HIghly Stupid Question - How to remove headlight bulb?!

SubieWahn · 10-28-2005, 08:12 PM

I'm used to working on American cars, where you simply turn and click, and the bulb comes out of the housing, and the wiring harness clicks into the end of the blub. I went to change the bulbs on my '03 WRX, and while it's dark outside, I noticed that there is a little red cap on the end of the bulb with wiring, and the bulbs wouldn't turn, nor would they squeeze straight out. So - what am I missing?

Doesn't help that it's 30 degrees outside, and I'm holding a flashlight trying to see what I'm working on.... Grrrrrr.

I feel like an idiot.

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Mulder · 10-28-2005, 08:23 PM

The cap is the socket. You push the release tab and remove the socket from the bulb, then turn the retaining ring on the headlight housing counterclockwise to release the bulb from the headlight. If it's easier you can release the bulb first, then disconnect it.

SubieWahn · 10-28-2005, 08:54 PM

Thanks. What do you suggest I use to release the tab? I need to stick something in and push the tiny red part, right?

I gotta do this on a full night's sleep!

SubieWahn · 10-29-2005, 06:03 PM

Update - it was blindingly simple once I figured out that the thing sticking out on top of the socket you push in, and then the entire plug, including what you are pushing on comes out. I was trying to separate the red part from the plug with little success. Now I see how it works, easy - but I would never have figured it out on my own. Thanks!

10-28-2005, 08:12 PM	#1
SubieWahn Scooby Newbie Member#: 38107 Join Date: Jun 2003 Vehicle: 2003 WRX Wagon Silver	HIghly Stupid Question - How to remove headlight bulb?! I'm used to working on American cars, where you simply turn and click, and the bulb comes out of the housing, and the wiring harness clicks into the end of the blub. I went to change the bulbs on my '03 WRX, and while it's dark outside, I noticed that there is a little red cap on the end of the bulb with wiring, and the bulbs wouldn't turn, nor would they squeeze straight out. So - what am I missing? Doesn't help that it's 30 degrees outside, and I'm holding a flashlight trying to see what I'm working on.... Grrrrrr. I feel like an idiot. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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10-28-2005, 08:23 PM	#2
Mulder Trust no one Moderator Member#: 11170 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 02 RAV4 MT 15 WRX/11 CRZ	The cap is the socket. You push the release tab and remove the socket from the bulb, then turn the retaining ring on the headlight housing counterclockwise to release the bulb from the headlight. If it's easier you can release the bulb first, then disconnect it.

10-28-2005, 08:54 PM	#3
SubieWahn Scooby Newbie Member#: 38107 Join Date: Jun 2003 Vehicle: 2003 WRX Wagon Silver	Thanks. What do you suggest I use to release the tab? I need to stick something in and push the tiny red part, right? I gotta do this on a full night's sleep!

10-29-2005, 06:03 PM	#4
SubieWahn Scooby Newbie Member#: 38107 Join Date: Jun 2003 Vehicle: 2003 WRX Wagon Silver	Update - it was blindingly simple once I figured out that the thing sticking out on top of the socket you push in, and then the entire plug, including what you are pushing on comes out. I was trying to separate the red part from the plug with little success. Now I see how it works, easy - but I would never have figured it out on my own. Thanks!