🔧 Impreza - Headlight Bulb Replacement

On your Impreza, “headlight bulbs” can mean the low beams and/or the high beams. The important catch: the Limited trim commonly uses LED low-beam headlights, and LEDs usually don’t have a replaceable bulb—only the whole headlamp assembly is serviced.

Before I tailor this perfectly, answer these 2 quick questions: 1) Is the low beam out, the high beam out, or both? 2) Do your low beams look like a bright white LED projector with a “C-shaped” running light, or do they look like a more yellow halogen bulb?

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the lights OFF and remove the key/fob from the car before starting.
• ⚠️ Let the headlight area cool down; bulbs can be very hot.
• ⚠️ Do not touch the glass on halogen bulbs with bare fingers; skin oil can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ If your low beams are LED, do not open the LED module—replacement is typically the entire headlamp assembly.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Low beam headlight bulb (H11) (if equipped with halogen low beams) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• High beam headlight bulb (9005) (if equipped with halogen high beams) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Dielectric grease (for bulb connector, optional) - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and open the hood.
• Use a flashlight to look behind each headlamp and identify the bulb/cover you’ll be removing.
• Quick ID tip: a replaceable halogen bulb usually has a twist-lock base and a removable electrical connector; LED low beams typically look like a sealed module or heat-sinked unit and are not a simple bulb swap.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm which bulb you’re replacing

• Turn the headlight switch ON briefly and confirm which side/function is out (low vs high), then turn lights OFF.
• Use a flashlight behind the headlamp to locate the rear access point (usually a twist-lock bulb or a dust cap).
• If low beam is LED, stop and tell me.

Step 2: Create working room (only if access is tight)

• Remove the plastic air snorkel/duct clips using a trim clip removal tool, then lift the snorkel out.
• If you need more room, loosen nearby fasteners with a 10mm socket and 1/4" ratchet just enough to move the piece slightly (do not force anything).

Step 3: Remove the bulb connector

• Reach behind the headlamp and pull the electrical connector straight off the bulb using your gloved hand.
• If it’s stubborn, wiggle gently—do not pull on the wires.

Step 4: Remove the old bulb

• Rotate the bulb base counterclockwise about a quarter-turn and pull it straight out.
• Use a flashlight to confirm the bulb’s tabs and how it indexes (this helps installation).

Step 5: Install the new bulb (do not touch the glass)

• Put on nitrile gloves if you haven’t already.
• Insert the new bulb so the tabs line up, then rotate clockwise to lock it.
• Optional: apply a tiny amount of dielectric grease to the connector seal area (not on the bulb glass).

Step 6: Reconnect and reassemble

• Push the connector back on until it seats fully.
• Reinstall any snorkel/ducting and clips you removed using the trim clip removal tool.
• Re-tighten any loosened fasteners with a 10mm socket and 1/4" ratchet (snug, not over-tight).

Step 7: Repeat on the other side

• Replace bulbs in pairs (left and right) for matching brightness and color.

---

✅ After Repair

• Turn the headlights ON and verify low beams and high beams work on both sides.
• Check that the bulb is fully locked if a beam looks mis-aimed or flickers.
• If a new halogen bulb doesn’t light, swap the connector to confirm it’s seated; then re-check the related fuse.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$300 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $90-$180 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.

---

🎯 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.