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Resolved Question

How long does a turn signal socket last?

Jul 28, 2017 6:08AM PDT

Hello,
The vehicle is a 2002 Buick Lesabre, just over 200,000km on it. I just had the entire turn signal assembly socket replaced in May of last year, I was told it was completely corroded.

I took the vehicle in for an oil change and to replace the bulb in the front right turn signal, went to pick it up the next day and they said they had to replace the entire front right socket because it was completely corroded.

A little frustrated at checkout, trying to recall if I had the front right signal, or the front right bulb socket replaced last time I was there. I knew it was one of the two but couldn't remember which one, so I payed ($200) and went home to look at my service from last year. Sure enough, it was in fact the front right socket.

So I guess my question is... is there something that would cause the socket to corrode over 1 year to the point of needing replacement of the entire assembly? (The vehicle is stored in a garage year round if that matters, but used almost daily) or am I being scammed? They never even called to tell me the assembly needed to be replaced before doing the work, I can change the bulb myself but it needed an oil change and the signal was out too, so figured I'd just have them do it while it was there. Now I'm kicking myself in the back for not doing the bulb myself to see what kind of shape the socket was actually in before I brought it in. Thanks for the help.

Discussion is locked

Buick2002 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
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Clarification Request
Front right TURN signal socket.
Jul 28, 2017 6:16AM PDT

(Sorry I don't know how to edit my post)

The front right TURN socket was replaced in May 2016, It was just "replaced" (needing replacement because it was "completely corroded") yesterday. (End of July 2017)

Sorry if not using correct term for the socket assembly, I know next to nothing about cars.

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Socket
Jul 28, 2017 11:25AM PDT

In my state, as in most in the USA, the law requires the customer's consent to go above and beyond the original price quoted. And, we must keep the old part to show the customer. As Mr. Proffitt said, in most cases, corrosion can be cleaned. Just food for thought.
Loren

Best Answer

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Many factors but
Jul 28, 2017 8:33AM PDT

If they replace it, they are often required to warrant the repair and in today's litigious climate companies err on repairs that are to the spec rather than a cheap good fix.

If water and a little salt gets into that area, it could be gone in just a month.

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Anyway to prevent?
Jul 28, 2017 9:22AM PDT

Thanks, is there a way to prevent corrosion then? I've had the car right off the lot since 2002, and May of last year was the first time a socket had become corroded. I know it's an old car and things breaking down are expected, but It seems strange that it would need it again just 1 year later.

Can you clarify what you mean by this?

"and in today's litigious climate companies err on repairs that are to the spec rather than a cheap good fix."

Thanks!

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By litigious I mean
Jul 28, 2017 10:02AM PDT

Folk could sue if the signal failed and an accident occurs so the ONLY way to avoid the lawsuit is to replace it per the maker's instructions. I worry the days are gone where a mechanic would spray WD40 on it, wipe it clean or brush it to expose metal then WD40 or grease then put in a bulb to see if it worked (few dollar repair job.)

Were they wrong to not use the old repair methods? Depends on your view about who is responsible today.