The tutor shares his experience changing a signal bulb on the minivan.

While I drive much more now than I used to, I’m not a casual driver. I try to minimize the risk of problems by keeping the car maintained.

Last night, on the way to pick up my eleven-year-old from an activity, I flicked the turn signal. It clicked at double-speed, which typically means one of the blinker bulbs is out, or possibly a blinker relay is out, depending on the model of car. Inspection revealed the problem to be at the left rear.

I’m no automotive expert, but I do have some mechanics training from long ago. We used to own a 1988 Olds, on which I changed a few bulbs, the rad hose, etc. I’ve heard that new cars can be different, though – tougher for the owner to service. Our minivan is a 2008, so I wondered if this repair would be worth trying myself.

From the glove box I fetched the manual. With both text and a picture it shows how to approach changing the bulb. Parked halfway out from the lighted garage, I found the two screws to remove. The’re Torx, which surprised me. At first I couldn’t find a screwdriver for them, but eventually found a socket in a roadside repair kit we keep in the car.

I had the light fixture off after a few minutes. Unlocking the harness to the bulb, I plucked it out. The time was after 8pm by then – as far as I knew, too late to get the replacement bulb. I re-attached the light assembly.

This morning, just after 7:30, I walked into an auto parts store and showed them the bulb. I bought two replacements – total charge, $3.30. Having rehearsed the previous night, I replaced the bulb in the parking lot. I was back home at 8:01am, ready to leave again at 8:10 to bring everyone to school.

The Torx screws surprised me – luckily, I had a socket to remove them. However, the bulb replacement was as easy as I remember any being on an older car.

By the way: I re-treated the minivan windows with rain-x over the weekend, as well. (See my post here for more info.)

I’ll be sharing more car care anecdotes in future posts:)

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.