🔧 Outback - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

This repair replaces the rear turn signal bulbs in your Outback’s tail lamp assemblies. A burned-out rear turn signal bulb can cause fast blinking, poor visibility to other drivers, or a warning during inspection.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 20-40 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle before starting.
• ⚠️ Let the bulbs cool before touching the lamp area; bulbs can get hot after use.
• ⚠️ Do not touch the glass of the new bulb with bare fingers. Skin oil can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this bulb replacement.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Plastic trim removal tool
• 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/7440NA style - Qty: 1 per side
• Rear turn signal bulbs, amber 7440A/7440NA style - Qty: 2 if replacing both sides

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Outback on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 💡 Switch all exterior lights off.
• 🧤 Put on nitrile gloves before handling the replacement bulb.
• 📦 Open the rear liftgate fully so you can reach the tail lamp screws.
• 📌 A plastic trim removal tool is a soft pry tool used to release panels without scratching paint or plastic.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the liftgate and find the lamp screws

• Use your hands to fully open the rear liftgate.
• Look at the inner edge of the rear tail lamp assembly, next to the liftgate opening.
• You will see two exposed Phillips screws holding the outer tail lamp assembly to the body.
• Work on one side at a time.

Step 2: Remove the tail lamp screws

• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the two tail lamp retaining screws.
• Place the screws somewhere safe, such as a small cup or magnetic tray.
• These screws are small and thread into plastic, so avoid using power tools.

Step 3: Pull the tail lamp assembly straight rearward

• Use both hands to grip the tail lamp assembly.
• Pull the lamp straight toward the rear of your Outback.
• If it feels stuck, use a plastic trim removal tool gently between the lamp and body edge to help release the locating pins.
• Do not pry against the painted body with a metal screwdriver.
• Straight back prevents broken guide pins.

Step 4: Identify the rear turn signal bulb socket

• Support the tail lamp with one hand so the wiring is not stretched.
• The rear turn signal socket is the socket for the amber signal bulb in the outer tail lamp assembly.
• A bulb socket is the plastic holder that locks the bulb into the lamp housing.

Step 5: Remove the bulb socket

• Use your gloved hand to rotate the turn signal bulb socket counterclockwise about a quarter turn.
• Pull the socket straight out of the tail lamp housing.
• If the socket is tight, wrap it with a clean microfiber towel for extra grip.

Step 6: Replace the bulb

• Use nitrile gloves to pull the old rear turn signal bulb straight out of the socket.
• Push the new rear turn signal bulb, amber 7440A/7440NA style straight into the socket until fully seated.
• Make sure the bulb sits evenly and does not wobble.
• Never twist a push-in bulb.

Step 7: Reinstall the bulb socket

• Use your gloved hand to insert the socket back into the tail lamp housing.
• Turn the socket clockwise until it locks in place.
• Check that the socket seal is flat against the lamp housing to help keep water out.

Step 8: Test the turn signal before final assembly

• Use the turn signal stalk on the steering column to switch on the side you replaced.
• Confirm the new rear turn signal bulb flashes bright amber.
• Switch the turn signal off before reinstalling the lamp.
• If it does not flash, use your gloved hand to remove and reseat the bulb in the socket.

Step 9: Reinstall the tail lamp assembly

• Use both hands to align the tail lamp guide pins with the body openings.
• Push the lamp straight forward until it sits flush with the body.
• Use the Phillips #2 screwdriver to reinstall the two retaining screws.
• Tighten the screws snug only. Subaru does not publish a common field torque for these lamp screws; do not overtighten because the lamp tabs are plastic.
• Snug means seated, not forced.

Step 10: Repeat on the other side if replacing both bulbs

• Use the same Phillips #2 screwdriver, plastic trim removal tool, nitrile gloves, and clean microfiber towel for the opposite rear lamp.
• Replace rear turn signal bulbs in pairs if one bulb is old or dim, so both sides match in brightness.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Test the left and right turn signals from outside the vehicle.
• ✅ Test the hazard lights to confirm both rear turn signal bulbs flash correctly.
• ✅ Check that the tail lamp assemblies sit flush and do not move when gently pressed.
• ✅ Make sure no tools or screws are left in the cargo area.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$130 per side, depending on labor minimums and bulb markup

DIY Cost: $5-$20 per bulb

You Save: $55-$110 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.5 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.