The 110 dislikes are Subaru dealerships who are upset you've shown us how to do the impossible instead of allowing us to be charged $100+ to do 15 minutes of work. The engineer who came up with this should be charged with war crimes.
A buddy works in the body shop of a Toyota dealer in Florida. He does not like the way Subaru vehicles are designed; he says they are very difficult to work on.
Yáhuar Huácac that is far from easier. Pull it back, grab the bulb replace done. If you take off the bumper your gonna break at least half those clips and your bumper then looks like shit
@@r.l.strange1897 - Well, could you buy generic clips ahead of time? I bought a cheap-o bag of mixed generic plastic push-through fasteners (small to really wide). It has helped me many a time. I have not seen the bumper clips, but maybe it's worth buying generic clips. I don't have any, so me (and my rather bad back, bad knees, and arthritic hands) are already having trouble just getting a grip on the d*mned poorly-designed dust cover. There is ZERO excuse to giver a flat disc such low-relief tabs for twisting the disc. Those tabs could easily be doubled in size. Car companies suck.
I think this is the first comment I've ever made on a video, but this deserves the bump. This is an amazingly thorough and helpful tutorial. My subaru is the 4th car I've had, and the only car that I've had to go to my mechanic with my tail between my legs to have them change the bulb because it's so stupidly hard to get to, and you just can't see what you're doing. I drove around for almost a year with the bulb in the wrong orientation. You know how dark it is when the bulb isn't aligned correctly? It's horrible. My husband finally made me suck it up and pay to have our mechanic change the bulb after he drove my car at night and saw that the headlights were putting off about as much light as a lit match after my bulb change. Now that my car is 10 years old with 200k miles, I'm probably on my last burned out bulb before I get a new car. I may just hold onto the legacy for an extra year or two after watching this because I know I'll be able to change the bulbs when they die, again. One thing to add- make sure you don't wear any rings when you do this, and keep a roll of paper towels handy. Every time I've gone in there I've cut up my hands and knuckles, and I'm a woman with fairly small hands.
just did it!! Took about 40 minutes mostly because i couldn't "gently wiggle the plug off". Ended up being because im a 22 year old girl and "wiggle gently" to you means "wiggle with great strength" to me. haha! Thanks so much man!
@@LilDeadHead1 still working on it actually lol Had to take the bumper off to get the entire headlamp assembly out. You need tiny hands to do the wheel well method. Advantage to the ladies on this one 🙂
@@BuildingOffGrid oh for sure, i wouldn't have been able to do it if i had a man sized arm lol. at least you can probably carry heavy stuff! i suck at that!
4 years later your video is still helping others. Had to change my wife’s 2013 legacy passenger side head light and was losing it. This car is by far the hardest bulb I have ever changed. Your video was perfect. Especially when it came to the arm holding the bulb in place. The cover had already fallen off probably when she took it to the dealer the last time so it was actually in the wheel well therefore I couldn’t make a mark. Thank you very much for taking the time to make this video!!!
This is a great video, the instruction was very clear, and the wooden model demo was very helpful. I was able to change the light bulb in 30 minutes, definitely not easy, but saved me $90
I own 2 Subaru Outbacks; and both right bulbs went out last year; and now both left bulbs. I used your vid last year and succeeded; came back for a refresher before I change the left sides right now. Best explanation vid by far. Thank you for saving me serious $$$...
Just wanted to pop in and say thank you for making this video, I was unsure of attempting this after reading the owner's manual. Your video made the difference! The mock up of the bulb retention spring was very appreciated! Physically speaking I found the hardest portion was removing the cap, and the most frustrating part was returning it (I swear I kept missing the notches!!) I had to replace the driver's side head lamp and was testing them when my wife said "hey that one is out too..." *Insert bad word here* ... driver side front parking light, oh so easy! If only the rest were that easy.
I especially appreciate you taking the time to create actual models to better explain certain functions or trouble spots. This stuff represents the positive side of social media. Thank you.
I cannot thank you enough - seeing the locking mechanism mock up (and taking your suggestion of engaging and disengaging it a few times) made my life so much easier when it came time to do it and it’s all by touch. 6 years later and you’re still helping people! Thank you!
This is the best fixit video I have ever seen. It was so thorough that after only seeing it once I just changed both headlight bulbs following all directions to a T. Brilliant (and funny!). Thank you
Thanks for putting such a detailed tutorial out on changing the low beam bulb. It was a pain but you saved me major headaches and time. The tips on marking things with a sharpie and noting how the bulb sits in the socket and especially on how the spring latch works and also how those plastic push body clips work were all awesome. Thank you
Thanks for the kind comment, Carl. Glad I was able to help, those little clips drove me crazy, and so did the wire holding in the lightbulb, super frustrating before I figured out the concept behind them...
