Buy Scion iM Parking, Corner, Side Marker, Signal Light

Overview

The Scion iM uses special lamps called turn signal lights-also known as blinkers, indicator lamps, flashers, or directional lights-to show other road-users when you plan to turn or change lanes. On the 2016 Scion iM (the only U.S. model year), the front signals share a dual-filament 7444 bulb that also works as a parking light, while the rear housings take a single-filament 7440 bulb. Side-mirror repeaters are sealed LED modules, so the whole lamp is replaced if they fail. Keeping these lights bright, the right color, and in good repair is important for safety, and it is required by federal law and state traffic codes.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Model years: 2016 Scion iM and its twin, the 2017-18 Toyota Corolla iM share the same turn-signal hardware.
• Cross-platform matches: Many interior parts-including the column switch-are shared with contemporary Toyota Corolla models, making electrical troubleshooting easier.
• Bulb bases:
  • Front combo signal/parking-7444NA, wedge base, 28/8 W at 12.8 V
  • Rear signal-7440, wedge base, 21 W at 13.5 V
  • Mirror repeaters-factory LEDs (no serviceable bulb)

Bulb Choices

• Standard incandescent: The factory amber bulbs meet the SAE J588 photometry tests for brightness and beam spread.
• LED retrofit: Light-emitting diodes draw less power and switch on about ¼ second faster than a filament lamp, giving drivers behind you a little extra reaction time. Because LEDs pull so little current, you may need an electronic flasher or load resistors to stop "hyper-flash." Popular Mechanics warns DIYers about this exact issue, and Jalopnik shows that newer vehicles sometimes manage without extra resistors.
• Color rules: U.S. regulations allow amber or red rear signals, but studies for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found amber units cut certain rear-end crashes by up to 28 %. Front and side signals must always shine amber.

Failure Signs

• Fast clicking from the dash or an outside lamp that blinks twice as fast usually means one bulb is burned out or the circuit has high resistance.
• A dim or yellowed lens can hide a working bulb; AAA recommends cleaning cloudy lenses to restore full brightness.
• If both sides quit, check the fuse and the hazard/turn-signal relay. The owner's manual shows fuse-box locations and ratings.

DIY Replacement

1. Park safely, set the brake, and turn off the ignition.
2. Front housing: Open the hood, reach behind the headlamp, and twist the socket counter-clockwise to release. Pull the old bulb straight out, avoiding glass contact with fingers (use gloves). Insert the new one and lock the socket back in place.
3. Rear housing: Open the hatch and remove the trim panel; the bulb socket is exposed on the back of the lamp. Twist, swap, and re-install.
4. Mirror repeater: Pry off the mirror cap carefully, remove screws, unplug the module, and fit the new LED unit-YouTube has a clear walk-through video.
   AAA notes most drivers who can change a household bulb can handle many automotive bulbs; just follow the manual for access steps (magazine.northeast.aaa.com).

Safety & Law

• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 sets minimum luminous intensity and color boundaries; turn signals must be visible 60° to each side and 15° up and down.
• SAE J588 gives the detailed lab tests engineers use to certify a lamp's brightness, flash rate (60-120 cycles per minute), and durability under vibration.
• States can fine drivers for a burned-out indicator because proper signaling is legally required before turning or lane changes (exchange.aaa.com).

Upgrade Ideas

• LED advantages: Brighter light, cooler operation, and lower power draw that can slightly ease the alternator load.
• Styling: Clear lenses with amber bulbs give a modern look but may be less conspicuous in bright sun than amber lenses with clear bulbs.
• Smart signals: Some aftermarket modules add sequential flashing or hazard-style "wig-wag," but make sure any mod still meets SAE J588 and state laws.

Care Tips

• Replace bulbs in pairs so brightness and color stay even.
• Keep contacts free of corrosion-dielectric grease helps.
• After every bulb change, walk around the car or use reflections to confirm proper flash on all corners; AAA's lighting checklist suggests using the hazard switch for a quick all-corner test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulbs does the front blinker use?
A: A dual-filament 7444 amber bulb that also handles parking-light duty.

Q: Why did my signal start blinking super-fast?
A: That usually means one bulb is burned out or there's a wiring fault, so the flasher sees less load and speeds up.

Q: Can I swap to LEDs without extra parts?
A: Sometimes, but many cars need either an electronic flasher or load resistors so the computer sees the right current and keeps the flash speed normal.

Q: Are amber rear signals really safer than red?
A: NHTSA studies found vehicles with amber rear indicators were up to 28 % less likely to be hit in certain crash types.

Q: Do the side-mirror repeaters have a serviceable bulb?
A: No. They are sealed LED units; you replace the small lamp module, not the bulb.

Q: How bright should my blinker be?
A: Federal rules say the lamp must be seen at least 500 ft in normal daylight and meet SAE J588 intensity tables.

Q: Will LED signals drain my battery if I leave the hazards on?
A: LEDs sip power, so they can flash a long time, but any light left on with the engine off can eventually run the battery down.

Q: Why does touching the glass shorten bulb life?
A: Oils from skin create hot spots on the glass that can weaken the filament and lead to early failure.

Q: What's the correct flash rate?
A: Between 60 and 120 flashes per minute; slower or faster is considered malfunctioning under the SAE standard.

Q: How often should I inspect my signal lights?
A: Check them at least once a month and before any long trip, following AAA's car-care schedule.

Extra Reading

• Toyota Owner's Manual PDF-step-by-step bulb charts and fuse locations
• SAE J588 Standard-engineers' rulebook for turn-signal performance
• NHTSA Interpretation Letters-clarify legal colors and mounting rules
• AAA DIY Guide-simple tips for changing bulbs yourself (magazine.northeast.aaa.com)
• Popular Mechanics LED Advice-why resistors matter when upgrading

These trusted resources will help you keep your Scion iM's turn signal lights bright, legal, and reliable for years to come.