🔧 Outlander Sport - Taillight Bulb Replacement

You’ll remove each rear lamp housing, swap the bulb(s), then reinstall the housing and test all light functions. This is a straightforward job, but the lamp housing clips can break if you pull the wrong direction.

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

Assumption: You mean the main rear combination lamp bulbs (tail/brake) on both left and right sides.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the lights OFF and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool before touching them; they get hot.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull the lamp outward sideways; pull it straight rearward to avoid breaking the alignment pins/clips.
• ⚠️ Avoid touching the glass part of halogen bulbs with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 3" socket extension
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear stop/tail light bulb - Replace in pairs (left and right) - Qty: 2
• Dielectric grease (optional) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the liftgate for access to the taillamp mounting screws.
• Have a soft towel ready to set the lamp on so you don’t scratch the paint.
• Trim tool: A plastic pry tool used to pop clips without damage.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the taillamp fasteners (one side)

• Open the liftgate.
• Use a flashlight to locate the two mounting screws on the inboard edge of the lamp (the side closest to the liftgate opening).

Step 2: Remove the taillamp mounting screws

• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the lamp to the body.
• Set the screws somewhere safe.
• Tip: Press screwdriver firmly to avoid stripping.

Step 3: Pull the lamp housing straight rearward

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• Grip the lamp housing with both hands and pull it straight toward the rear of the vehicle.
• If it feels stuck, use a plastic trim removal tool to gently help start it moving, then continue pulling straight back.
• Tip: Do not pry hard against painted edges.

Step 4: Remove the bulb socket

• Locate the socket for the tail/brake bulb on the back of the lamp housing.
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand to unlock it, then pull it out.
• If you need more room, use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 3" socket extension to loosen any nearby retaining bolt for harness routing (if equipped), then retighten after routing is correct.

Step 5: Replace the bulb

• Remove the old bulb from the socket (most are a push-in style; pull straight out).
• Install the new bulb by pushing it straight into the socket until fully seated.
• If using it, apply a tiny amount of dielectric grease (optional) to the socket seal area (not the bulb glass).

Step 6: Reinstall the socket and lamp housing

• Insert the socket back into the lamp and twist clockwise by hand until it locks.
• Line up the lamp’s locating pins/clips with the body holes, then push the lamp straight forward until fully seated.
• Reinstall the two screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver.
• Tightening note: Mitsubishi does not publish a service torque for these small lamp screws in many service references; tighten snug only (do not overtighten).

Step 7: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat Steps 1 through 6 for the opposite taillamp.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the ignition to ON and test: parking lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
• Confirm both lamps sit flush with the body and don’t wiggle.
• If a bulb doesn’t work, remove that socket and make sure it’s fully locked and the bulb is fully seated.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$180 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $10-$40 (parts only)

You Save: $70-$140 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 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.