You are the first ever to show and explain the little tricks into removing and replacing the clips, rubber clips and even the marking on the new bulb to make sure it goes in correctly. It's things like this that causes people to break a clip , force the bulb and breaking it. I've known these tips for years yet never realized how important it is to explain and give examples as you do to new comers trying to do their first car repairs. Thank you !!! You taught an old timer like me how important sharing all information is no matter how small it may seem. Never too old to learn plus eat a little crow 😂
This is the Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel of auto repair videos. Nice work. The wooden, mock-up demo of the retaining clip was pure gold and really helped me. Thanks. Just a few pointers I picked up from my experience: 1. I CAME IN THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I've got a slightly newer Legacy (not an Outback), so I didn't have just two grommets to remove the wheel well liner; I had over a half-dozen to remove, which I didn't want to mess with. So although it took some arm flexibility (not to mention a lot of patience), I came in through the top/side of the fixture, i.e. under the hood. So on some models, that's an option. 2. MARK THE CAP FIRST! Take this guy's advice and mark the cover cap BEFORE messing with it. I thought I'd just test it a little, and before I knew it, the thing popped off. It was a huge pain to align it correctly before getting back in place. Learn from my mistake. 3. HOW TO MARK THE CAP IF YOU MESSED UP. If you can't get the cap back on, here's the ProTip I learned. Remove the black rubber gasket around around the cap. That will allow you to more easily put it back on. Once in place, you can mark it with a sharpie (which you should have done in the first place), remove it, put the black rubber gasket back on, then try it again. Now that it's marked, you will know exactly how to line it up. 4. HOW TO FINALLY SNAP THE CAP IN PLACE. With the gasket in place, the cap is much harder to "snap" in place. My trick was to put the "far side" in place, i.e. the outside edge that you can't see, then line up the guidelines you just drew on with the sharpie. Now that it is lined up, use a large straight-edged screwdriver to jam in the near edge that is closest to you. With about 30 pounds of pressure, my cap snapped into place. Now give it a clockwise turn (approx 1/2 inch) to lock it in place. Done. Thanks again for an awesome video.
IF YOU'RE DOING THIS JOB - WATCH THIS VIDEO FIRST !!! Bro - so much thank you!!! Your video is the best. That mock-up you made of the bulb latch saved me mucho time! Had to do the whole thing be by feel, and your explanation and model made it super easy. Thanks for saving from 1) jacking up, 2) taking the wheel off, 3) pulling way more panel clips than necessary, and 4) trying to figure out how the bulb housing works!
I rarely comment on videos. But this was one of the most thorough videos I've ever seen. Thank you for all the effort! How one could figure this out and essentially do this by' feel' is beyond me. Much appreciated.
Dear Mr. M2. I am a female owner of this Subaru Outback model. I followed your meticulous instructions & I was able to replace the low beam light bulb successfully. Thank you very much for sharing the tips! So wonderful!!!
M2 TheS....you are the man!!! This was so helpful! At first I thought you were a little bit dorky for making a wooden model of the bulb and spring latch, but it was just what we needed! And the details about the bulb and disc orientation, and the push-pin thingy, were very helpful too. Very humorous, as well....Yes, we like you, now!!!
Hey, even with the cool video can't I still be dorky? Glad you like me, now... You know, makes me think the thumbs down came from Subaru Service guys, they're tired of people calling and bragging up their lightbulb change.....! ;-)
One note I would add... if you have a hard time loosening the gray caps, you can open the hood and use a pry bar or long screwdriver to pry against the caps in order to loosen them. You can see just enough of the caps to reach them. A flashlight definitely helps. Nice job with the visual aids!
The only people who thumbs down this are the mechanics who lose money because people can now do this on their own after watching your great vid. Buy this man a 6-pack!
Thank you so much for this video. My parents Legacy blew a low beam bulb and they went to their regular mechanic who flat out refused to do it and said to go to Subaru instead. Although the process itself was still a pain your video saved my parents a bunch of money and myself a lot of time.
This video is amazing. I'm a stay at home mom with little knowledge of cars and was able to change it out. I got frustrated with putting the grey disk back on and gave up for a minute but was finally able to get it on. Thanks for helping us save some money! Got this project done in an hour!
Thank goodness finally someone has a great demo on the locking device, this is the hardest part of changing the bulb especially if you do not have have long thin fingers. outstanding video, now I can go and change the low beams......
