🔧 Taillight Bulbs - Bulb Replacement

Replacing both rear taillight bulbs restores your rear lighting so other drivers can see you braking and with the lights on. On your Outback, the bulbs are accessed from inside the cargo area behind each rear lamp housing.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• Let the bulbs cool before touching the housing or bulb socket.
• Use care around the rear lamp tabs; the plastic can crack if forced.
• If your warning light is for a sealed LED lamp, the bulb may not be serviceable and the entire lamp assembly must be replaced.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim panel tool
• Phillips screwdriver
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear taillight bulb set - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the liftgate for access to the rear lamp fasteners.
• If the lamp is dim or intermittent, inspect the bulb socket for corrosion before installing the new bulb.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the cargo area and remove access trim

• Open the liftgate.
• Use a trim panel tool to carefully pop off the cargo-side trim covering the rear lamp fasteners.
• If equipped, remove any small retaining clip or screw with a Phillips screwdriver.

Step 2: Remove the rear lamp assembly

• Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the rear lamp mounting bolts.
• Pull the lamp straight rearward to release the alignment pins.
• Pull evenly to avoid breaking tabs.

Step 3: Access the bulb socket

• Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise by hand to remove it from the lamp housing.
• Remove the old bulb from the socket.
• If the bulb is a twist-lock style, do not force it; it should release with a short turn.

Step 4: Install the new bulbs

• Install the new bulb into each socket.
• Handle the glass only with gloves; skin oil can shorten bulb life.
• Reinstall the socket into the housing and turn it clockwise until locked.

Step 5: Reinstall the lamp assembly

• Position the lamp back into the body opening.
• Make sure the locating pins line up before tightening the bolts.
• Use the 10mm socket and ratchet to tighten the mounting bolts.
• Torque to 4-6 Nm (35-53 in-lbs).
• Reinstall the access trim and any clips or screws.

Step 6: Test the lights

• Turn on the parking lights and verify both taillights work.
• Press the brake pedal and confirm both brake lights illuminate.
• Check the turn signals and hazard lights while you are there.

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✅ After Repair

• Walk behind the vehicle and confirm both lamps are bright and even.
• If one bulb still does not work, check the socket for a bent contact or corrosion.
• If a warning message remains on the dash, cycle the ignition off and back on.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

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

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/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.