🔧 Rear Turn Signal Bulbs - Bulb Replacement

This job means opening the rear lamp housing, removing the old turn signal bulb, and installing a new one of the correct amber type. On your Outback, the rear turn signal is serviced from inside the tail lamp assembly.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hour

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob before starting.
• Let the tail lamps cool if they were recently on.
• Use care when handling the bulb socket; do not twist the wiring harness.
• Do not touch the glass part of a new halogen bulb with bare fingers. Oil from skin can shorten bulb life.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Short extension
• Trim panel tool
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb, amber - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Open the rear hatch and make sure you have room to work behind the tail lamp.
• If only one side is out, the other side is still usually the same age, so replacing both is smart.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the hatch and access the tail lamp fasteners

• Open the rear hatch.
• Use a 10mm socket, ratchet, and short extension to remove the tail lamp mounting bolts.
• Keep the bolts in a safe place.

Step 2: Remove the tail lamp assembly

• Use a trim panel tool to gently release the tail lamp from the body.
• Pull the lamp straight back. Do not yank sideways.
• Work slowly to avoid breaking clips.

Step 3: Remove the bulb socket

• Twist the rear turn signal bulb socket counterclockwise by hand and pull it out of the lamp housing.
• If it feels tight, use a gloved hand for a better grip.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Remove the old amber bulb from the socket.
• Install the new rear turn signal bulb, amber into the socket.
• Make sure it seats fully and sits straight.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and lamp

• Insert the socket back into the tail lamp housing.
• Twist it clockwise until it locks.
• Set the tail lamp back into place and press it in gently.
• Reinstall the mounting bolts with the 10mm socket.
• Torque to 4.5 Nm (40 in-lbs).

Step 6: Test the new bulb

• Turn on the ignition and activate the left and right turn signals.
• Check that both flash normally and that the lens is seated evenly.

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✅ After Repair

• Walk around the vehicle and confirm both rear turn signals work.
• Check for any warning messages on the dash.
• If the flash rate is still fast, recheck the bulb seating and socket connection.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: CAD $120-$220 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: CAD $20-$50 (parts only)

You Save: CAD $100-$170 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run CAD $140-$220/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.

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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.