Electrical, switches, and power accessories
Power flows from the battery through fuses and relays to switches, motors, and modules. Body control modules now handle many functions that used to be a simple switch. Power accessories are the motors and switches that move windows, locks, mirrors, and seats.
Common parts
| Ref | Part group |
|---|---|
| EL-01 | Fuses, fuse boxes, and relays |
| EL-02 | Switches for headlights, turn signals, wipers, windows, and brakes |
| EL-03 | Wiring harnesses, pigtails, and connectors |
| EL-04 | Power window motors and regulators |
| EL-05 | Door lock actuators and latches |
| EL-06 | Power mirror and power seat motors |
| EL-07 | Horns, keys, key fobs, and ignition lock cylinders |
| EL-08 | Body control modules |
Finding the right fit
Window regulators and lock actuators are often sold by door position, so check front or rear and left or right. Many listings use the driver side as left for vehicles sold in the United States. Switches and connectors differ by trim, and replacement fobs usually need programming.
Lighting
Lighting covers the headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, fog lamps, and interior lights. Vehicles use halogen, high-intensity discharge, or LED lighting, and many newer lamps are sealed assemblies.
Common parts
- EL·1Headlight assemblies and headlight bulbs
- EL·2Taillight, brake light, and third brake light assemblies
- EL·3Turn signal, side marker, and license plate lights
- EL·4Fog and driving lights
- EL·5Interior, dome, and map lights
- EL·6Bulb sockets, ballasts, and LED drivers
Signs of trouble
A bulb that is out is easy to spot. A lamp that flickers, or a turn signal that flashes fast, can point at a bulb, a socket, or a ground. Fogged or yellowed lenses reduce light output. Moisture inside a lamp usually means a broken seal or a cracked housing.
Finding the right fit
Bulbs have trade numbers printed on the base or in the owner’s manual. Headlight assemblies differ between halogen, HID, and LED versions of the same model, and some include adaptive features. In the United States, lamps used on the road must meet federal standards. Some plug-in LED replacements for halogen bulbs are not approved for road use, so read the listing for that detail.
Headlight light sources
Halogen
Replaceable bulb with a trade number on the base
HID
Gas-discharge bulb with a ballast and very high starting voltage
LED
Often built into a sealed assembly; the whole lamp may be the part
Fitment checklist
- Door position: front or rear, left (driver in the US) or right
- Trim level and option package
- Bulb trade number from the manual or the old bulb
- Whether the headlight is halogen, HID, or LED from the factory
- Fob programming requirements before you buy a key
Before you order
Start with the year, make, model, and engine, then narrow it down with the trim, drive type, and any option the part depends on. The VIN is the most reliable way to do that, because many parts catalogs and dealer counters decode it to the exact build. If the old part is in hand, its original-equipment number is the best cross-reference. Aftermarket brands publish their own numbers and usually list the original number they replace. Two listings that both say they fit can still differ, so compare the photos, connectors, mounting points, and the notes in the listing. The find the right part guide covers this step, and the all makes reference lists each maker’s official parts catalog.
Once you know the part number, compare the same number across stores. Look past the first price at the core charge, shipping, the return window, and what the warranty covers and who honors it. A remanufactured part, a new aftermarket part, and an original-equipment part can each be the right choice, but they are not the same purchase. The compare prices and warranties guide walks through what to read. Prices on PartIndex carry the date they were recorded, so confirm the current price and fitment with the retailer before you buy.
Disconnect the battery before working on wiring or airbag-adjacent parts. HID headlight systems use very high voltage at startup. Never replace a fuse with a higher rating than the one specified.