I've changed these bulbs in the past on my 2012 Legacy and found that removing and reinstalling the gray cover was the hardest part of the process. I replaced a bulb this past weekend but before replacing the cover, I applied a tiny bit of Vaseline to the rubber seal and HOLY MOLY what a difference! The cover went on much easier than it had in the past. Thought I'd pass along this tip in case anyone was having trouble getting those covers back on. Thanks M2 TheS for a good video.
I would like to add that these headlights are the most difficult headlight bulbs to change in the world for someone with long arms and big hands! Hold cow there isn't much room in there. Thanks for the video, it got me through it and got the job done.
This was very helpful, thanks. Total cost was about $35 for the two lights. Took about 30 minutes. The most challenging part for me was getting the cap back on! I note that the right side is a little easier to access than the left due to internal wiring. Thanks again!
My 18yo changed his lightbulb in 10 minutes after watching your video. It was perfect and I love the fact you built a wooden model to demonstrate the lightbulb removal part! Many thanks!
I viewed several videos to explain how to change the low lamp on my 2013 Subaru Outback and this was by far the best. The author/teacher was excellent, concise and so thoughtful. Truly a gifted teacher. Thanks! It worked.
Absolutely Outstanding video. I don't even own this year of Subaru and I watched the whole video just because I was impressed by your teaching technique, including the Training Aid on the Bulb Latch!! Hyperbole fails me!!!
This video is very clear and it seems very easy to follow. I saw another video where the guy took the wheel out, the fender, the plastic cover. I said "hey, you may as well change the timing belt and water pump while you're at it. See if you can change the Head gaskets so you don't have to do it latter on".
1) Huge time saver by not removing wheel. 2) Awesome DIY explanations of how the more annoying bits work, with props! 3) Succinct, sage advice with a couple dashes of humor. Great work.
Just bought a used Outback and shortly after one of the headlights went out. Your directions were spot on! I was able to change it out in about 30 minutes. All the details and pointers were especially helpful. Thank you.
Best tutorial I've seen on this... Only had my certified 2011 for 18 months and this is the 3rd replacement it's needed. Even bought it from Subaru without realizing TWO bulbs were out 🤦🏻♀️
Thanks for doing this. I poked around with this for a while and even thought to myself “surely you don’t have to go through the wheel well”. Boy was I wrong! What a pita. Never would’ve gotten the job done without you
Very well explained. Now here we go - left and right. You have convinced me to try this myself rather than sooking it out at a Subaru dealership. Thank you
Only got one small cut. Driver side access was really tight but a little patience and your great advice got the job done! Thanks for the great post. Bought two bulbs on line for $9 each.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video! It was absolutely perfect step-by-step. I am not a very big guy and was barely able to get my hands on the headlight bulbs, but I can't imagine anyone over 170 pounds being able to change either of the headlights without disassembling the whole front end of the car to get to these God-forsaken bulbs....Thank you!
Lol I’m 19 and asked my dad if he could change my light for me, he said it was “too hard” so I did it myself with this video. 🥰 thank you for the super helpful info!!
10/10. Thanks to you, I just finished changing the bulb on my 2013 OB without a hitch! If anyone struggles getting the gray bulb cover off like I did, inserting a flathead between the cover and the rim it sits in can help release the suction and pry that bugger off. Happy 2023! :)
This is the best video for folks like me who know nothing about cars. Thorough explanations help so much more than live time recording. Thank you so much for making this video & making the models that show exactly how to do everything.
1,000 thank yous. you by far had the best video explaining this delicate procedure. i admit the first time i watched your video i sort of skimmed through and thought I got this. i changed both sides. but the next morning when i turned on the lights to go to work they were all over the place and couldnt see the road at all. so today i focused on the position of the bulb itself and sure enough i had mine at odd angles when i put new ones in. redid both sides and i am back in focus thanks to your video. feels good to stiff subaru and the dolts that designed this. thanks again.
My girlfriend has the same exact year, model and color Subaru. I just want to say thank you so much for this video! You saved me so much time, aggravation and money. Your how to video is above and beyond thought out, helpful and detailed. I really appreciate it!
This guide is amazing!! Took me 15-20 minutes to change the bulb. Midas quoted 2 hours of labor and they wanted to remove the whole front bumper. Thank you!!
This is the best diy video I've seen, ever,period. Thank you so much for describing in detail how to change lights, especially when the dealership charges I think 300 to change bulbs.
