Exterior Bulb Failure Light

Dashboard Warning Lights Caution (amber)

Can you still drive? With care, short trips only

Who can fix it? DIY with some experience

Typical repair time 10 minutes – 2 hours

Typical cost SAR 20 to 2,500

What it means

Shown in amber as a bulb with an exclamation mark, this light means the car has detected that one of the exterior lights is not working, such as a brake light, turn signal, headlight or tail light. Some cars name the failed bulb on the display. It is normal for it to glow briefly at key-on and then go out.

Symptoms4

The light is on, with a message naming the failed lamp on some cars.
Fast flashing of the turn signal on the side with the failed bulb.
The light appears only when braking or with the lights on.
Repeated warnings after fitting non-original bulbs.

Possible causes5

A blown brake, turn signal, headlight or tail light bulb.
A corroded bulb holder or poor contact.
A bulb of different wattage or an incompatible LED bulb that the system sees as failed.
Damaged wiring, connector or ground at the lamp.
A failed built-in LED lamp unit or lighting control module (less common).

How to diagnose5

Read the display message, if any, to find the failed lamp.
Switch on the lights, signals and brakes and ask someone to check them, or use their reflection on a wall.
Inspect the failed bulb and its holder for a broken filament or corrosion.
Make sure the fitted bulb is the type and wattage given in the owner's manual.
The workshop checks the wiring, ground and module if the bulb is fine.

How to fix6

Replace the blown bulb with the correct type and wattage.
Clean or replace a corroded bulb holder.
Go back to the original bulb or use a type compatible with the car.
Repair the damaged wire, ground or connector.
Replace the lamp unit if it has built-in LEDs that cannot be changed.
Confirm the warning goes out and all lights work.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The low end is a standard bulb; the price rises sharply when the lamp is a sealed LED unit that must be replaced as a whole.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to drive with this light on?

The car drives normally, but a failed brake light or turn signal makes you harder for others to see and may get you a traffic fine, so fix it soon.

Why did it appear after fitting LED bulbs?

LED bulbs draw less current, so the system thinks they have failed. Use a type compatible with your car or go back to the original bulb.

Why does the turn signal flash fast?

Fast flashing usually means a turn signal bulb on that side has failed, front, rear or on the side mirror.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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