🔧 BRZ - Taillight Bulb Replacement

On your BRZ, the outer rear lamps are typically LED for tail/stop, but the rear turn signal and reverse light are commonly replaceable bulbs. You’ll access them from inside the trunk, twist the bulb socket out, and swap the bulb on both left and right sides.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before starting.
• 🧤 Let lamps cool first; bulbs can be hot.
• ⚡ Do not touch the glass of halogen bulbs with bare fingers; use gloves.
• 🔍 If you’re unsure which bulb is out, have a helper confirm turn/reverse operation first.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Trim clip removal tool (specialty)
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb (amber) - Qty: 2
• Reverse light bulb (clear) - Qty: 2

Tip: Match the bulb number printed on your old bulb.

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the trunk and remove any cargo so you can work comfortably.
• Decide which bulbs you’re replacing: turn signal (outer lamp) and/or reverse light (inner lamp).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Identify the correct bulb socket (left side)

• Open the trunk and go to the back corner behind the left taillight.
• Use a flashlight to find the access area behind the lamp.
• If there’s a small trunk liner flap/cover, open it by hand. If a clip is in the way, use a trim clip removal tool (specialty) to pop it out.

Step 2: Remove the bulb socket

• Grab the socket for the bulb you want (turn or reverse).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise about 1/4 turn and pull it straight out.
• If it’s tight, gently help it start turning with a small flathead screwdriver (don’t pry hard).

Step 3: Replace the bulb

• Put on nitrile gloves so you don’t get oils on the bulb.
• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket (it’s a push-in style).
• Push the new bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.
• Tip: If it feels loose, it’s not seated.

Step 4: Reinstall the socket and test

• Insert the socket back into the lamp housing.
• Twist the socket clockwise to lock it in place. Torque: snug by hand (no published torque spec).
• Test the light:
  • For turn signal: turn hazards ON.
  • For reverse bulb: key ON and shift to reverse (have a helper hold the brake).

Step 5: Repeat on the right side

• Move to the right trunk corner and repeat Steps 1–4.
• Reinstall any trunk liner clips you removed by pressing them back in by hand.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify left and right lights match in brightness and flash rate.
• If the turn signal flashes fast, a bulb may be wrong type or not seated.
• Make sure trunk liner is secured so it doesn’t rattle.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $10-$40 (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.

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Quick question (so I point you to the exact sockets): Are you replacing the turn signal bulbs, the reverse bulbs, or both?