It was very generous of you to make this outstanding video. Your time, effort and talent are valuable! I appreciated your thorough, clear, thoughtful presentation. The specifics are so helpful, in my case the model you made was exactly what I needed but never dreamed I'd find. I had relied on the owner's manual and released the clip by trying to take off the screw holding it down. Perhaps released isn't the right word. It launched itself into oblivion. I wish I had found your video before starting this project, but finding it when I was stumped and infuriated was more than I had hoped for. I also really appreciated your general comments on procedure, preparing and keeping track of everything, how to be aware of and document how things are put together before taking them apart, noticing and marking the appropriate details, keeping everything organized, checking at the end to make sure there aren't any bits left out. Even though this was a pain, it is still my car of choice, so reliable for so long with very little ever going wrong. Subaru should reward you and pay you for the rights to use your instruction. Many thanks from us!
Hey Man, I’ve owned my 2012 outback since 2014, every year around Christmas I get a headlight out, and every year I try to do it myself and end up getting frustrated and take it to the dealer. But today, I watched your tutorial, and I did it. It took 2 hours, and a little blood, but I changed both headlights. Thanks for taking the time do make this video.
Thanks heaps for your video. Its fantastic. I've never owned a subaru outback previously. I'll never buy one again. I've found multiple nuances that make it difficult to work on. Its more of a headache and doesnt seem well designed or thought out, at all
Great video! Subaru has made changing both high and low beams a lot easier on the 2015 - 2017 cars. I own a 2015 Outback and I was able to change out both from under the hood. For 2018 up owners they get LED headlights that shouldn’t need changing.
I just ordered an LED conversion kit for mine. Owned my 2010 Legacy for one year and this is the second bulb I have to replace, so we're hoping that the LEDs won't burn out so easily. Wish me luck! Thanks for the video!
Here I go... it took me three tries just to get the b clips off before I decided to consult TH-cam, haven’t even gotten the fender open! This is an incredible tutorial! Nicely done
Oh sweet goodness, that’s a complete mess once you get the fender seal back and start souping around, my wrist is all scraped up now... but I closed my eyes and visualized your spring clip model and got it back together. Ahhhhhh 🕶 thanks again... no way I would have figured it out without the video. Of course I forgot to put the bulb cover on and sealed it all up.
Best tips! Last time I changed these bulbs I did it completely wrong and it took me hours. Your tips made it very easy to figure out and it took me ten mins! Thanks!
Thank you for this very helpful video. I successfully changed the head light bulb on my 2010 Outback today, following your instructions. I have to say it was not an easy job (especially when it's minus 7 degrees celcius outside -- that's Canada), and may not have been able to pull it off if I didn't have long arms. I did it on the driver's side. There are a lot of things preventing you from reaching the area comfortably (wires, tubes, metal barriers), but it helps to be able to see the cap by lifting the hood (which is not possible from the passenger side). Darn cap was hard to remove. But again, thank you for having taken the time to share this video. It's a good deed that keeps on giving. Cheers.
I have never really worked on my car like this (I've changed the older "easy-through the engine compartment- bulbs) but I never would have done this and admit that after watching your video the FIRST time- thought, I" not doing THAT and took my car to a local mechanic. When HE didn't know how to do it-, I figured I'd just tough it out and let you guide me by playing replaying, many times, your video in the process. You gave me ALL the guidance and details I needed to get this job successfully completed M2 TheS! IT was a BEAR for sure!!! Why in the world Subaru designed this set-up? Good Lord! What were they thinking? (more $$$ for the dealers shops.) Anyway, you are AWESOME and a WONDERFUL TEACHER! Thank you SO SO MUCH!!
Thank you so much for an excellent video! I’m a single mom age 51 and just saved $129 in 20 minutes of empowering DIY. Subaru sucks for this. You rock!
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video! I've been so frustrated by my 2012 headlights! After giving up on a few days ago because I couldn't get the grey cap off, I watched your video and decided to try again. Then when I folded back the wheel well plastic there was the grey cap sitting at the bottom! I would have been super frustrated by the little wire but your video made is such that I was able to blindly disconnect it and hopefully reconnect it as well! I've had 7 subaru wagons and this may be the last though...
You sir deserve a MEDAL!!!! Love the detail you gave!! Even made a model out of wood and copper wire to show us the spring clip!! BRAVO MAN!!!! THANK YOU FOR THE DETAILS!!!
