🔧 Impreza - Taillight Bulb Replacement

On your Impreza, most rear bulbs are replaced from inside the trunk by removing an access cover and twisting the bulb socket out of the lamp housing. Some Limited trims use LED tail/brake lights (no replaceable “bulb”), while turn signal and reverse lights are usually replaceable bulbs.

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

Quick questions (so I give you the exact bulb locations):
1) Which function are you replacing: tail/running light, brake light, turn signal, or reverse?
2) When the lights are on at night, is the red tail/brake light an LED “strip” (no obvious bulb), or a normal bulb glow?

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Turn ignition OFF and remove the key before working in the trunk.
• 🔥 If bulbs were on, let them cool 5-10 minutes before touching.
• 🧤 Don’t touch new bulb glass with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.
• ⚡ No battery disconnect is required for rear bulb replacement.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Phillips screwdriver #2
• Small flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear bulb(s) (correct type for the failed function) - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground and open the trunk fully.
• 🔎 Identify the failed function first (tail/brake/turn/reverse) so you replace the correct bulb.
• 🧰 A “bulb socket” is the plastic holder that twists out of the taillight from the back side.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm which light is out

• Turn the lights ON and walk behind the car to verify what’s not working (tail/running, brake, turn, reverse).
• If needed, ask a helper to press the brake pedal and operate the turn signal.
• Replace bulbs in pairs for even brightness.

Step 2: Access the back of the taillight from the trunk

• Open the trunk and use a flashlight to find the carpet access panel behind the taillight area (left or right side).
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to gently pop the clips and pull the carpet back enough to see the bulb sockets.
• If a small screw is present on the cover, remove it with a Phillips screwdriver #2.

Step 3: Remove the correct bulb socket

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Locate the socket for the failed function (there may be multiple sockets).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand, then pull it straight out of the lamp housing.
• If it’s tight, use a plastic trim removal tool to help gently, but don’t pry on the lens.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Remove the old bulb from the socket (most are push-in “wedge” style—pull straight out).
• Install the new bulb of the same type (the bulb number is usually printed on the old bulb base—match it).
• If the bulb is a twist-lock type, swap it the same way it came out.
• Don’t touch bulb glass with fingers.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and test

• Reinsert the socket into the lamp and twist clockwise until it locks.
• Turn the vehicle lights ON and re-check the function you repaired.
• If it does not work, remove the socket again and ensure the bulb is fully seated.

Step 6: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat Steps 2-5 on the opposite taillight so both sides match in color and brightness.

Step 7: Reinstall trunk trim

• Reposition the trunk carpet and reinstall any clips using your hands or the plastic trim removal tool.
• If removed, reinstall any screws using the Phillips screwdriver #2.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Verify tail/running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights all work.
• 🔎 Check that the trunk trim is secure and not rubbing the bulb wiring.
• 🧾 If the red tail/brake section is LED and still out, the lamp may not use a replaceable bulb and may require lamp assembly service.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$200 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $70-$160 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.