🔧 WRX - Headlight Bulb Replacement

You’ll replace the bulbs behind each headlight housing from inside the engine bay. On your WRX, access is a bit tight, so you may need to move the washer filler neck (passenger side) and/or create space near the battery (driver side).

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn headlights off and let bulbs cool 10+ minutes; they get extremely hot.
• ⚠️ Wear gloves and don’t touch the bulb glass—skin oil can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ If you loosen or remove the battery, disconnect the negative terminal first.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic connectors; release tabs gently to avoid breaking them.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Flashlight
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 6" extension (1/4" drive)
• 10mm wrench
• Trim clip remover (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Low beam headlight bulb (H11) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• High beam headlight bulb (9005) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and shut the engine off.
• Open the hood and support it securely.
• Decide what you’re replacing: low beams (H11) or high beams (9005). If unsure, pull one bulb first and match the type printed on it.
• If you need more room on the driver side, use a 10mm wrench to disconnect the battery negative terminal (black cable). Torque to 7.5 Nm (5.5 ft-lbs) when reinstalling.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the back of the headlight (passenger side)

• Use a flashlight to locate the rear of the passenger-side headlight housing.
• If the washer filler neck blocks your hand, use a trim clip remover (specialty) to release the plastic clip(s), then move the filler neck aside without disconnecting hoses.
• Move parts gently; plastics can crack.

Step 2: Access the back of the headlight (driver side)

• Use a flashlight to locate the rear of the driver-side headlight housing.
• If it’s too tight near the battery, use a 10mm wrench to disconnect the battery negative terminal first.
• If you still need space, use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension to loosen the battery hold-down enough to shift the battery slightly for hand access.

Step 3: Remove the old bulb (Low beam H11 OR High beam 9005)

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• Reach behind the headlight and find the bulb socket (a round base that twists into the housing).
• Twist the bulb base counterclockwise by hand to unlock it, then pull it straight out.
• Press the connector tab and unplug the electrical connector from the bulb.

Step 4: Install the new bulb

• Plug the electrical connector onto the new bulb until it clicks.
• Insert the bulb into the headlight housing, lining up the tabs.
• Twist the bulb base clockwise until it locks fully.
• If it won’t lock, don’t force it.

Step 5: Repeat on the other headlight

• Use the same steps to replace the bulb on the opposite side.
• Replace bulbs in pairs (left and right) so color/brightness matches.

Step 6: Reinstall anything you moved

• Reposition the washer filler neck and re-secure it using the trim clip remover (specialty) and the original clip(s).
• If you disconnected the battery, reconnect the negative terminal using a 10mm wrench. Torque to 7.5 Nm (5.5 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the car and test: low beams, high beams, and turn signals.
• Verify both headlights match in color and brightness.
• If a new bulb doesn’t light, turn lights off and re-check the connector is fully seated.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$250 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $30-$120 (parts only)

You Save: $90-$130 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.