🔧 Outback - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

Your Outback’s rear turn signal bulb sits inside the rear combination (tail) lamp. The job is mainly about getting to the bulb socket from inside the cargo area, swapping the bulb, then confirming the flash rate is normal.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.3-0.7 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before working on bulbs.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool first; they can be hot right after use.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the glass of a new bulb with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Work carefully around interior trim clips; they can snap if forced.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Plastic trim removal tool
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb (7440A amber) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Outback on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the rear hatch and remove cargo so you can access the side trim panels.
• Have a flashlight ready so you can identify the correct bulb socket.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the rear lamp service opening

• Open the hatch and go to the side you’re replacing (left or right).
• Look for the small access door/cover in the cargo-area side trim behind the tail lamp.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to pop the access cover open.
• Start at an edge and pry gently.

Step 2: Identify the turn signal socket

• Use a flashlight to look through the opening and locate the bulb sockets in the back of the tail lamp.
• The turn signal socket is typically a twist-lock socket; don’t pull on the wires.

Step 3: Remove the turn signal bulb socket

• Grip the socket and rotate it counterclockwise about 1/4 turn, then pull it straight out by hand.
• If it’s tight, use a small flat-blade screwdriver to gently help start the rotation (do not gouge the plastic).

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket (it’s a push-in type).
• Push the new rear turn signal bulb (7440A amber) straight into the socket until fully seated.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and close up

• Insert the socket back into the lamp, making sure the tabs line up.
• Rotate clockwise about 1/4 turn until it locks in place.
• Reinstall the access cover by pressing it back into the trim until it snaps flush.

Step 6: Repeat on the other side (recommended)

• Repeat Steps 1–5 on the other rear lamp.
• Replacing both rear turn bulbs together helps keep brightness and color consistent.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the ignition ON and test: left turn, right turn, and hazards.
• Confirm the blink speed is normal (a fast blink usually means a bulb isn’t working or isn’t seated).
• Walk behind your Outback and verify the turn signal color looks amber and both sides are similar brightness.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $50-$120 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $6-$20 (parts only)

You Save: $30-$100 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.7 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.