🔧 Outback - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

Your Outback’s rear turn signal bulbs sit inside the rear combination lamp (tail light assembly). Replacing them usually means removing the lamp from the body, swapping the bulb, and reinstalling everything so it seals correctly and doesn’t rattle.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool before touching; they can get hot.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the glass of a new bulb with bare fingers; skin oil can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Pull the lamp straight back; don’t pry hard against painted surfaces.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Plastic trim removal tool (specialty)
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Clean microfiber towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the rear liftgate for access to the lamp mounting screws.
• Lay a clean microfiber towel on the bumper edge below the lamp to protect paint if the lamp slips.
• No battery disconnect is required for this bulb replacement.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the rear combination lamp screws

• Open the liftgate.
• Locate the two mounting screws on the inboard edge of the rear lamp (visible with the liftgate open).
• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to loosen and remove both screws.
• Set screws somewhere safe on the clean microfiber towel.

Step 2: Remove the rear combination lamp from the body

• Grip the lamp with both hands and pull it straight rearward.
• If it feels stuck, use a plastic trim removal tool (specialty) to gently start the lamp moving. (A trim tool is a plastic pry tool made to avoid paint damage.)
• Do not twist the lamp sideways; the locating pins can break.

Step 3: Remove the turn signal bulb socket

• Identify the turn signal bulb socket on the back of the lamp assembly.
• Use your hand (gloved) to rotate the socket counterclockwise about 1/4 turn, then pull it out.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket using nitrile gloves.
• Push the new 7440A/7440NA amber bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.
• Tip: Match bulb base shape before forcing.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and lamp

• Insert the socket back into the lamp and twist clockwise by hand to lock.
• Align the lamp’s locating pins with the body grommets, then press the lamp straight in until it sits flush.
• Install the two screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver.
• Torque to 3.5 Nm (31 in-lbs)

Step 6: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat Steps 1-5 for the opposite rear lamp.
• Tip: Replacing both keeps brightness even.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the ignition ON and test both rear turn signals.
• Turn on hazards and confirm both rears flash at a normal speed (fast flash usually means a bulb isn’t seated or is the wrong type).
• Confirm the lamp sits flush with the body and doesn’t wobble when you lightly push on it.

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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.