Subaru
Forester License Plate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out license plate
light bulb in the tailgate of a 4th generation 2014-2018 Subaru Forester.
 2017 Forester License Plate |
 Left License Plate Light |
 Push In Towards Middle |
| 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 license plate light bulb located in the tailgate. 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 wedge base light bulb is part number 2825 (also known as # W5W). If you would like to have brighter license plate lights, you can choose to install some compatible LED bulbs. No tools are needed to access and replace the two light bulbs. |
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 Pull Away From Car |
 Gently Remove Housing |
 Light Housing Removed |
| The steps are the
same to remove either the driver side housing (on the left) or the passenger
side housing (on the right). Push the license plate light bulb housing in towards the center line of the SUV to release the retaining clip. Then while still applying pressure towards the middle of the car, gently pull out the light housing. Try to avoid using excessive force to prevent from damaging the plastic retaining clip. The light housings should pop out relatively easily. |
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 Right Side Housing - Push In |
 Push In Towards Center |
 Pull Out Light Housing |
| Repeat the process
for the housing on the other side if you plan on replacing both bulbs with
brighter LED units. Push on the outer edge of the housing towards the center of the license plate. Then lift out the inner edge to release the retaining clip. |
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 Right Side Light Removed |
 1/4 Turn Counterclockwise |
 Bulb Socket Removed |
| Rotate the white / tan plastic bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise before pulling it straight out of the housing. | ||
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 Pull Out Old Light Bulb |
 Old Light Bulb Removed |
 Push In New Light Bulb |
| Pull the old light
bulb straight out of the socket. Push a new number 2825 miniature wedge base light bulb straight into the socket. You can also choose to install some brighter LED bulbs. |
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 1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock |
 Opening In Tailgate |
 Re-Insert Wires First |
| Re-insert the bulb
socket into the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in
place. First, re-insert the wires and the outer edge of the light housing back into the opening in the underside of the tailgate. |
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 Replace Light Housing |
 Pop In Retaining Clip |
 Test New Light Bulbs |
| Then swing the
inner edge of the housing back into place and gently snap in the plastic
retaining clip. Double check that the light housings are securely in place. To test the new license plate light bulbs, turn on the headlights or press the "Unlock" button on the key fob to activate the exterior lights. For more,
please check out all of my
2014-2018 Subaru Forester DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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