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Subaru Forester Map Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out map light bulb in the overhead console of a 4th generation 2014 to 2018 Subaru Forester.

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2017 Forester Map Lights
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Insert Flathead Screwdriver
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the fourth generation (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018) Subaru Forester SUV in changing a burnt out map light bulb located in the overhead console or upgrading them both to brighter LED units.

Owners of other Subaru vehicles such as the Outback, Impreza, Legacy, XV Crosstrek, WRX, BRZ, SVX, Tribeca, Exiga, Trezia, Levorg and Baja may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The compatible replacement miniature "festoon" style light bulb is part number DE3175. You can also use a compatible LED unit.

The only tool needed to access and replace the map light bulbs is a small flathead screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool.



 
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Re-Insert Screwdriver - Pry Out
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Plastic Lens Cover Removed
To prevent from scratching the plastic surfaces, I recommend either wrapping the tip of your screwdriver with a thin micro fiber cloth or instead use a small plastic pry bar tool.

Insert the blade of the screwdriver or trim panel removal tool in between the translucent plastic lens cover and the overhead console near the inner edge.

Gently pry out the lens cover.

You may need to re-insert the tool at several locations to fully remove the lens cover.

Try to avoid using excessive force or bending the lens cover too much. The lens cover should pop out relatively easily.

Set the lens cover aside in a safe place.

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Old Bulb In Socket
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Pull Out Old Light Bulb
If the old light bulb was recently turned on, be careful when you remove it. The old bulb might still be hot enough to burn your fingers.

Grasp the old bulb with your thumb and forefinger before pulling it straight out of the socket.

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Empty Bulb Socket
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Toshiba 12V8WAL:73
The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) light bulb in this 2017 Forester was marked as Toshiba part number 12V8WAL:73.



 

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Push In New Light Bulb
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Gently Pop In Lens Cover
Push a new miniature festoon style part number DE3175 light bulb straight into the socket.

If you would like to have brighter map lights, install some compatible DE3175 LED units.

Line up the lens cover and gently pop in the inner edge and then the outer edge.

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Snap In Retaining Clips
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Lens Cover Replaced
Double check that the lens cover is flush with the overhead console at every edge.
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Test New Map Light Bulb
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Testing Both Map Lights
To test the new map light bulbs, press on the outer edge to activate the "On / Off" switches.

Tip - If you installed an LED bulb and it doesn't work. Try removing it and flipping it around 180 degrees in the socket. It might be a polarized LED bulb.

Be sure to record the bulb change in your vehicle's service records.

For more, please check out all of my 2014-2018 Subaru Forester DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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