How to Replace Headlight Assemblies 10-14 Subaru Outback

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In the video, 1A Auto shows how to remove and replace broken, hazed, or pitted headlight assemblies. The video is applicable to the 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, Subaru Outback.

🔧 List of tools used:
• Pocket Screwdriver

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[emtiv]

I'm a professional mechanic, but instead of cars, I fix the machines that make the cars. I love watching videos like this before I start a project so that I'll be aware of any hidden screws, things you have to remove first to get where you're going, etc. I also train new mechanics on machine repair. The way the guy in this video presents his material and shares things that a lot of people wouldn't think of (like listening for the plug to click when it's properly seated) shows that he is a great instructor and is doing a fantastic job walking people through every little thing on this job! Very well done. Keep up the great work!

[candicepack]

BEFORE YOU START:
1. Get some replacement push clips because you will break some (clips under car are full of grit and break easy when removed)
2. Check the new assembly to make sure it has bulbs in it before you start. If your old bulbs are out may need to run to the Auto Parts store before you start
3. Also consider replacing fog lights assy or bulbs at the same time

Successful replaced headlight assy with this video.

[kelseyrinella]

This was amazing—wasted little time, and was so clear I felt confident enough to try this replacement, though I’d never done anything similar. I just finished, and it was very nearly as easy as it looked (despite me trying it on an older, dirtier car in an unheated garage in winter). Very well done, and made me glad I’d ordered the part from you, because you totally earned whatever profit that gives.

[johnk]

Great instruction. I watched this vid and was able to replace a friend's headlight assemblies. The dealership want $1, 600+ parts and labor ($750 in labor alone)! We did it in 2.5 hours. It went exactly how you described it....although I did tighten one bolt too much. Live and learn. Thanks!

[chrisgibbs]

Thanks for this great video as it gave me the confidence to tackle this project! I did the swap out of older lights from 9 yr old 2013 outback and upgraded from chrome to blackout light bezels. Note that a motivating factor was the wire to my main headlight broke the previous week when trying to upgrade to led bulbs, so the new headlight assemblies have a new wire assembly built in. I upgraded from the old headlights that burn out every 9 to 18 months to new LED bulbs. Both new blackout bezels were $289 (yes total for both) with shipping from Amazon (new led bulbs about $17). I upgraded my 2 front fog lamps ($32/each side) and bulbs (yes Led also). Plus got a pack of 100 new clips (5 diff types/sizes) for $7.95 that include shipping and the fork tool, so over the years I had lost a few and others were so badly damaged it was great to replace with all new clips. The other motivating factor was my old plastic bezels were no longer clear (even after I tried to polish them out, I was only able to regain about 60% of the original clear look). I love the new black bezel look vs. the chrome, so that gives my 2013 old outback the look of newer models. The entire project was on track to do in under 1 hour for both lights plus LED bulb swap out, but then the driver's side main headlight would not come on. I attached a different bulb, but it still did not work, then I attached the older good bezel to check if it was a bulb or wire problem and found it still would not work. Turns out the fuse had blown and my first glance to check for bad fuses near gas/break pedal area was wrong. Fuse for front lights is under the hood. I had never used a spare fuse, but the 1 x 15A in the lid came in very handsy as it was only obvious (to me) as blown compared to a good fuse when looking closely together. Next up is the horn swap you showed. (btw- I was not a fan of the black grill you switched to, but was still fun to see it and consider it). The 180pc fuse kit is only $8.95 with prime Amazon shipping and I will put a few extra spares in my lid for future possible use. **Note to others**Amazon and ebay both sell a few low cost and low quality light bezels that are not DOT certified and marked for "Off Road Use Only", so read the fine print on lower cost bezels and try to avoid them. **

[robk]

Great Vid. I needed to replace two front lighting assemblies. The lenses were badly clouded out and I wasn't going to attempt another restoration. My teenage daughters drive this car and so being the worry wort father, I want the safest vehicle possible for them. I went out and bought the fork tool before starting because I could tell right away that was going to save me a lot of trouble in removal and reduce the chance of breaking the clips. It was the right call. I got the whole process done in under 2 hours on a 2013 Outback today. That includes going back and forth checking the video at certain points along the way.

Thanks Len for a great delivery on the vid and the small tips along the way. Super job dude.

[ciphernemo]

Thanks! I'm replacing stock headlights on my 2011 Legacy with AnzoUSA 111285 Black/Amber headlight assemblies. This is probably the most complete video I've seen for this process, and even mentions the fog lights, which other videos don't mention. I'll also be painting the chrome trim on the front grill to black out things even more. I'll let you know how helpful this video was for me. Thanks for creating it!

[shiddharthpatel]

Thanks for the video, this was very helpful to install new led headlight bulbs (h7) for low beam. For anyone trying to do it yourself by installing these headlights, be careful with the heatsink or whatever that fin thing is on the back of the actual bulb. One issue i ran into was the closing spring/wire, I had to use pliers to bend it and make it more wide to fit the base of the led lights Remove that spring/wire from the screw that keeps it in place and adjust and bend when ready. I laid the newly bent spring/wire around the led light, then placed the bulb, and then pushed the spring/wire into the slot where the screw is holding it and tightened the screw. Then closed that spring/wire into the hook it goes in.. I think this is the only way to install those - can't do the tire trick with the regular bulbs. Good luck!

[roberteggen]

Great videos and reasonably priced quality parts from these guys. This is the second video from them that I’ve used to replace the headlight assembly on a Subaru Outback. First on a 2002 and now on my 2014. Nice work 1AAuto!!!

[TaylorT]

Thanks for the video. I had to repair the headlight on my wife’s 2019 Outback due to her hitting a deer on her drive home Friday. Though this isn’t the same model year, the process was similar, so it was a great resource that I referenced a number of times. Thanks again.

[martharankin]

This is very straightforward. I replaced a bulb a while back, but do to several surgeries, I cannot replace a bulb, but it does need new assembly for both. It looks to be a bit more work, but doable, now to get my husband to do it for me.

[TheMrprez]

Once you find everything, it really isn’t all that bad. Mine had wheel well covers so that added to the time a bit. Only had to replace the driver’s side due to a deer strike. All better now. This video was crucial. Thanks.

[andrewgoodrich]

Great instructional video. I will need to replace my 2010 impreza fixture in the coming weeks and will for sure watch again. Dealership was quoting me $800+ for replacing the fixture but this seems fairly manageable with a buddy for some afternoon fun. I'm sure there may be some slight differences but this is much less intimidating with this video as a reference.

[BigThumpSC]

Hey 1a Auto guys yall REALLY should do a video on 2006 GMC Envoy XL Blend door actuators and how to locate the blend door... Nobody has it on YouTube that I've seen yet they're seemingly very defective for these vehicles. I need to close mine. LoL. Thanks and great vids!

[JBlooey]

Thanks! I botched the restoration on my mom's headlights and I'm thinking on doing this.

[Adam]

Thank you so much! This was such a great video and easy to follow! You all saved me a lot of time and a big headache!

[CJinsoo]

great video. I just realized that it is to replace the entire assembly. I thought he was doing all of this work to replace the bulb.

[bernardobeckford]

I have a question.my 2012 Subaru legacy uses his headlights;can I convert the system to use regular headlights?I believe your video is quite precise and helpful.

[joshuakelly]

Thanks for this video. It made this really stupid process easier.