🔧 Impreza - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

Your rear turn signal bulbs sit inside the outer tail lamp assemblies. On your Impreza, you replace them by opening the trunk, removing a small trim access cover, unbolting the tail lamp, then swapping the bulb in the turn-signal socket.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and make sure all exterior lights are OFF before starting.
• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and keep the trunk lid securely open.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the new bulb’s glass with bare fingers; skin oils can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb (7440 amber) - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, put the transmission in Neutral, and set the parking brake.
• Open the trunk and clear out cargo so you can work comfortably.
• Replace bulbs in pairs for even brightness.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the trunk and access the tail lamp fasteners

• Use a plastic trim removal tool to pop open/remove the small trunk side trim access cover behind the tail lamp.
• If your trim uses screws or clips, remove them with a Phillips #2 screwdriver and the plastic trim removal tool.

Step 2: Remove the tail lamp assembly

• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" drive ratchet, and 6" extension to remove the tail lamp retaining nuts.
• Support the lamp with your free hand as you remove the last nut.
• Gently pull the tail lamp straight rearward to release the locator pins (wiggle slightly; don’t pry the paint).
• Stuck lamp? Pull straight back, not sideways.

Step 3: Remove the rear turn signal bulb socket

• Locate the turn signal socket on the back of the tail lamp (it’s one of the twist-lock sockets).
• Turn the socket counterclockwise by hand and pull it out.
• If it’s tight, use a clean rag for extra grip (don’t use pliers).

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket (it’s a wedge-base bulb).
• Put on nitrile gloves and press the new rear turn signal bulb (7440 amber) straight into the socket until fully seated.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and tail lamp

• Insert the socket back into the housing and twist clockwise until it locks.
• Align the tail lamp’s locator pins with the body holes and press the lamp straight in until flush.
• Install the retaining nuts using a 10mm socket, 1/4" drive ratchet, and 6" extension.
• Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).
• Snug is enough—don’t crack the lamp.

Step 6: Reinstall the trunk trim

• Reinstall the access cover/trim using the plastic trim removal tool and Phillips #2 screwdriver as needed.

Assumption: Rear turn bulb type is 7440 amber, and tail lamp nut torque is 5 Nm (typical for small lamp fasteners).

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✅ After Repair

• Turn ignition to ON and test: left signal, right signal, hazards.
• Walk behind the car and confirm the flash rate is normal (a fast flash usually means a bulb isn’t seated or the wrong bulb type).
• Make sure the tail lamp sits evenly and the trunk trim is fully clipped back in place.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $6-$25 (parts only)

You Save: $35-$140 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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