Great video, I learned a lot. Dealer wanted to charge $60.00 to replace cabin filter. I learned how to do it my self on TH-cam. Saved $40.00. Thank you for showing me how to replace my light bulb on my 2011 Legacy. 100,256 miles looking to make 200,00. I hope. Subaru's can climb trees. LOL
Im not a car mechanic type guy..If I have a problem or car needs maintenance I take it in but a headlight bulb change is easy so i decided to do this myself. Thanks for the video helps us people who usually dont do car stuff
I went into the dealership today and they told me it'd be $89 to change the headlight...so thank you for posting this video cause I'm gonna learn how to do this myself
Wow! I’ve only used 15-20 YT videos for similar situations, but never ever has one been as thorough or thoroughly helpful as this one! I was SMH in pleasant shock that you made a model for demonstration! #AboveAndBeyond
THE BEST TH-cam VIDEO ON CHANGING THESE HEADLIGHTS! I've had to do this a few times over the years. Each time I looked up a video to remind me how to do it. There are many, and they each tell the same basic story. But yours is by far the best, especially with the hints. Just a couple of extra comments - be extra careful never to get the new bulb dirty or touch it with bare fingers (or anything that touched your bare fingers). Grease, grime or dirt totally shortens the life of the bulb. I use disposable gloves and treat it like I was donating an organ to someone. My bulbs last 2-3 years. Also, those little fasteners are a b*tch, and they are all over the Subaru. So I just bought some for pennies each at Subaru. Now I never have to worry about breaking them when I get them off.
Thanks Kenji! Haha, you know I actually watch it myself too before changing one (just to refresh my memory...) I agree about not touching the bulb, thanks for emphasizing that. The only trouble with buying the little fasteners is that the Subaru parts guys can never find the part number for the Outback clips! Ridiculous....!
Great video. We have used it a couple times. One additional hint that helps us is to put a VERY thin film of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or similar on the mating face of the rubber gasket on the gray cap. It seems to help to get the cap into place and do the final 1/4 turn. (Note that petroleum jelly can degrade rubber per internet search so use at your own risk or find something similar-We didn't notice any damage on the gasket from the last bulb replacement 2 years ago)
thanks for the vid!! I only watched the first part, went out and did it. I then watched the rest, saw that the position was important but just hoped i had done it right by chance. night time rolls around, off center headlight shine tells me no such luck. Much easier the second time!! thanks for including your friends horror story or i might have just left it.. Oh, and a tip for anyone doing this method, put something in the plastic wheel well so it stays shimmied open while you work, like a piece of wood or something. The angle is already hard as it is, relieving that pressure made it a lot easier.
WOW! Amazingly detailed, thorough and clear. Great little wooden model of the bulb spring assembly! I have done this once before (a couple of years ago) and needed a refresher. I forgot how blind and tricky it was. I remember all the things you spent a long time explaining being real frustration points last time I tried this. THANK YOU for taking the many hours it takes to put something like this together.
A best tutorial video!!! I have successfully replaced one light bulb. Took me an hour. But I am slow abs just want to video type the positions without mis place anything. Thank you so much!!!!
Wow! I would not have understood how to do this but for your model, specially the one on the spring lock. Excellent! The humor about the wood light bulb lasting longer than the actual one was great too! Well done. Just finished replacing the head lamp. The blasted grey plastic cover took some real wiggling to reinstall and tighten.
![ILLSLICK - KILLSHOT REMIX [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIK8RrqIAzE/mqdefault.jpg)
The 110 dislikes are Subaru dealerships who are upset you've shown us how to do the impossible instead of allowing us to be charged $100+ to do 15 minutes of work. The engineer who came up with this should be charged with war crimes.
siome just want to watch the world burn
or maybe it's a protest against Subaru's faulty design lol
Criminal charges should be enough
Whatever happened to the good old days the you took off lens and popped it right in
A buddy works in the body shop of a Toyota dealer in Florida. He does not like the way Subaru vehicles are designed; he says they are very difficult to work on.
You put 100x more thought into making a great video than Subaru engineers put into the design and placement of these lamps.
How the Hell could you get any Thumbs down on a Video as thorough as this????? Awesome job!
I think it's the Subaru service guys....
@@m2thes516 I think the service guys actually gave you a thumbs up. It was the engineers.
It’s not as easy on a Legacy
Actually, I think it was the music that gets the thumbs down.
Their fingers slipped and hit the wrong icon.
Wish I could buy you a 12pack of beer dude you saved me $150 bucks took me 20 minutes all I spent was $12 on the bulb your awesome much appreciated !
The love and dedication of a Subaru owner. Taking the time and effort to explain things, quite thoroughly i might add. Thumbs up.
Thanks for the thumbs up!
Subaruuuuuuuuuuuuuu! :-)
My Subaru has been a money pit. I pray every day that someone steals it and quickly takes it apart to sell the pieces so I never have to see it again
A+ effort for the model.
I was taken aback when he actually made a wooden model!!! I like this dude, he leaves you nothing to figure out .👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Absolutely the best tutorial I've seen on how to replace Subaru headlight!
The engineer that figured out this headlight placement should be dropped off a bridge wrapped in 30 ft of 1/2" log chain..
