('11+) Walk-Through: Removing '12+ Impreza Grill and Headlights

06SE · 12-27-2012, 08:50 PM

Part 1:
This write-up is for removing headlights (HID retrofit/etc) and grill (install aftermarket horns) from a 12+ Subaru Impreza (will probably work on the XV as well).

First things first: I am not liable if anything happens to your car, you, your dog, etc. by following this walk through.

In total I am able to remove both headlights in ~20 minutes but your results may vary if it is your first time disassembling/getting use to the car. For this walk through I will be removing a single headlight as it is just for demonstrative purposes. Removal of the second headlight will be the exact same as the first. Additionally, reassembly is just the exact opposite of the process outlined below so I have not included anything related to that.

Basic tools needed for this:
10mm socket
3/8” Ratchet
3/8” Extension (3” or 6”)
Flat Head Screw driver
Shorty - Phillips Head Screw driver

Step 1: Remove pop-its which hold in the grill and intake scoop.

Step 2: Pop-its all removed. Now remove the black piece behind the main grill

Step 3: Remove four Phillips head screws from the back of the grill/attach it to the bumper. (note – I have permanently left mine removed from the vehicle and have experienced no ill effects. (follow that direction at your own risk)

Step 4: Depress clips holding the bottom of the grill and pull off slowly. There are (6-8 sets of these) Upon reinstalling the grill depress as many of these into their normal spots as well but in all likelihood many of them will no longer seat as they use to. This does not affect the car and the grill holds in there just fine.

Step 5: Remove two bolts for each of the headlights, which are now exposed from removing the grill

Step 6: Remove pop-it from wheel well (located right behind where the bumper meets the fender). Take a flat head screw driver and gently depress the center portion of the pop-it. Then take the same screwdriver and slowly pry it out of the splash guard (watch the paint on your bumper here).

Step 7: Grab the bumper at the point where you just removed the pop-it and pull out/towards yourself. It may take a bit of pulling to get all of the areas holding it in to break free. The first time I did this I thought I was going to for sure break something but alas this is how it was meant to be removed and nothing has broken in my 6+ times of doing so.

Step 8: Remove bolt holding in a portion of the black bracket exposed by pulling the bumper cover away from the headlight.

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06SE · 12-27-2012, 08:50 PM

Part 2:
Step 9: Pull out black piece which holds the headlight, bumper, etc. to the car. This will take some finagling and involve pulling the bumper forward a bit while trying to shimmy the part out. There are two objects which protrude out of the back of this which makes removing it a bit awkward.

Step 10: Remove two bolts and one pop-it which hold in the headlight. This can be done earlier in the process if you like but I like leaving them in as otherwise it can make step 9 a bit more cumbersome as the headlight has a tendency to move around a lot while trying to take out that piece.

Step 11: Pull the headlight from the car. You will probably have to do some shifting to get it out. This will also involve possibly pulling the bumper forward a bit. The headlight also has two dimples which need to be pulled out of holes (1 by the fender and 1 by the grill). Upon reinstall make sure these are in their correct spots.

Tip – If you disconnected your MAF sensor while pulling out the air box to gain additional room it will result in a check engine as well as other lights appearing on your dash. To resolve this turn the car on and off (with 10 seconds in between each) three times in a row and the lights will go off.

06SE · 12-27-2012, 08:51 PM

Part 3 - Final Product (I was going for something clean and not over the top flashy):

Thanks to JDMSTA for leading the way:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2333347

ZURCALED12 · 12-27-2012, 09:48 PM

Wow it's nice write up, helps out a lot, thanks !

ZURCALED12 · 12-28-2012, 12:16 AM

Can you take a picture of the back of your headlight? I want to see how the retrofitted projector sits on the backside of the headlight. I purchased a used headlight here on the forums to see if I can tackle this task. I am going to see if I can bake it and separate the lens this weekend. I removed the wiring harness and bulbs sockets off the headlight assembly already.

06SE · 12-28-2012, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZURCALED12

Can you take a picture of the back of your headlight? I want to see how the retrofitted projector sits on the backside of the headlight. I purchased a used headlight here on the forums to see if I can tackle this task. I am going to see if I can bake it and separate the lens this weekend. I removed the wiring harness and bulbs sockets off the headlight assembly already.

Unfortunately looking at the back of my headlight would probably not provide a great frame of reference. For good measure I put what extra butyl rubber glue I had around where the headlight and projector meet. In turn, it covers up that whole area.

The best I can do is to say check out the guide posted on the retrofit source's website:
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pdf...S_Retrofit.pdf

Just let me know if I can help in any other way.

myrt1987 · 12-28-2012, 09:48 AM

Did you swap LEDs for the parking lights aka eyebrow lights?

Nice job!

06SE · 12-28-2012, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myrt1987

Did you swap LEDs for the parking lights aka eyebrow lights?

Nice job!

