How to Change a Brake Lamp in a 2012 Subaru Impreza
by Justin CuplerIn 1993, Subaru introduced the Impreza sedan to U.S. buyers in hopes of gaining the foothold on the American market that it lacked. Through the years, the Impreza eventually guided Subaru to success, especially when the Impreza WRX wooed performance enthusiasts with its 227-horsepower engine in 2002. In 2012, the Impreza comes in two body styles: four-door and five-door. Replacing the brake light bulb in either body style is a relatively simple process.
Four-Door Impreza
Step 1
Open the trunk and pry the two clips from the trunk carpeting directly behind the taillight assembly, using a flat-head screwdriver. Pull the trunk carpeting away from the taillight assembly to expose the bulb sockets.
Step 2
Twist the brake light bulb socket counterclockwise to unlock it and pull it from the taillight assembly. Pull the brake light bulb from its socket with a slight wiggling motion.
Step 3
Hold a new No. 7443 brake light bulb with a clean, lint-free cloth – the oils from your fingers can cause premature bulb failure – and press the bulb into the socket. Insert the bulb and socket into the taillight assembly and twist the socket clockwise to lock it in place.
Step 4
Pull the trunk carpeting back into its original position and press the retaining clips into their holes to secure the carpet. Close the trunk.
Five-Door Impreza
Step 1
Open the rear hatch and remove the two screws securing the taillight assembly to the rear hatch jamb, using a Phillips screwdriver. Move the taillight assembly outward to disengage the taillight assembly guide pins and catch, and pull the taillight assembly from the rear of the Impreza just enough to access the taillight assembly sockets.
Step 2
Twist the brake light bulb socket counterclockwise to unlock it and pull the socket and bulb from the taillight assembly. Pull the brake light bulb from the socket with a slight wiggling motion.
Step 3
Hold a new No. 7443 brake light bulb with a clean, lint-free cloth and press the bulb into the socket. Insert the bulb and socket into the taillight assembly and twist the socket clockwise to lock it in place.
Step 4
Align the guide pins and catch on the backside of the taillight assembly with the guide holes and clip, and slide the taillight toward the center of the vehicle to insert the guide pins into the holes and the catch onto the head of the guide clip. Tighten the two screws until they are snug and close the rear hatch.
Things You'll Need
- Flat-head screwdriver
- No. 7443 brake light bulb
- Clean, lint-free cloth
- Phillips screwdriver
Warnings
- Do not touch the bulb with your bare hands, as the oils from your hands can cause the bulb to fail early.
Writer Bio
Justin Cupler is a professional writer who has been published on several websites including CarsDirect and Autos.com. Cupler has worked in the professional automotive repair field as a technician and a manager since 2000. He has a certificate in broadcast journalism from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. Cupler is currently studying mechanical engineering at Saint Petersburg College.
