Buy Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Parking, Corner, Side Marker, Signal Light

Quick Summary

The turn signal light-often called a blinker, indicator lamp, or direction signal-on the 1982-1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera keeps other drivers aware of your next move. It must shine amber in front and red or amber in back to meet U.S. safety rule FMVSS 108, and it uses common dual-filament bulbs such as 1157A (front) and 2057 (rear). A cracked lens, burned bulb, corroded socket, or worn flasher relay are the top reasons these lights fail. Replacing the assembly or upgrading to long-life LEDs is a quick driveway project that boosts safety, avoids tickets, and modernizes the car's look. (Wikipedia, eCFR, Sylvania Automotive, CarCareKiosk)

What It Does

A turn signal light flashes on the corner of the car to show a left or right turn, lane change, or hazard. Inside, a bimetal or electronic flasher makes the lamp blink about 60-120 times per minute, as required under FMVSS 108. (Popular Mechanics, eCFR) The rhythmic flash grabs attention far better than a steady beam, cutting crash risk at intersections. (Safety FHWA)

Vehicle Fitment

Oldsmobile built the front-wheel-drive Cutlass Ciera for model years 1982 through 1996 in sedan, coupe, and wagon forms. All trims (Base, LS, SL, International, Cruiser) share the same corner-lamp footprint, though bumper color and grill style differ slightly by year. (Wikipedia)

Bulb & Housing Specs

• Front bulbs - 1157A dual-filament; 26.9 W amber; bayonet base. (Sylvania Automotive)
• Rear bulbs - 2057 dual-filament; red lens covers give the color.
• Lens material - UV-stable polycarbonate with molded reflector.
• Torque - Lens screws 10 in-lb; socket twist 1/8 turn clockwise to lock.
• Seal - Butyl rubber gasket prevents water entry; replace if torn.

Why Replace

• Safety - Operating blinkers lower rear-end crash risk by up to 23 percent. (crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov)
• Legal - Non-working lamps violate state statutes mirrored on FMVSS 108. (eCFR)
• Signals of failure - Rapid clicking or "hyper-flash," dark lens, dashboard arrow glowing steady. (Reddit)

Common Problems

• Burned filament - Normal wear after ~25,000 flashes.
• Water intrusion - Cracked lens lets moisture corrode contacts. (TDIClub Forums)
• Loose ground wire - Causes intermittent blinking.
• Aged flasher relay - Found behind the ashtray or near the steering column. (JustAnswer, Do It Yourself, The Oldsmobile Forum Community)

Upgrade Options

LED replacements give brighter light, 90 percent lower power draw, and a 10-year average life. (Car and Driver, Car and Driver) Because LEDs use less current, add an electronic (load-independent) flasher or ballast resistor to prevent hyper-flash. (Popular Mechanics)

DIY Replacement

1. Turn wheel outward for easier access.
2. Remove two Phillips screws holding the corner lens.
3. Twist socket counter-clockwise and pull out.
4. Press bulb in, rotate, and lift away; install new bulb in reverse.
5. Wipe new bulb glass with alcohol to remove fingerprints.
6. Test flash rate before reinstalling the lens. (CarCareKiosk)

Maintenance Tips

• Check lamps every oil change; walk around the car while a helper cycles the stalk.
• Smear dielectric grease on socket contacts to fight corrosion. (TDIClub Forums)
• Keep lenses clear with mild soap; avoid abrasive cleaners that cloud plastic.

Legal Basics

FMVSS 108 allows only amber front indicators and mandates visibility at 300 ft in daylight. (eCFR) Most states levy fines from $25 to $150 for a non-working blinker. The NHTSA recall lookup lets you check open campaigns by VIN.

Troubleshooting Guide

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Environmental Impact

Incandescent bulbs contain metal and glass that can be recycled, while some specialty bulbs have trace mercury. Follow the EPA bulb-recycling guide. LEDs cut energy draw and bulb waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb number fits the front turn signal of my 1993 Cutlass Ciera?
A: The front corner lamp uses an 1157A dual-filament amber bulb. (Sylvania Automotive)

Q: Why does my blinker click twice as fast now?
A: Hyper-flash usually means one bulb on that side is burned out or has a loose connection. (Reddit)

Q: Where is the flasher relay located?
A: On most 1990s Cieras it clips to the bracket behind the ashtray or near the steering column under the dash. (JustAnswer, Do It Yourself, Answers)

Q: Can I swap in LED bulbs?
A: Yes-just pair them with an electronic (load-free) flasher so they blink at the right speed. (Popular Mechanics)

Q: Is amber required, or can I use clear lenses with amber bulbs?
A: Either amber lenses with clear bulbs or clear lenses with amber bulbs are legal; the light seen from the front must be amber. (eCFR)

Q: How tight should I screw the lens back on?
A: Snug the screws to about 10 inch-pounds-just until the gasket seals without cracking the plastic.

Q: Does a broken turn signal increase crash risk?
A: Yes-studies link functional signals with a significant drop in rear-end collisions. (crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov)

Q: How often should I check my turn signals?
A: Inspect them at least once a month or whenever you notice irregular clicking.

Q: What tools do I need to change the bulb?
A: A #2 Phillips screwdriver, gloves, and dielectric grease are usually enough.

Q: Are there any recalls for Cutlass Ciera turn signals?
A: Enter your VIN on the NHTSA site to see if your car has an open turn-signal-related recall.