I did - just for the top one though (ran out of ones I had on hand). Both utilize a basic wedge (194) based bulb:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/m...re-wedge-base/

JDMSTA · 12-28-2012, 04:22 PM

Awesome work man! Great to see a fellow 2012 Impreza retrofitted with some projectors.

hi5.0 · 12-29-2012, 01:46 AM

Need more threads like this for those who want to mod or as reference material for those who just want to know how to take stuff off and reinstall. Looking forward to more posts by the brave souls

out there willing to take the time and share the knowledge regarding this iteration of the Impreza.

ZURCALED12 · 12-30-2012, 02:35 PM

got the headlight baked and opened, now the questions is what to put in there with the projector, BTW, this is my test headlight. It was actually very easy to open, I was so nervous, first time doing this. I will post more pictures and it only took about 10 minutes after baking.

ZURCALED12 · 12-30-2012, 02:51 PM

I am going to do a BMW HALO in my headlights, the E46 or maybe the Z8 coupe halo, I am going to make it look different than the other retro's
Also here is a picture for those that want to do the same, sorry for posting so many pictures, once I am done I will start another step by step to the way I am going to do mine.

ZURCALED12 · 12-30-2012, 03:07 PM

06SE · 12-30-2012, 04:14 PM

Looking awesome. Excited to see the final product.

ZURCALED12 · 12-30-2012, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06SE

Looking awesome. Excited to see the final product.

Do I need to clean off the old butyl rubber and apply the new one? it appears to me that I can seal it by baking it again or just applying the heat gun.

06SE · 12-30-2012, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZURCALED12

Do I need to clean off the old butyl rubber and apply the new one? it appears to me that I can seal it by baking it again or just applying the heat gun.

I clean it off 1 time for every two times I open a headlight (unless you see a trouble spot that may need some help). So this time it should be fine but if you open it another time I would scrape as much out as possible and apply new.

For putting it back together - press it together as much as possible and put the screws in. Bake at the same temperature you did to take it apart for 5-8 minutes, take it out and then tighten down the screws and press the light together any additional amount you are able to (shouldn't be much if any).

ZURCALED12 · 12-30-2012, 08:18 PM

Cool, Thanks!

JDMSTA · 01-01-2013, 02:22 PM

Looks like you broke a piece of the corner blinker light reflector bowl there. I also broke a piece on mines too when I opened it the 1st time but luckily, it was the top portion where you can't see when its all assembled back. Can't wait to see how the BMW halo lights turns out as well.

12-27-2012, 08:50 PM	#1
06SE Scooby Newbie Member#: 158925 Join Date: Sep 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: NoVA Vehicle: 12' Sport LTD MBP	Walk-Through: Removing '12+ Impreza Grill and Headlights Part 1: This write-up is for removing headlights (HID retrofit/etc) and grill (install aftermarket horns) from a 12+ Subaru Impreza (will probably work on the XV as well). First things first: I am not liable if anything happens to your car, you, your dog, etc. by following this walk through. In total I am able to remove both headlights in ~20 minutes but your results may vary if it is your first time disassembling/getting use to the car. For this walk through I will be removing a single headlight as it is just for demonstrative purposes. Removal of the second headlight will be the exact same as the first. Additionally, reassembly is just the exact opposite of the process outlined below so I have not included anything related to that. Basic tools needed for this: 10mm socket 3/8” Ratchet 3/8” Extension (3” or 6”) Flat Head Screw driver Shorty - Phillips Head Screw driver Step 1: Remove pop-its which hold in the grill and intake scoop. Step 2: Pop-its all removed. Now remove the black piece behind the main grill Step 3: Remove four Phillips head screws from the back of the grill/attach it to the bumper. (note – I have permanently left mine removed from the vehicle and have experienced no ill effects. (follow that direction at your own risk) Step 4: Depress clips holding the bottom of the grill and pull off slowly. There are (6-8 sets of these) Upon reinstalling the grill depress as many of these into their normal spots as well but in all likelihood many of them will no longer seat as they use to. This does not affect the car and the grill holds in there just fine. Step 5: Remove two bolts for each of the headlights, which are now exposed from removing the grill Step 6: Remove pop-it from wheel well (located right behind where the bumper meets the fender). Take a flat head screw driver and gently depress the center portion of the pop-it. Then take the same screwdriver and slowly pry it out of the splash guard (watch the paint on your bumper here). Step 7: Grab the bumper at the point where you just removed the pop-it and pull out/towards yourself. It may take a bit of pulling to get all of the areas holding it in to break free. The first time I did this I thought I was going to for sure break something but alas this is how it was meant to be removed and nothing has broken in my 6+ times of doing so. Step 8: Remove bolt holding in a portion of the black bracket exposed by pulling the bumper cover away from the headlight. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by 06SE; 12-27-2012 at 09:14 PM. Reason: Edit title

