🔧 Outback - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

Your Outback’s rear turn signal bulbs sit inside the outer tail lamp assemblies on the left and right rear corners. You’ll remove the tail lamp, twist out the turn-signal bulb socket, swap the bulb, then reinstall everything so the lamp seals properly and doesn’t leak water.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the lights OFF and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Let the bulbs cool first; they can be hot.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the new bulb’s glass with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Support the tail lamp as you pull it out so you don’t scratch the paint.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim clip removal tool
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 6" extension (1/4" drive)
• Torque wrench (inch-pound or low-range Nm)
• Clean nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Clean microfiber towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb (amber, 7440A) - Qty: 1
• Rear turn signal bulb (amber, 7440A) - Qty: 1 (recommended: replace in pairs)

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🧼 Lay a microfiber towel on the bumper corner under the tail lamp to protect paint.
• 🧰 A trim clip removal tool is a small pry tool that pops plastic clips without breaking them.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the rear access panel

• Open the rear hatch.
• On the side you’re working on, use a trim clip removal tool to pop off the small interior access cover behind the tail lamp.

Step 2: Remove the tail lamp mounting nuts

• Use a 10mm socket, 6" extension, and 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the two tail lamp nuts.
• Set the nuts somewhere safe so they don’t fall into the body cavity.
• When reinstalling later: Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs).

Step 3: Pull the tail lamp out of the body

• Hold the tail lamp with both hands and pull it straight rearward.
• If it feels stuck, gently wiggle while pulling straight back (there are alignment pins).
• Don’t pry against painted panels.

Step 4: Remove the rear turn-signal bulb socket

• Find the turn-signal bulb socket on the back of the tail lamp (the socket that lines up with the amber section).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand and pull it out.

Step 5: Replace the bulb

• Wear clean nitrile gloves.
• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Push the new 7440A amber bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.

Step 6: Reinstall the socket and tail lamp

• Insert the bulb socket back into the tail lamp and twist clockwise until it locks.
• Line up the tail lamp’s alignment pins and press the lamp straight into place.
• Install the two nuts using a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Finish with a torque wrench: Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs).
• Snap the interior access cover back on using your hands.

Step 7: Repeat on the other side (recommended)

• Repeat Steps 1–6 on the opposite tail lamp if you’re replacing both bulbs.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔁 Test left and right turn signals, then test hazards.
• If the turn signal “fast flashes,” re-check that the bulb is fully seated and the correct type (7440A amber).
• Check that the tail lamp sits flush all the way around (helps prevent water leaks).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $6-$30 (parts only)

You Save: $54-$110 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.6 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.