Changing Indicator Bulbs on your Mx5: When and How to do it

Imagine this: You’re heading home from a long day at the office when your wife calls and asks you to pick up some milk for dinner. As you casually turn your indicator on to switch lanes, you notice something odd. The indicator seems to flashing rapidly. When you pull into the supermarket, you place your Mazda Mx5 in park, turn on the indicator, and see that the light is indeed flashing faster than usual. When you place the indicator in the opposite direction, however, the flashing returns to normal.

What’s the problem?

When one indicator is flashing faster than the other, this means that one of the bulbs has blown, or is about to. This is a problem that must be fixed as quickly as possible, because after a bit, the indicator will fail to work at all. This could be potentially hazardous when you’re on the road and trying to tell other drivers that you need to change lanes or turn.

As soon as you notice this occurring, you need to change these Mx5 parts. Here’s what to consider when doing it.

Indicators: How to Change These Mx5 Parts

• Consult a Professional- The first thing you need to do is figure out what kind of bulb you need to replace the old one. This can easily be done by consulting a professional for help or by making sure you’re purchasing a bulb that is made for your Mx5 and its specific year.

• Consult Your Manual- Again, the year your Mx5 model was made will determine how the bulb can be changed. Consult your manual for specific instructions or visit a professional garage to have it changed quickly and easily.

• Change Both- You know that spark plugs and head lamps should be changed at the same time to avoid trouble later on and save wasted time. The same is true with indicator bulbs. While you’re changing one, change the one on the opposite side so you don’t have to go through the process in a month when the other bulb decides to quit.

• Don’t Touch- The majority of indicator bulbs are now covered with special coatings and filled with halogen. Because of this, you should never pick the bulb up by the glass. The oil from your fingers will stay on the glass, and when the bulb is turned on, the heat generated, combined with the oil from your fingers, can cause the bulb to crack. This will only cost you more money. Hold the bulb at the base or use clean rubber gloves to avoid this.

• Check it- If you’re replacing the indicator light yourself, make sure to check to see that it is working before you replace any car parts or fasteners. This will save you time if you didn’t manage to replace the bulb correctly.

• Get Help- Not everyone is cut out for DIY work, and it’s important to know there’s no shame in asking for help. If you aren’t sure about what you’re doing, seek out a professional that can change the bulb (or bulbs) quickly and easily. It may cost a bit more money, but if it can save you time, frustration, and help you feel more confident in how your Mx5 operates, it’s worth the price.

Having trouble with your indicator lights? Replacing these Mx5 parts requires a bit of time and effort, but it’s all necessary to keep you safe on the road. Use these tips to make the process go as smooth as possible.