The real question is why the fuk the bulbs burn out so often?!?
Yáhuar Huácac that is far from easier. Pull it back, grab the bulb replace done. If you take off the bumper your gonna break at least half those clips and your bumper then looks like shit
@@r.l.strange1897 - Well, could you buy generic clips ahead of time? I bought a cheap-o bag of mixed generic plastic push-through fasteners (small to really wide). It has helped me many a time. I have not seen the bumper clips, but maybe it's worth buying generic clips. I don't have any, so me (and my rather bad back, bad knees, and arthritic hands) are already having trouble just getting a grip on the d*mned poorly-designed dust cover. There is ZERO excuse to giver a flat disc such low-relief tabs for twisting the disc. Those tabs could easily be doubled in size. Car companies suck.
LOL. Gotta laugh
Nutz cut off would be better
I think this is the first comment I've ever made on a video, but this deserves the bump. This is an amazingly thorough and helpful tutorial. My subaru is the 4th car I've had, and the only car that I've had to go to my mechanic with my tail between my legs to have them change the bulb because it's so stupidly hard to get to, and you just can't see what you're doing. I drove around for almost a year with the bulb in the wrong orientation. You know how dark it is when the bulb isn't aligned correctly? It's horrible. My husband finally made me suck it up and pay to have our mechanic change the bulb after he drove my car at night and saw that the headlights were putting off about as much light as a lit match after my bulb change. Now that my car is 10 years old with 200k miles, I'm probably on my last burned out bulb before I get a new car. I may just hold onto the legacy for an extra year or two after watching this because I know I'll be able to change the bulbs when they die, again. One thing to add- make sure you don't wear any rings when you do this, and keep a roll of paper towels handy. Every time I've gone in there I've cut up my hands and knuckles, and I'm a woman with fairly small hands.
just did it!! Took about 40 minutes mostly because i couldn't "gently wiggle the plug off". Ended up being because im a 22 year old girl and "wiggle gently" to you means "wiggle with great strength" to me. haha! Thanks so much man!
I was in the same boat haha, thought I had to be doing something wrong until I read your comment!
Oh no, pressure is on now. I’ve got a 40 min challenge to beat a 22 yr old girl.
60mins later.. fml
@@BuildingOffGrid ha, love it! how'd it go??
@@LilDeadHead1 still working on it actually lol
Had to take the bumper off to get the entire headlamp assembly out. You need tiny hands to do the wheel well method.
Advantage to the ladies on this one 🙂
@@BuildingOffGrid oh for sure, i wouldn't have been able to do it if i had a man sized arm lol. at least you can probably carry heavy stuff! i suck at that!
Best video showing how to work the clip. Best photography.
4 years later your video is still helping others. Had to change my wife’s 2013 legacy passenger side head light and was losing it. This car is by far the hardest bulb I have ever changed. Your video was perfect. Especially when it came to the arm holding the bulb in place. The cover had already fallen off probably when she took it to the dealer the last time so it was actually in the wheel well therefore I couldn’t make a mark. Thank you very much for taking the time to make this video!!!
This is a great video, the instruction was very clear, and the wooden model demo was very helpful. I was able to change the light bulb in 30 minutes, definitely not easy, but saved me $90
I watch this video about every 15 months. IT IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!! Such a persnickety little job.
I own 2 Subaru Outbacks; and both right bulbs went out last year; and now both left bulbs. I used your vid last year and succeeded; came back for a refresher before I change the left sides right now. Best explanation vid by far. Thank you for saving me serious $$$...
This is the best video on youtube explaining in clear detail each step on how to do something on your own. Greatly appreciate you.
Your "off the car" demos are excellent, it really helps seeing how these things work!
I seriously doubt I could have done this without the help of your extremely thorough video. You saved me the cost of a mechanic. Thank you!
Just wanted to pop in and say thank you for making this video, I was unsure of attempting this after reading the owner's manual. Your video made the difference! The mock up of the bulb retention spring was very appreciated! Physically speaking I found the hardest portion was removing the cap, and the most frustrating part was returning it (I swear I kept missing the notches!!) I had to replace the driver's side head lamp and was testing them when my wife said "hey that one is out too..." *Insert bad word here* ... driver side front parking light, oh so easy! If only the rest were that easy.
I especially appreciate you taking the time to create actual models to better explain certain functions or trouble spots. This stuff represents the positive side of social media. Thank you.
Best automotive repair tutorial on TH-cam. Thank you for saving me $129, amazing job!
I cannot thank you enough - seeing the locking mechanism mock up (and taking your suggestion of engaging and disengaging it a few times) made my life so much easier when it came time to do it and it’s all by touch. 6 years later and you’re still helping people! Thank you!
