🔧 Crosstrek - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

Your Crosstrek’s rear turn signal bulbs are inside the outer tail lamp housings. You’ll remove the tail lamp (two nuts + one locating clip), swap the bulb, then reinstall everything so the lamp seals properly and doesn’t rattle.

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

Assumption: Your rear turn signal uses a 7440 amber bulb (common for your Crosstrek).

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Let the bulbs cool; they can get hot after use.
• ⚠️ Wear gloves; oils from skin can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Pull the tail lamp straight back—don’t pry on the painted body.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 6" socket extension
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Torque wrench (in-lb or low Nm range)
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the rear hatch for access to the inner side of the tail lamp area.
• Lay a shop towel nearby to set the lamp on so it won’t get scratched.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the tail lamp fasteners

• Open the hatch.
• On the side you’re working on, use a plastic trim removal tool to pop off the small interior access cover near the tail lamp.
• Trim tool = plastic pry tool to prevent scratches.

Step 2: Remove the tail lamp nuts

• Use a 10mm socket, 6" socket extension, and 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the two 10mm nuts.
• Set the nuts somewhere safe so they don’t fall into the body cavity.

Step 3: Pull the tail lamp housing off

• With the nuts removed, grasp the tail lamp with both hands.
• Pull the lamp straight rearward (toward you) to release the locating clip.
• If it’s tight, wiggle gently while pulling—do not pry against the painted body with metal tools.

Step 4: Remove the turn signal bulb socket

• Locate the turn signal socket on the back of the lamp (the socket that matches the amber flashing bulb).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand and pull it out.
• Use nitrile gloves to avoid getting oils on the new bulb.

Step 5: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket using a shop towel for grip.
• Push the new 7440 amber bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.

Step 6: Quick test before reassembly

• Reinstall the socket into the lamp and twist clockwise to lock by hand.
• Turn the ignition to ON and switch on the turn signal to verify it flashes normally.
• Turn ignition OFF again after the test.

Step 7: Reinstall the tail lamp

• Line up the locating pin/clip and the studs with their holes.
• Push the lamp straight forward until it seats flush with the body.
• Install the two nuts using a 10mm socket.
• Tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).
• Snap the interior access cover back on using your hands.

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat the same process for the other rear turn signal.
• Replace both bulbs to match brightness.

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✅ After Repair

• Test left and right turn signals and the hazard lights.
• Verify the tail lamps sit flush and don’t wiggle.
• If the turn signal “hyper-flashes,” recheck the bulb is the correct type and fully seated.

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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.