🔧 WRX - Front Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

Your WRX’s front turn signal bulb sits in the headlight housing, and you can change it without removing the bumper or headlight. The main job is getting access to the bulb socket, swapping the bulb, and confirming the flash rate is normal.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the headlight area cool first; bulbs and housings can get hot.
• ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF and remove the key before reaching behind the headlight.
• ⚠️ Avoid touching the new bulb’s glass with bare fingers; skin oils can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ If you raise the car, support it with jack stands—never rely on the jack alone.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required, but keep tools away from the battery terminals.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Plastic trim clip removal tool
• Flathead screwdriver (small)
• Phillips screwdriver #2
• Flashlight
• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front turn signal bulb (amber, 7440A) - Qty: 2
• Plastic push clips for fender liner - Qty: 2-6

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind a rear wheel.
• Turn the steering wheel fully away from the side you’re working on (this creates more space at the fender liner).
• Tip: Replace bulbs in pairs for matching color.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Make room to access the bulb

• Turn the steering wheel full lock (all the way) away from the side you’re changing.
• If your hands don’t fit comfortably, use a floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to lift that front corner and set it on jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum).
• Use wheel chocks to keep the car from rolling.

Step 2: Open the fender liner access area

• In the front part of the wheel well, locate the fender liner (the black plastic inner cover).
• Use a plastic trim clip removal tool to pop out the plastic push clips holding the liner edge.
• If a clip is stubborn, gently lift the center pin with a flathead screwdriver (small), then pull the clip out with the trim tool.
• Peel the liner back just enough to reach behind the headlight. Use a flashlight to see the bulb socket.

Step 3: Remove the turn signal bulb socket

• Reach behind the headlight and find the turn signal bulb socket (it will have a wiring connector going into it).
• Grip the socket and rotate it counterclockwise about 1/4 turn by hand, then pull it straight out.
• If it won’t turn, reposition your grip and try again—do not force it with pliers (you can crack the socket).

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket (it’s a push-in style).
• Push the new front turn signal bulb (amber, 7440A) straight into the socket until fully seated.
• Tip: Match the new bulb to the old one.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and fender liner

• Insert the socket back into the headlight opening and rotate clockwise about 1/4 turn until it locks.
• Reposition the fender liner.
• Reinstall the clips by pushing the outer body in first, then pushing the center pin flush using your thumb or the flathead screwdriver (small).
• If your liner uses screws in your area, reinstall them with a Phillips screwdriver #2.

Step 6: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat Steps 1–5 on the opposite front turn signal.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the ignition ON and test left and right turn signals, hazards, and parking lights.
• Confirm the blink speed is normal. A very fast blink usually means a bulb isn’t seated or isn’t working.
• Verify the fender liner is secured so it won’t rub the tire while driving.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $10-$30 (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?

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.