How to replace turn signal bulb for Audi A3 (8L)
Model years: 1996 - 2003
Car turn signals or directionals are flashing lamps, located at the front and rear corners of the body. Driver decides when to turn on these lights in order to let others know, that the vehicle is prepared to turn, switch lane or turn around. It's crucial turn signals are used whenever necessary, thus alerting others about planned actions on a driven vehicle. That is the reason, all turn indicator bulbs should be repaired as soon as failure has been detected. For the most part, the grounds for an inoperative turn indicator is a failed bulb, which does not require examining the blinker itself to find out: whenever turn signal is switched on, corresponding fascia indicator's blinking rate will be higher, if there is a non-working bulb on a specific side.
The life-time of a bulb is limited. Sooner or later, it will burn out and will have to be replaced. Bulbs, made of high quality materials, tend to last longer. It's recommended to use well known brand replacement bulbs.
If bulb burns out right after installation, your vehicle might have a problem inside electrical system - have it checked by auto electrician.
Audi A3 turn signal bulb list:
| Body type | Position | Bulb specs | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three-door hatchback | Turn signal (front) | Type: Indicator (Amber) (PY21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $8.52pair Amazon.co.uk: £4.10pair |
| Turn signal (rear) (1996-2000) | Type: Indicator (White) (P21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $7.46pair Amazon.co.uk: £5.94pair | Turn signal (rear) (2000-2003) | Type: Indicator (Amber) (PY21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $8.52pair Amazon.co.uk: £4.10pair |
| Five-door hatchback | |||
| Turn signal (front) | Type: Indicator (Amber) (PY21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $8.52pair Amazon.co.uk: £4.10pair | Turn signal (rear) (1996-2000) | Type: Indicator (White) (P21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $7.46pair Amazon.co.uk: £5.94pair |
| Turn signal (rear) (2000-2003) | Type: Indicator (Amber) (PY21W) Voltage / Watts: 12V/21W | Amazon.com: $8.52pair Amazon.co.uk: £4.10pair |
How to replace turn signal bulb:
1.
To start replacing front turn signal bulb, open the hood.
2.
Locate hole (1), put screw driver in it and try to locate plastic bolt (can be seen in the next step):
3.
To release turn signal light assembly, turn plastic bolt (1) counter-clockwise approximately 180 degrees (half turn):
4.
Take turn signal light assembly out by pulling it:
5.
Unplug wiring harness adapter (1) from turn signal bulb holder by pulling it while pressing retainer (2) downwards:
6.
Turn bulb holder (1) counter-clockwise and remove it from light assembly:
7.
Take the bulb out:
8.
Insert the replacement bulb.
9.
To access rear turn signal bulb, open the trunk:
10.
Locate the cover inside the trunk and remove it by releasing rotary fastener (1):
11.
In order to remove bulb holder, flat contact housing (1) has to be unplugged:
12.
Press both retainers (1) and (2) and pull the flat contact housing downwards:
13.
Remove bulb holder (1) by pulling it out:
14.
Replace turn signal bulb (1):
