Buy Chevrolet (Chevy) Equinox Parking, Corner, Side Marker, Signal Light

Chevrolet Equinox turn signal lights-also called blinker bulbs, indicator lamps, or directional lights-keep you visible and legal on the road. On every Equinox generation, a fast-flashing arrow in the dash almost always means a front or rear signal bulb or fuse needs help (Dealer eProcess). Most model years use easy-to-find dual-filament bulbs (7443/7440 or 3157) in the front and rear, and recent trims swap in long-life LEDs (AUXITO, BulBConnection.com). Federal rules say each rear turn lamp needs at least 7 square inches of light-emitting area so other drivers can see you clearly (NHTSA). If you upgrade to LEDs, expect up to five times the life of old incandescent bulbs-but you may have to add load resistors or re-program the body control module to stop "hyper-flash" (Haynes manuals, Lasfit®, Terrain Forum).

Purpose & Safety

Turn signal lamps tell everyone which way the Equinox is turning or merging. A burned-out bulb removes that warning, raises crash risk, and can bring a traffic ticket (Dealer eProcess). U.S. safety standard FMVSS 108 sets brightness, color (amber front, amber or red rear), and minimum lens area so the flash is visible night and day (NHTSA).

Location & Parts

• Front: In the headlamp housing just below the low beam on most 2010-2024 models. Access by removing two top headlamp bolts, then twist the socket out (YouTube).
• Rear: In the tail-lamp cluster behind two Phillips screws accessed with the liftgate open (YouTube).
• Sockets & Wiring: 2024 models use a snap-in socket with three wires; earlier years share a two-wire socket with the stop lamp.
• Fuse/Relay: Turn-signal power runs through the body-control module and several MINI fuses in the instrument-panel block (positions F5, F32, etc.) (StartMyCar). On many 2010-2017 Equinox SUVs the classic "flasher relay" is built into the BCM, so there is no separate under-dash relay to replace (CarParts).

Bulb Sizes

← scroll table horizontally →

Lifespan & Brightness

• A standard 3157 incandescent makes about 402 lumens and is rated for roughly 2 000 hours of steady blinking .
• Typical incandescent signals last around 10 000 hours; a quality LED bulb can exceed 50 000 hours (Haynes manuals).
• Modern LED signal modules in the latest Equinox average 25 000 hours before dimming (Lasfit®).

Common Symptoms

1. Rapid flash (hyper-flash): System detects low resistance; happens after installing LEDs without a resistor (Terrain Forum).
2. Arrow flashes fast only one side: Burned bulb on that side (Dealer eProcess).
3. Both front signals out together: Check fuse block F31-F33 for BCM feeds (StartMyCar).
4. Lever returns too quickly (over-cancels): 2024 TSB 24-NA-176 adds steering-column software to fix false canceling (Equinox EV Forum).

DIY Replacement Steps

1. Turn the wheels out for easier reach and switch ignition off.
2. Remove head-lamp top bolts and pull assembly forward (2010-2017).
3. Twist the gray socket ¼ turn counter-clockwise and pull it out (YouTube).
4. Push the old bulb straight out; wear gloves.
5. Align the new 7443 or 3157 pins, push in firmly, and reinstall socket.
6. Test left and right blinkers before finishing trim.

LED Upgrade Tips

• Pick a CAN-bus ready LED to avoid fast flash or add a 6-ohm load resistor in parallel (Terrain Forum).
• Make sure the LED is amber; white LEDs behind a clear lens can look washed-out and may fail local inspections (NHTSA).
• LEDs draw about ⅛ the power of stock bulbs, easing alternator load and keeping lenses cooler (Haynes manuals).

Regulations

• FMVSS 108 sets photometry, color, and durability for U.S. vehicles (NHTSA).
• Rear turn lamps on vehicles under 80 in. wide must present ≥ 7 sq in of illuminated area, or multiple lamps totaling the same .
• State codes typically require an amber flash rate between 60-120 cycles/min.

Care & Troubleshooting

• Clean lenses with mild soap monthly; dirt blocks light.
• If only one side flashes, swap bulbs side-to-side; if problem follows the bulb, replace it.
• Inspect wire looms behind the liner for rub points; repair with heat-shrink.
• For BCM-integrated relay faults, professional programming may be needed (CarParts).

Environmental Notes

Old incandescent lamps contain glass and metal only-recycle with household glass. LEDs include electronic boards; recycle as e-waste to keep metals out of landfills.

Compatibility

• 2005-2009 first-gen uses 3157 bulbs and a plug-in relay.
• 2010-2017 second-gen shifts to 7443 and BCM flash control.
• 2018-present third-gen adopts LED signal modules plus smart-column software (Equinox EV Forum).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know my Equinox turn signal bulb is bad?
A: The dash arrow blinks twice as fast or stays solid, and the outside light is dark (Dealer eProcess).

Q: What bulb number fits a 2015 Equinox front blinker?
A: Use a 7443 dual-filament amber bulb (AUXITO).

Q: Can I replace the rear signal with an LED?
A: Yes, choose an amber 7443-compatible LED and add a load resistor or BCM flash update to stop hyper-flash (Terrain Forum).

Q: Why do LEDs blink fast?
A: The vehicle senses lower resistance and thinks a bulb is burned out; resistors or programming fix it .

Q: Where is the turn-signal fuse?
A: In the interior fuse block; check MINI fuses F31-F33 (varies by year) (StartMyCar).

Q: Does my Equinox have a flasher relay I can swap?
A: 2010-present models integrate the relay into the body-control module, so it is not a separate plug-in part (CarParts).

Q: How bright is a stock 3157 bulb?
A: About 402 lumens at 26.9 watts (BulBConnection.com).

Q: How long do incandescent versus LED bulbs last?
A: Incandescents average 10 000 hours; LEDs can exceed 50 000 hours under the same conditions (Haynes manuals).

Q: Will using white LEDs in the front signals pass inspection?
A: No-federal rules require amber light at the front (NHTSA).

Q: My signal cancels too soon after a lane change-why?
A: A 2024 software update (TSB 24-NA-176) corrects steering-column sensitivity (Equinox EV Forum).

Q: Can I change the bulb without removing the wheel?
A: Yes-turn the wheels outward, remove two headlamp bolts, and pull the lamp forward for access (YouTube).

Q: What is hyper-flash?
A: When the signal blinks faster than normal because the circuit senses low resistance or an open circuit (Terrain Forum).

Q: Do I need special tools?
A: Only a 10 mm socket and a plastic trim tool for most replacements; LEDs are plug-and-play.

Q: Are LED signals legal?
A: Yes, if they meet color and brightness rules in FMVSS 108 (NHTSA).

Q: How do I recycle old LEDs?
A: Drop them at an e-waste center so precious metals can be recovered safely.