Subaru Outback Headlight Bulb Size

The original Outback station wagon was derived from the wagon variant of the second-generation Subaru Legacy. The first-generation Legacy, which made its debut in 1989, did not receive the cosmetic and suspension modifications to create an Outback version, although Subaru offered an Outdoor option package for the 1994 model year Legacy L all-wheel drive model, which added an compressed air strut height adjustable suspension, a luggage rack, a skidplate, and mud flaps,

in addition to a roof rack which was in fact available on the base and LS models. Outback wagons began production in 1990 for the North American market, with Subaru offering both Legacy-based short (wheelbase) and long (wheelbase) versions.

Worldwide, the Outback line eventually grew from one model in Japan in 1994 to four separate models that included three unique global platforms by 1998.. The original Legacy wagon has continued with the “Outback” nameplate worldwide, but beginning with the second generation of this vehicle all subsequent generations have also featured a sedan variant.

In 1993 Subaru added the Outback Sport to their lineup, reviving a name last used in 1981 on a variant of the first generation Leone built through early 1987. This new model was a Legacy wagon with a firmer suspension and a hood scoop, although it shared the “boxer” 4-cylinder engine from Subaru’s other models. The Outback Sport was only offered in North America.

Subaru released a second generation of both Legacy wagons with V6 engines for the United States market after 1995, but due to stricter emissions requirements, Japanese buyers continued to receive their own redesigned version which retained the previous flat four engine at least through 1998.

In 1997, Subaru introduced its third generation Outback platform worldwide (in Japan this generation continued to be sold as the Legacy Tourer until 1999) though again two separate versions were available.

Earlier, a raised-roof “Touring Wagon” variant had been offered on the preceding Subaru Leone for the 1988 and 1989 model years.Subaru also sold a raised-roof variant (chassis code BF) of the first-generation Legacy wagon outside the United States. North American Legacy wagons were only offered as the flat-roof variant (chassis code BJ) until a special “GT” model was marketed for the 1994 model year.

The Legacy wagon models of this generation were so similar to the North American market Outback that many parts are interchangeable, and some aftermarket suppliers such as Ski Doo marketed turbodiesel conversions for the platform. All Outbacks continued to offer traditional SU car engines with an optional turbocharger through 2000.

How do Subaru Outback bulbs differ?

There are five kinds of exterior lighting systems for your Subaru Outback, including:

Illuminating front position lights or “parking lamps;” Front turn signal running lights; Front fog/driving lights; Side marker lights; Tail/stop tail-lamps.

Front position lights are the low beams. They come on briefly when you first start your Outback, and usually stay on whenever the key is in on position.

Front turn signals blink on and off to indicate a right or left turning or changing direction. If your front turn signals aren’t working, your car won’t look very safe! If one is out, it’s usually the driver side that goes first.

Driving/fog lights are brighter than regular headlights, designed for use during inclement weather (heavy rain, snow) or foggy conditions. Driving lights are round multi-functional lights that are mounted on top of your bumper ahead of your normal front headlamps. While they do provide increased forward visibility during severe weather, they are also useful at night when you need to see further down the road.

Side marker lights mark the front and rear of your Outback on each side, usually near or below your headlamp. They’re important because they help other drivers gauge where your car is—an outline of sorts—in poor visibility; e.g., fog, darkness, etc..

Tail/stop tail-lamps (aka brake lights) indicate when you’re slowing down or stopping. If any one is out, it makes for more difficult driving conditions in heavy traffic situations since others won’t know if you’re speeding up, slowing down or stopped completely until right before impact .

The above mentioned exterior lighting systems are all-inclusive and work together as a system. The other exterior lighting systems include:

Hazard warning flashers; High-mount brake light or third brake light; Reverse lights; Daytime running lights (DRL). These other lighting systems are controlled by the onboard computers, which monitor all of your car’s electrical functions. If you need to replace any of these exterior components, be sure to use only replacement parts that meet or exceed OE standards for safety, quality and durability. Failure to do so could result in reduced lighting performance, vehicle malfunction or complete failure.

How to change Subaru Outback bulbs?

To change Subaru Outback bulbs is quite easy and can be performed in less than 10 minutes. When you need to change a burnt out low beam, high beam, front turn signal or rear turn signal bulb, most likely you will not need an assistant. It’s easiest to reach the headlights from inside of the engine compartment by removing the plastic engine cover (if equipped), but it will work just as well if you hang out of your window and remove all necessary bolts with a socket wrench. Of course for this type of job we recommend using gloves and safety glasses – always unplug the battery before working on any part of your vehicle!

Removal:

New Bulbs: Change only one bulb at a time so that your brake lights and blinkers will still work on the other side. A new bulb will come with a small piece of plastic on it and you must remove it first. Simply pull the tab towards the rear of the car and then push the bulb in until it is firmly pressed into place.

Installation: If you do not feel comfortable applying pressure to such a tiny area, simply grasp the tab as shown and wiggle as you gently push your replacement bulb back into its socket (don’t forget to plug the connector back in as well).

Subaru Outback Headlight Bulbs Replacement Guide – Low Beam/DRL: Open Hood – Unscrew bolt where low beam bulb meets wiring harness – Turn old bulb counterclockwise – Push new halogen Plexiglas low beam bulb in and turn clockwise – Replace screw

Subaru Outback Headlight Bulbs Replacement Guide – High Beam: Open Hood – Unscrew bolt where high beam bulb meets wiring harness – Turn old bulb counterclockwise- Push new halogen Plexiglas high beam bulb in and turn clockwise. For added safety it is recommended to use this type the same time you replace your headlight bulbs.

Subaru Outback Front Turn Signal Light Bulb Replacement Guide: Open hood, remove fasteners that hold black plastic front grille in place (a socket wrench works best in this case) Swing grille out of the way Gently pull side marker light out of its housing by pulling toward Carefully turn marker light 1/4 turn counterclockwise and pull out of its housing Grasp new side marker light and place into the empty socket Gently turn clockwise to lock into place.

Subaru Outback Rear Turn Signal Light Bulb Replacement Guide: Open trunk (if you have a sedan it will be very easy, if you have an SUV or wagon lift up the carpeted floor liner to access spare tire). Remove fasteners that hold rear trunk lining in place (a socket wrench works best in this case) Gently pull lining away from the corner where your bulb is located Turn signal lens has a small tab that locks into place – simply push down on tab while pulling your old bulb out with thumb and forefinger grasp new replacement bulb and carefully press it back into place until you hear a click.

Now it’s time to close everything up – start with your trunk, replace fasteners and lining if needed, then move on to engine bay. You are done!

If you have any difficulties or questions please feel free to visit our forums where thousands of enthusiasts are more than happy to help.

Third generation (2007–2011)

Second generation (2001–2007)

First generation (1994–1999)

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