🔧 Impreza - Taillight Bulb Replacement

You can replace the rear taillight bulbs from inside the trunk by removing a small section of trunk liner and twisting the bulb sockets out. This restores your running lights/brake lights/turn signals so you stay visible and legal.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and switch all exterior lights OFF before starting.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool first; they can be hot.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch glass bulbs with bare fingers; skin oil can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Support the trunk lid securely while you work.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3" extension (1/4" drive)
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Trim clip 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 bulbs - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear turn signal bulbs - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear reverse light bulbs - If replacing those too - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the trunk and remove any cargo so you have room to work.
• Set a flashlight in the trunk so you can clearly see the bulb sockets.
• Tip: Replace bulbs in pairs for matching brightness.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the taillight area inside the trunk

• Use a trim clip removal tool to pop out the plastic push-clips holding the trunk liner near the taillight.
• If equipped, use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove any small screws in that liner section.
• Peel the liner back to expose the back of the taillight assembly and the bulb sockets.

Step 2: Identify the bulb socket you’re replacing

• Look for the round bulb socket(s) going into the taillight housing.
• Common functions are: stop/tail (running + brake), turn signal, and reverse.
• Tip: Turn on one light at a time to confirm.

Step 3: Remove the bulb socket

• Grip the socket firmly and rotate it counterclockwise about 1/4 turn.
• Pull the socket straight out of the taillight housing.

Step 4: Remove the old bulb

• Wear nitrile gloves to keep oils off the bulb.
• If it’s a push-in wedge bulb, pull it straight out of the socket.
• If it’s a twist-lock style, push gently and rotate to release (less common here).

Step 5: Install the new bulb

• Push the new bulb into the socket until fully seated.
• Do not force it; it should fit snugly.

Step 6: Reinstall the socket

• Insert the socket into the housing, making sure the tabs line up.
• Turn clockwise about 1/4 turn until it locks.

Step 7: Repeat on the other side

• Move to the other taillight and repeat Steps 1–6 to replace the matching bulb on the other side.

Step 8: Reassemble the trunk liner

• Reposition the trunk liner.
• Reinstall clips using your hands (or the trim clip removal tool to guide them in).
• Reinstall any screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver.

Step 9 (If you removed the taillight housing): Re-tighten fasteners

• If you removed any 10mm nuts, reinstall using a 10mm socket, 1/4" drive ratchet, and 3" extension.
• Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Test all rear lights: running lights, brake lights, hazards/turn signals, and reverse lights.
• If a new bulb doesn’t work, remove it and rotate 180° (some wedge bulbs are polarity-sensitive if LED-style).
• Confirm both sides match in brightness and color.

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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.

Assumption: “Taillight bulbs” means the rear combination lamp bulbs (stop/tail and/or turn) on both left and right sides.