Omg Thank you 150 times!!! Mechanics are charging $150 for Labor! I’m a simpleton and these instructions helped me do the job for $40 bucks!
This is the best fixit video I have ever seen. It was so thorough that after only seeing it once I just changed both headlight bulbs following all directions to a T. Brilliant (and funny!). Thank you
Thanks for putting such a detailed tutorial out on changing the low beam bulb. It was a pain but you saved me major headaches and time. The tips on marking things with a sharpie and noting how the bulb sits in the socket and especially on how the spring latch works and also how those plastic push body clips work were all awesome. Thank you
Thanks for the kind comment, Carl. Glad I was able to help, those little clips drove me crazy, and so did the wire holding in the lightbulb, super frustrating before I figured out the concept behind them...
You are the first ever to show and explain the little tricks into removing and replacing the clips, rubber clips and even the marking on the new bulb to make sure it goes in correctly. It's things like this that causes people to break a clip , force the bulb and breaking it. I've known these tips for years yet never realized how important it is to explain and give examples as you do to new comers trying to do their first car repairs. Thank you !!! You taught an old timer like me how important sharing all information is no matter how small it may seem. Never too old to learn plus eat a little crow 😂
This is the Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel of auto repair videos. Nice work. The wooden, mock-up demo of the retaining clip was pure gold and really helped me. Thanks.
Just a few pointers I picked up from my experience:
1. I CAME IN THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I've got a slightly newer Legacy (not an Outback), so I didn't have just two grommets to remove the wheel well liner; I had over a half-dozen to remove, which I didn't want to mess with. So although it took some arm flexibility (not to mention a lot of patience), I came in through the top/side of the fixture, i.e. under the hood. So on some models, that's an option.
2. MARK THE CAP FIRST! Take this guy's advice and mark the cover cap BEFORE messing with it. I thought I'd just test it a little, and before I knew it, the thing popped off. It was a huge pain to align it correctly before getting back in place. Learn from my mistake.
3. HOW TO MARK THE CAP IF YOU MESSED UP. If you can't get the cap back on, here's the ProTip I learned. Remove the black rubber gasket around around the cap. That will allow you to more easily put it back on. Once in place, you can mark it with a sharpie (which you should have done in the first place), remove it, put the black rubber gasket back on, then try it again. Now that it's marked, you will know exactly how to line it up.
4. HOW TO FINALLY SNAP THE CAP IN PLACE. With the gasket in place, the cap is much harder to "snap" in place. My trick was to put the "far side" in place, i.e. the outside edge that you can't see, then line up the guidelines you just drew on with the sharpie. Now that it is lined up, use a large straight-edged screwdriver to jam in the near edge that is closest to you. With about 30 pounds of pressure, my cap snapped into place. Now give it a clockwise turn (approx 1/2 inch) to lock it in place. Done.
Thanks again for an awesome video.
Maybe the single best car repair video ever.
IF YOU'RE DOING THIS JOB - WATCH THIS VIDEO FIRST !!!
Bro - so much thank you!!! Your video is the best. That mock-up you made of the bulb latch saved me mucho time! Had to do the whole thing be by feel, and your explanation and model made it super easy.
Thanks for saving from 1) jacking up, 2) taking the wheel off, 3) pulling way more panel clips than necessary, and 4) trying to figure out how the bulb housing works!
Thanks for the kind words Chris! Glad you got your bulb changed...
I rarely comment on videos. But this was one of the most thorough videos I've ever seen. Thank you for all the effort! How one could figure this out and essentially do this by' feel' is beyond me. Much appreciated.
I'm a licensed technician in Canada, this is literally the best guide I've ever seen. This guy genuinely put effort in this video.
This guy made a wood model just to show how the light bulb clip works, AMAZING!!!
Dear Mr. M2. I am a female owner of this Subaru Outback model. I followed your meticulous instructions & I was able to replace the low beam light bulb successfully. Thank you very much for sharing the tips! So wonderful!!!
Great work Hanh. Girl Power! Go!
Excellent work. Thanks for taking the time to record what must be the most difficult headlight change of any car.
M2 TheS....you are the man!!! This was so helpful! At first I thought you were a little bit dorky for making a wooden model of the bulb and spring latch, but it was just what we needed! And the details about the bulb and disc orientation, and the push-pin thingy, were very helpful too. Very humorous, as well....Yes, we like you, now!!!
Hey, even with the cool video can't I still be dorky? Glad you like me, now... You know, makes me think the thumbs down came from Subaru Service guys, they're tired of people calling and bragging up their lightbulb change.....! ;-)
One note I would add... if you have a hard time loosening the gray caps, you can open the hood and use a pry bar or long screwdriver to pry against the caps in order to loosen them.
