How to Replace a Turn Signal Bulb in a Ford Focus

by Thomas West

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The Focus, Ford's entry-level economy car, was introduced in 2000. Indicators, which are sometimes called directional indicators or turn signals, are included as standard equipment on your Focus, as they are in all street-legal cars. Check the indicator bulbs on your Focus frequently and replace burned-out bulbs immediately. You can change the bulb in just a few minutes with regular tools.

Step 1

Purchase a replacement bulb. According to the Ford Owner's Guide for the 2000 Focus, the replacement bulb for front or rear directional indicators is the 3157K. Check your owner's guide for the correct replacement bulb if you own a newer Focus.

Step 2

Make sure your lights are turned off. Open the hood to replace a front indicator bulb. Twist the socket on the indicator light assembly at the front of the engine bay in a counterclockwise direction. Pull the socket from the light assembly.

Step 3

Pull the bulb straight out of the indicator socket and discard it. Push the new bulb into the socket receptacle. Push the socket back into the indicator light assembly, lining up the tabs in the socket with the slots in the light assembly. Turn the socket in a clockwise direction until it locks into place. Close the hood.

Step 4

Open the tailgate to replace a rear indicator bulb in hatchback models. Turn the thumb nut on the inside taillight cover in a counterclockwise direction, and set it aside. Remove the holding screw with a Philips-head screwdriver in a counterclockwise direction. Set the screw and cover aside.

Step 5

Twist the light socket fully in a counterclockwise direction, and pull it from the light assembly. Pull the bulb from the socket and replace it. Push a new bulb into its place, and twist the socket back into the light assembly. Push the cover into place, and replace the thumb nut and Philips screw in a clockwise direction. Close the tailgate.

Step 6

Open the trunk lid to replace a rear indicator bulb on sedan models. Remove the three wing nuts on the taillight assembly from the inside of the trunk compartment in a counterclockwise direction.

Step 7

Pull the light assembly away from the car from the outside of the vehicle. Remove the socket, and replace the bulb in the same fashion as above. Push the rear taillight assembly back into place, and reattach the wing nuts from inside the trunk compartment in a clockwise direction. Close the trunk.

References

Things You'll Need