Changing sidemarker bulb?
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10,084
Likes: 1,207
From: Spring Lake, NJ, US of A
Changing sidemarker bulb?
I actually did open the owner's manual, where they explain in some detail the headlight and taillights - and nothing much else.
I've got 2,000 miles left of an 8,000 mile trip, and I'm currently at 8,500 miles on the trip (I was never good with math..) and the damn warning message is starting to really annoy me. So I bought what are supposed to be the bulbs (the push in mini-bulbs right? NO store will own up to ever hearing of a W5W..)
Anyway, I have a nice motel parking lot to do the job in, and did bring along a selection of torx, + and - screwdrivers, triple-square bits and other tools of destruction besides the stock junk..
So how does one go about replacing that bulb?
TIA!
I've got 2,000 miles left of an 8,000 mile trip, and I'm currently at 8,500 miles on the trip (I was never good with math..) and the damn warning message is starting to really annoy me. So I bought what are supposed to be the bulbs (the push in mini-bulbs right? NO store will own up to ever hearing of a W5W..)
Anyway, I have a nice motel parking lot to do the job in, and did bring along a selection of torx, + and - screwdrivers, triple-square bits and other tools of destruction besides the stock junk..
So how does one go about replacing that bulb?
TIA!
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 685
Likes: 16
From: Australia
Your gonna love this. Seems like the top screw for the slotted lens clip is the trouble maker.
Don't know if the lens has to be removed to change the bulb.
Good luck.
http://www.renntech.org/forums/tutor...with-pictures/
Or
http://www.renntech.org/forums/tutor...-side-markers/
Don't know if the lens has to be removed to change the bulb.
Good luck.
http://www.renntech.org/forums/tutor...with-pictures/
Or
http://www.renntech.org/forums/tutor...-side-markers/
Last edited by bigbuzuki; Aug 12, 2011 at 02:05 AM.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10,084
Likes: 1,207
From: Spring Lake, NJ, US of A
I read that. It mostly involved R&R of the light housing. My question would be - can you replace the bulb without removing the housing? Would seem if the fender liner can be pulled back, perhaps the socket and bulb is accessable? Would make sense to design it that way, so probably not.. 
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 13,005
Likes: 1,478
From: North Bay Area, CA
I actually did open the owner's manual, where they explain in some detail the headlight and taillights - and nothing much else.
I've got 2,000 miles left of an 8,000 mile trip, and I'm currently at 8,500 miles on the trip (I was never good with math..) and the damn warning message is starting to really annoy me. So I bought what are supposed to be the bulbs (the push in mini-bulbs right? NO store will own up to ever hearing of a W5W..)
Anyway, I have a nice motel parking lot to do the job in, and did bring along a selection of torx, + and - screwdrivers, triple-square bits and other tools of destruction besides the stock junk..
So how does one go about replacing that bulb?
TIA!
I've got 2,000 miles left of an 8,000 mile trip, and I'm currently at 8,500 miles on the trip (I was never good with math..) and the damn warning message is starting to really annoy me. So I bought what are supposed to be the bulbs (the push in mini-bulbs right? NO store will own up to ever hearing of a W5W..)
Anyway, I have a nice motel parking lot to do the job in, and did bring along a selection of torx, + and - screwdrivers, triple-square bits and other tools of destruction besides the stock junk..
So how does one go about replacing that bulb?
TIA!
I read that. It mostly involved R&R of the light housing. My question would be - can you replace the bulb without removing the housing? Would seem if the fender liner can be pulled back, perhaps the socket and bulb is accessable? Would make sense to design it that way, so probably not..
https://rennlist.com/forums/porsche-...ht=side+marker
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 685
Likes: 16
From: Australia
I read that. It mostly involved R&R of the light housing. My question would be - can you replace the bulb without removing the housing? Would seem if the fender liner can be pulled back, perhaps the socket and bulb is accessable? Would make sense to design it that way, so probably not..
The V8 Porschephile
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 16
From: Montreal,CDA
In place of removing the housing, it can be partially and carefully deformed in order to access that infamous top bolt. I use a stubby mini-socket wrench which works well. Just remember to wear rubber or latex gloves otherwise your hands will take a severe beating.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 13,005
Likes: 1,478
From: North Bay Area, CA
Regarding my post #4 above I assumed (no doubt incorrectly) that the sidemarker in question was on an '11 Cayenne. (You mean they made them before that? 
) My only excuse is that it was late and I wasn't thinking straight. My apologies if I led anyone astray.
) My only excuse is that it was late and I wasn't thinking straight. My apologies if I led anyone astray.
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Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10,084
Likes: 1,207
From: Spring Lake, NJ, US of A
THANKS MUCH!
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10,084
Likes: 1,207
From: Spring Lake, NJ, US of A
Done. Piece'a cake job. To change the bulb:
1. Remove torx screw above light assembly in fender well.
2. Remove the torx screw under the light assembly in fender well.
3. Pull out fender liner (it will come out far enough to easily fit my hand in behind the light assembly)
4. Feel around - you'll find a wire going to the light housing. On the end of the wire is a rubber socket that pushes over a doofus that sticks out from the light housing.
5. Wiggle the rubber socket out toward the center of the car.
6. Pull it out between the bumper and fender liner. The wire IS long enough.
7. Replace the bulb.
8. Reassembly is the reverse.
Took all of 10 minutes which included pulling out my tools, stopping to talk to SWMBO who came to see when we were going to dinner.
No more BEEP and warning message when the lights come on! Whee! Will replace the other one when I get home - cost of 2 bulbs was $2.98 (and no tax in Montana!)
1. Remove torx screw above light assembly in fender well.
2. Remove the torx screw under the light assembly in fender well.
3. Pull out fender liner (it will come out far enough to easily fit my hand in behind the light assembly)
4. Feel around - you'll find a wire going to the light housing. On the end of the wire is a rubber socket that pushes over a doofus that sticks out from the light housing.
5. Wiggle the rubber socket out toward the center of the car.
6. Pull it out between the bumper and fender liner. The wire IS long enough.
7. Replace the bulb.
8. Reassembly is the reverse.
Took all of 10 minutes which included pulling out my tools, stopping to talk to SWMBO who came to see when we were going to dinner.
No more BEEP and warning message when the lights come on! Whee! Will replace the other one when I get home - cost of 2 bulbs was $2.98 (and no tax in Montana!)
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 371
From: Chicago suburbs
Just did this on my '08 Cayenne. Funny - it's so simple but with Porsche "simple" takes many shapes. I thought the bulb holder might twist out like many other cars. If you try that too hard you could damage the side light or the bulb holder. I'm glad I found this post with. In this case simple really was.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10,084
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From: Spring Lake, NJ, US of A
No. Follow the steps I outline. Video isn't needed for everything in life - sometimes written instructions are more valuable (especially since there is no way to video getting the socket out or into the light housing.)
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,748
Likes: 357
From: St. Augustine, FL
Excellent words. I was done with both sides in less than 15 minutes.