unlike from what I've seen in pictures for the 2010s and below, in the 2012 the spacing is incredibly cramped (~1.5 inches?). Removing the cap for the headlights definitely helps, but while I was (barely) able to get the bulb and socket out - I'm completely unable to get the socket with the new bulb back in. It's the exact same size bulb, but the spacing is just so tight that I cant make the socket with bulb get properly without hitting the bulkhead (?) infront of it.

 

All this to ask - does anyone have any experience with this and are there any tricks or anything incredibly simple that I missed? Thanks in advance!

[ls973800]

If you have under 48000 miles, I would take it to the dealer and let them replace it under the bumper to bumper warranty. Yes, burned out bulbs are covered. Sure will make it a lot easier for you.

 

Now if you are replacing them with up graded bulbs, I really don't have any words of advice for you. Never done it.

[boojew]

Thanks. I knew I was covered under warranty, I just thought $5 and 10 minutes would save me waiting at the dealership, which is already out of the way for me. Oh well. Life's tough, I guess

[richy]

Wander back into the shop (through an outside door) and watch the tech...Hell, take him a coffee and ask him to show you. Betcha he would.

Edited January 29, 2013 by richy

[Haz]

My Owner's Guide, on page 55, mentions removing the screws from the splash shield inside the front of the wheelwell in order to change the turn signal bulb.

 

Out of curiosity, I removed the three screws and found the plastic splash shield bends back easily.

 

If your arm is sufficiently long, it's an easy reach up to the turn signal socket/bulb.

 

The removal clearance between the sheet metal flange that is aft of the socket/bulb is fairly close, but working from inside the wheelwell, the socket/bulb can be removed and reassembled more easily.

 

Good luck!

[ELation]

I've changed both sides without taking the headlight or wheelwell spash shield off, and yes, it's extremely tight.

The trick is you have to hold the wires to rotate the bulb.

 

Anyway, did it look like it was burnt?

You know, my car is 1.5 years old with 14,000miles/23,000km and both sides burnt out, that's kinda strange.

My other car's signal bulb lasted 5-6 years at least.

 

I took it to the dealership and they said it's suppose to look like this.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 27, 2013 by ELation

[Sandy Creasy]

I was having trouble removing the bulb as well so I looked up this thread. I removed the 3 screws to the splash guard as the manual suggested but it was covered in wet road salt so I tried from above with the headlight cap removed one last time. Before, I was trying to bring the assembly toward the engine.The knowledge that the light assembly needed to go toward the fender to be removed made the difference. I was able to get it out from above. I changed the bulb and I was able to get it back in the same way (coming from the fender wall into the opening). My holder was burnt just like the one in the picture.

 

Thanks for the help.