headlight bulb replacement 2010 outback?

[fredjk]

I have looked all through the forums does anyone know of a diy on headlight bulb replacement on the fourth generation outback?

[Bassman]

There are, I believe, a couple of threads on this topic, though I can't find them either. There are two ways to replace the bulbs.

1). Remove the fender liners from under the fender wells and go in from behind and underneath the headlamp assemblies.

2). Remove the front bumper assembly and then each headlamp assembly.

Either one of these methods is somewhat time consuming and involves removing several plastic clips and/or screws. After the bulbs are replaced, one merely reverses the disassembly process. Hope this helps at least a little....

[scoobydoo2]

...This may be of some help...

[fredjk]

thanks. I'm sure there is a thread on the somewhere I just have not located it yet.

[nlui220]

The Subaru instructions make it seem so quick and painless. Prepare yourself, it's not an easy swap for low-beams. Tight, dark, and tough angles to negotiate. You may want your local Subaru dealer to change them if you happen to bring the car in for service.

[scoobydoo2]

Originally Posted by nlui220

The Subaru instructions make it seem so quick and painless. Prepare yourself, it's not an easy swap for low-beams. Tight, dark, and tough angles to negotiate. You may want your local Subaru dealer to change them if you happen to bring the car in for service.

...It is a royal PIA! The passengers side isn't too bad but the drivers side is nuts. You really do have to remove the wheel and the fender liner to get at it properly.

Quick and simple it isn't. Poor disign IMHO...but more $$$ for the dealership if you get them to do it.

[taiguy]

Originally Posted by Bassman

There are, I believe, a couple of threads on this topic, though I can't find them either. There are two ways to replace the bulbs.

1). Remove the fender liners from under the fender wells and go in from behind and underneath the headlamp assemblies.

2). Remove the front bumper assembly and then each headlamp assembly.

Either one of these methods is somewhat time consuming and involves removing several plastic clips and/or screws. After the bulbs are replaced, one merely reverses the disassembly process. Hope this helps at least a little....

i struggled with the manual recommended wheel well method for maybe 30 minutes and then failed.

taking the bumper off took 15 min (first time) and probably 10 minutes or less after you've done it once. plastic push clips hold both the fender and the wheel well lining on. So you have to go through the same steps, they're just located in different areas.

I have no idea how people are managing to disconnect and reconnect the plastic connectors in that confined space. also trying to orient and lock the bulb in by feel. nutso.

[jeffsu350]

Same experience here ... taking the whole front clip off is significantly easier and takes less time ... it just looks ridiculous with the front clip and headlight out to only change 1 bulb

[upflying]

What? No way? You mean this schematic won't help me with a bulb change?

[ScoobyDoo!]

Wow.. seriously?

I just stick my hand behind that little opening slightly above the light bulb housing, reach in and pull out the bulb (once loose from it's clip and plug). The hard part is getting that **** bulb cover back on! lol

I hate doing those bulbs.