🔧 WRX - Taillight Bulb Replacement

You can replace the rear taillight bulbs from inside the trunk by removing the trunk liner access on each side, then twisting the bulb socket out of the taillight housing. The key is matching the new bulb to the bulb you remove (the bulb number is usually printed on the base).

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the car OFF, remove the key, and let bulbs cool before touching.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch new bulb glass with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Support the trunk liner so it doesn’t tear or crease.
• Battery disconnect is not required for bulb replacement.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear taillight bulb (match the number on your old bulb) - Qty: 2
• 7443 bulb (common tail/brake dual-filament) - Qty: 2
• 7440 bulb (common rear turn signal single-filament, if equipped) - Qty: 2
• 921 bulb (common reverse light, if equipped) - 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 can access the trunk side liners.
• If you’re not sure which bulb you’re replacing, turn on the light function first (parking lights / brakes / hazards / reverse) and confirm which one is out, then turn the car back OFF before starting.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the back of the taillight housings

• Use a flashlight to locate the trunk side liner behind each taillight.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to pop out any liner clips (a trim tool is a plastic pry tool that removes clips without damage).
• If a screw is present, remove it with a Phillips #2 screwdriver.
• Pull the liner back enough to reach the bulb sockets on the back of the taillight.

Step 2: Remove the correct bulb socket (left side)

• Identify the socket for the bulb you’re replacing (largest socket is often the tail/brake bulb).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand and pull it straight out.
• Twist gently; don’t force the plastic.

Step 3: Replace the bulb (left side)

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Put on nitrile gloves and install the new bulb (match the bulb number printed on the old bulb base).
• Reinstall the socket into the housing and twist clockwise until it stops.

Step 4: Repeat for the right side

• Repeat Steps 2-3 on the other taillight using the flashlight to confirm you have the correct socket.

Step 5: If you can’t reach the socket, remove the taillight assembly (only if needed)

• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" drive ratchet, and 6" socket extension to remove the taillight retaining nuts inside the trunk.
• Carefully pull the taillight straight rearward to release the locating pins.
• Replace the bulb as in Step 3, then reinstall the taillight and nuts.
• Torque to 5.4 Nm (4.0 ft-lbs)

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✅ After Repair

• Turn on the parking lights and confirm both left and right taillights illuminate evenly.
• Press the brake pedal (or have a helper press it) and confirm both brake lights work.
• Turn on hazards and confirm both rear turn signals flash at a normal rate.
• Reinstall the trunk liner clips and screws using the plastic trim removal tool and Phillips #2 screwdriver.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$150 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $50-$110 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?

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