So this is interesting and wanted to get a few opinions on this. Last night, while I was asserting my dominance over my friend's GX, I noticed my driver's front side marker light was out. All other side markers are working. Not sure if maybe the connector came loose (not sure how that could even happen) or if the little LED in there went out. Of course I notice this on the day my factory warranty expired, and my extended warranty doesn't cover exterior trim pieces. Go figure. Assuming the LED is bad, I'm willing to bet you can't just replace the LED in there and probably have to get new arches.

 

have a look behind the wheel liner from above. No need to remove anything. You can see the connector to the arch and light.

simple first step to check if it’s come loose or been snagged on some flying debris or ice.

the marker lights are plastic welded into the arch. You can remove them and glue them back on on The regular but not sure on the extended.

I had my old ones kicking about for ages before eventually tossing them. My guess is there are plenty out there. Dealer might have some old ones from installing the extended arches.

As a dealer ambassador maybe they’ll help you out. Mine would be no use I have no doubt.

My money is on a loose/damaged connector.

 

That is what I was thinking, too. I installed the arches a little over a year ago and after I completed the installation, I noticed i forgot to connect the passenger side rear side marker and pulled back the liner as you said. If the connector itself is good, I'll see if I can swap over my old lights from the original trim assuming I still have them somewhere. If I don't I'll probably just go and unplug all of them and use some electrical tape to protect the loose connectors from the elements.

I hate those bloody side markers and I don't understand why the US DOT requires them. I installed a set of Euro-spec side markers on my Porsche and looks so much better as it blends in with the silver paint, but still lights up amber at night.

 

I would have the dealer back date the repair order, or try to so they can replace it under warranty. It’s worth a try.

 

seems like a lot of hassle for what’s likely a 5 minute fix.

these LED markers are so low power it’s almost inconceivable they’ve failed. Cost and hassle of a dealer visit wouldn’t be worth my while I’m any event.

much like X-files truth. The lights are out there.

 

Indeed it was just the connector. Pulled back the liner to see it hanging right there. Somehow it got disconnected. No idea how it happened, but it is now fixed.

 

I'm not endorsing this behavior - however on my old truck I replaced both the amber and red reflector/LED with clear lens LED's that - as you mentioned, lit up amber (for the fronts) and red (for the rears). My state required annual inspection and never did I have a problem with those lights.
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We don't have state inspections in Ohio, so I'm not worried. My Macan has no rear side markers presumably because the taillights wrap quite far around the side.



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I’ll take my side markers as they are, especially since they may lower the risk of being hit and T-Boned during a cross traffic situation, as they will make my Defender more visible. And during rain, fog or low-light conditions they may make the difference in being seen or not, especially with so many drivers being distracted by their devices while driving. That split-second in reaction time could be a life saver, not only for you, but for your precious cargo of your family. Don’t understand why they are hated, they complete the look of a classy vehicle.

 

I like the side markers also.

I think on a sleek rig like a Porsche I can understand folks wanting to be rid of them. On something shaped like a fridge, extra visibility to its fat sides is no bad thing.

They also add a little illumination to nearby objects when moving in tight spots at night. Helps spot things in the 3d cameras as they get extremely close. Not a big benefit granted but no bad thing.