Chainging your Blinker Fluid



The following instructions are intended to help the inexperienced mechanic with basic knowledge of automobiles change their own blinker fluid. In this set on instructions the driver's front turn signal will be used as an example to be changed.


First you will need to locate the location of the blinker fluid bottle. Most commonly it will be located directly next to the light bulb on standard vehicles. If you are unaware where the blinker fluid bottle is locate in you vehicle, locate your vehicles owner manual to locate the blinker fluid bottle in your vehicle.



Once you have located the blinker fluid bottle in your vehicle you will need to verify that the blinker fluid is the problem. Sticking out of the top of the bottle you will notice a yellow ring that is either made of plastic or metal, this is you blinker fluid dip stick.. The purpose of the blinker fluid dip stick to verify the level of the blinker fluid and to see if it is clean and or dirty. As you can see the blinker fluid is low and very dirty. Blinker fluid should be a nice bright orange when new providing the best possible glow and blinking speed.



Since the blinker fluid is low and dirty it will need to be drained and changed. Lift the vehicle off the ground using a jack and jack stands or ramps to lift the vehicle to a height making it comfortable to work underneath the car while still taking safety first. Refer back to your owner's manual if you are unsure where you lifting points are to safely raise your vehicle.



Jack Stands (above) Jack (below)



Once the vehicle is off the ground you will need to locate the blinker fluid drain bolt . Commonly it will be located underneath the light, if you are unsure where the bolt is located or how it looks refer back to your vehicle owners manual. After the bolt is locate you will need to acquire a wrench or socket wrench to remove the bolt for the drain and to drain the fluid into a proper container for disposal. Position yourself underneath the vehicle not directly in the path of the fluid to avoid spillage while still maintaining visual contact with the bolt. Place your container under the bolt to catch the blinker fluid and then turn the bolt counter clockwise to brake the seal, once it has been broken you can remove the bolt with your fingers until the bolt has been removed. Now the blinker fluid will flow down the drain into the container that is provided.





Socket Wrench (above) Breaking Bolt (below)



Location Of Bolt (above) Draining Fluid (below)



As you can see the blinker fluid is very dirty. You can also see that there is rice in the blinker fluid, this is common in imported cars however rice can now be seen in some domestic cars.



Now with the blinker fluid in a container it should be properly disposed of at your local auto parts supplier after the blinker fluid has been changed. With all the blinker fluid drained return the blinker fluid drain plug back to the drain tube by turn the bolt clockwise until snug while avoiding over tighten.


With the blinker fluid drain bolt reinstalled the new blinker fluid can be added to the blinker fluid bottle. You can chose from a variety of brands of blinker fluid at your local automotive supply store. You may also follow the recommended brand of type of blinker fluid that your vehicle manufacture recommends for the application. For the replacement STP brand blinker fluid will be used due to its superior lubrication and blinking capabilities over other brands.



Remove the blinker fluid dipstick again so the blinker fluid can be added into the system. Place a funnel into the blinker fluid dipstick hole making sure that a tight fit has been achieved so no blinker fluid will leak out. Once the funnel has been installed you are ready to pour the blinker fluid into the blinker fluid bottle. Again check your vehicles owner manual to see how much fluid is needed to fill the blinker fluid system. Once you have determined how much blinker fluid is needed to top off the system it is time to pour it into the blinker fluid bottle. Pour the blinker fluid slowly as to not fill up the funnel to fast otherwise the funnel can burp or gasp for air resulting in spillage of the blinker fluid. After the blinker fluid has been added reinsert the blinker fluid dip stick and check the level of the blinker fluid to assure that the level is at the full mark indicated on the blinker fluid dip stick. If the blinker fluid level is still low add more blinker fluid to the bottle, if the blinker fluid level is at the full mark reinsert the blinker fluid dip stick and push down to make sure a proper seal has been made.



Now with the new and clean blinker fluid it is time to check the turn signals. Flip the turn signal switch to see if they are blinking properly. With the turn signals blinking normally, look underneath the vehicle to check for leaks from the blinker fluid drain, if no leak is detected you may lower the vehicle back down onto the ground. Clean your work area and give yourself on the back for you have now changed your own blinker fluid.