12-27-2012, 08:50 PM	#2
06SE Scooby Newbie Member#: 158925 Join Date: Sep 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: NoVA Vehicle: 12' Sport LTD MBP	Part 2: Step 9: Pull out black piece which holds the headlight, bumper, etc. to the car. This will take some finagling and involve pulling the bumper forward a bit while trying to shimmy the part out. There are two objects which protrude out of the back of this which makes removing it a bit awkward. Step 10: Remove two bolts and one pop-it which hold in the headlight. This can be done earlier in the process if you like but I like leaving them in as otherwise it can make step 9 a bit more cumbersome as the headlight has a tendency to move around a lot while trying to take out that piece. Step 11: Pull the headlight from the car. You will probably have to do some shifting to get it out. This will also involve possibly pulling the bumper forward a bit. The headlight also has two dimples which need to be pulled out of holes (1 by the fender and 1 by the grill). Upon reinstall make sure these are in their correct spots. Tip – If you disconnected your MAF sensor while pulling out the air box to gain additional room it will result in a check engine as well as other lights appearing on your dash. To resolve this turn the car on and off (with 10 seconds in between each) three times in a row and the lights will go off. Last edited by 06SE; 12-27-2012 at 09:52 PM.

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12-27-2012, 08:51 PM	#3
06SE Scooby Newbie Member#: 158925 Join Date: Sep 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: NoVA Vehicle: 12' Sport LTD MBP	Part 3 - Final Product (I was going for something clean and not over the top flashy): Thanks to JDMSTA for leading the way: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2333347

12-27-2012, 09:48 PM	#4
ZURCALED12 Scooby Newbie Member#: 309754 Join Date: Feb 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Brewster, NY Vehicle: 2012 Impreza Sport L Ice Silver Metallic	Wow it's nice write up, helps out a lot, thanks !

12-28-2012, 12:16 AM	#5
ZURCALED12 Scooby Newbie Member#: 309754 Join Date: Feb 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Brewster, NY Vehicle: 2012 Impreza Sport L Ice Silver Metallic	Can you take a picture of the back of your headlight? I want to see how the retrofitted projector sits on the backside of the headlight. I purchased a used headlight here on the forums to see if I can tackle this task. I am going to see if I can bake it and separate the lens this weekend. I removed the wiring harness and bulbs sockets off the headlight assembly already.

12-28-2012, 09:48 AM	#7
myrt1987 Scooby Specialist Member#: 323103 Join Date: Jun 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: toms river, nj Vehicle: 2012 Limited 2.0i Dreamy Gray Mistress	Did you swap LEDs for the parking lights aka eyebrow lights? Nice job!

12-28-2012, 04:22 PM	#9
JDMSTA Scooby Newbie Member#: 310615 Join Date: Feb 2012 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Boston, MA area Vehicle: 1213 12'Sport+13'STi Satin White Pearl	Awesome work man! Great to see a fellow 2012 Impreza retrofitted with some projectors.

12-29-2012, 01:46 AM	#10
hi5.0 Scooby Newbie Member#: 340456 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Vehicle: 2013 Impreza	Need more threads like this for those who want to mod or as reference material for those who just want to know how to take stuff off and reinstall. Looking forward to more posts by the brave souls out there willing to take the time and share the knowledge regarding this iteration of the Impreza.

12-30-2012, 02:35 PM	#11
ZURCALED12 Scooby Newbie Member#: 309754 Join Date: Feb 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Brewster, NY Vehicle: 2012 Impreza Sport L Ice Silver Metallic	got the headlight baked and opened, now the questions is what to put in there with the projector, BTW, this is my test headlight. It was actually very easy to open, I was so nervous, first time doing this. I will post more pictures and it only took about 10 minutes after baking.

12-30-2012, 02:51 PM	#12
ZURCALED12 Scooby Newbie Member#: 309754 Join Date: Feb 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Brewster, NY Vehicle: 2012 Impreza Sport L Ice Silver Metallic	I am going to do a BMW HALO in my headlights, the E46 or maybe the Z8 coupe halo, I am going to make it look different than the other retro's Also here is a picture for those that want to do the same, sorry for posting so many pictures, once I am done I will start another step by step to the way I am going to do mine.

12-30-2012, 03:07 PM	#13
ZURCALED12 Scooby Newbie Member#: 309754 Join Date: Feb 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Brewster, NY Vehicle: 2012 Impreza Sport L Ice Silver Metallic

12-30-2012, 04:14 PM	#14
06SE Scooby Newbie Member#: 158925 Join Date: Sep 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: NoVA Vehicle: 12' Sport LTD MBP	Looking awesome. Excited to see the final product.

12-30-2012, 08:18 PM	#17
ZURCALED12 Scooby Newbie Member#: 309754 Join Date: Feb 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Brewster, NY Vehicle: 2012 Impreza Sport L Ice Silver Metallic	Cool, Thanks!

01-01-2013, 02:22 PM	#18
JDMSTA Scooby Newbie Member#: 310615 Join Date: Feb 2012 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Boston, MA area Vehicle: 1213 12'Sport+13'STi Satin White Pearl	Looks like you broke a piece of the corner blinker light reflector bowl there. I also broke a piece on mines too when I opened it the 1st time but luckily, it was the top portion where you can't see when its all assembled back. Can't wait to see how the BMW halo lights turns out as well.