DIY Turn Lamp Lens

Inspect the area around the broken turn signal lens assembly for damage. If you don’t see deformed sheet metal or any damage other than to the lens assembly itself, open the hood or trunk lid to expose the turn signal lamp wiring and socket at the back of the lens assembly. Twist the socket to release it and pull it out of the turn signal lens assembly. If the turn signal lens is integrated with the headlight or taillight lens, remove the headlight or taillight lamp sockets as well.

Undo the turn signal lens assembly retainers. Remove the retaining fasteners with a screwdriver, a socket wrench or another tool appropriate for your vehicle. Pull out the broken lens assembly and discard it. Keep the retaining fasteners that held the broken lens assembly in place. Car makers secure turn signal lens assemblies in different ways, using a variety of fasteners such as screws, bolts, studs, wingnuts, clips or any emerging technology. The retaining fasteners normally can be accessed from above or behind the lens assembly. On some makes, the lens assembly is fastened from the front or underneath.

Fit the replacement lens assembly into the vehicle. Match up the retaining holes, studs or other fixtures between the lens assembly and auto body. Install the screws, bolts, studs, wingnuts, clips or other retaining fasteners appropriate for your vehicle. Replace lamps if they were damaged -- being careful not to touch the glass of the bulbs with your bare hands, as the oil from your hands will cause some types of bulbs to prematurely fail -- push the lamp sockets into the lamp holes of the replacement lens assembly, and twist them to lock them into place. Test your turn signals for correct operation.