You can see just enough of the caps to reach them. A flashlight definitely helps. Nice job with the visual aids!
Thanks Brian, I really appreciate the additional tips... For sure it will help other owners, too
I was about to give up when I saw this comment. Thanks! This worked.
Any tips for getting it back on?? I can’t get it on for the life of me
The only people who thumbs down this are the mechanics who lose money because people can now do this on their own after watching your great vid. Buy this man a 6-pack!
Thanks for the detailed instructions without having to take off tire or pay a services station!
Thank you so much for this video. My parents Legacy blew a low beam bulb and they went to their regular mechanic who flat out refused to do it and said to go to Subaru instead. Although the process itself was still a pain your video saved my parents a bunch of money and myself a lot of time.
This video is amazing. I'm a stay at home mom with little knowledge of cars and was able to change it out. I got frustrated with putting the grey disk back on and gave up for a minute but was finally able to get it on. Thanks for helping us save some money! Got this project done in an hour!
Thank goodness finally someone has a great demo on the locking device, this is the hardest part of changing the bulb especially if you do not have have long thin fingers. outstanding video, now I can go and change the low beams......
I've changed these bulbs in the past on my 2012 Legacy and found that removing and reinstalling the gray cover was the hardest part of the process. I replaced a bulb this past weekend but before replacing the cover, I applied a tiny bit of Vaseline to the rubber seal and HOLY MOLY what a difference! The cover went on much easier than it had in the past. Thought I'd pass along this tip in case anyone was having trouble getting those covers back on. Thanks M2 TheS for a good video.
I would like to add that these headlights are the most difficult headlight bulbs to change in the world for someone with long arms and big hands! Hold cow there isn't much room in there. Thanks for the video, it got me through it and got the job done.
This was very helpful, thanks. Total cost was about $35 for the two lights. Took about 30 minutes. The most challenging part for me was getting the cap back on! I note that the right side is a little easier to access than the left due to internal wiring. Thanks again!
My 18yo changed his lightbulb in 10 minutes after watching your video. It was perfect and I love the fact you built a wooden model to demonstrate the lightbulb removal part! Many thanks!
I viewed several videos to explain how to change the low lamp on my 2013 Subaru Outback and this was by far the best. The author/teacher was excellent, concise and so thoughtful. Truly a gifted teacher. Thanks! It worked.
Absolutely Outstanding video. I don't even own this year of Subaru and I watched the whole video just because I was impressed by your teaching technique, including the Training Aid on the Bulb Latch!! Hyperbole fails me!!!
This video is very clear and it seems very easy to follow. I saw another video where the guy took the wheel out, the fender, the plastic cover. I said "hey, you may as well change the timing belt and water pump while you're at it. See if you can change the Head gaskets so you don't have to do it latter on".
1) Huge time saver by not removing wheel.
2) Awesome DIY explanations of how the more annoying bits work, with props!
3) Succinct, sage advice with a couple dashes of humor. Great work.
Thanks Josh, glad you enjoyed it!
Just bought a used Outback and shortly after one of the headlights went out. Your directions were spot on! I was able to change it out in about 30 minutes. All the details and pointers were especially helpful. Thank you.
Hi Strict, glad I helped speed the process, after changing two bulbs you're practically a Subaru Technician!
Best tutorial I've seen on this... Only had my certified 2011 for 18 months and this is the 3rd replacement it's needed. Even bought it from Subaru without realizing TWO bulbs were out 🤦🏻♀️
Just replaced bulbs in my wife’s 2014 Legacy. Your wooden fixture saved me hours, a lot of swearing and possibly my marriage. THANK YOU!
Thanks for doing this. I poked around with this for a while and even thought to myself “surely you don’t have to go through the wheel well”. Boy was I wrong! What a pita. Never would’ve gotten the job done without you
This dude knows how to make a tutorial video. Excellent work, my friend...and much appreciated.
Very well explained. Now here we go - left and right. You have convinced me to try this myself rather than sooking it out at a Subaru dealership. Thank you
Only got one small cut. Driver side access was really tight but a little patience and your great advice got the job done! Thanks
for the great post. Bought two bulbs on line for $9 each.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video! It was absolutely perfect step-by-step. I am not a very big guy and was barely able to get my hands on the headlight bulbs, but I can't imagine anyone over 170 pounds being able to change either of the headlights without disassembling the whole front end of the car to get to these God-forsaken bulbs....Thank you!
You're a hero of the American Republic. I followed your instructions and got it done -- with an extra $150 in my pocket. Thank you!!!!!!
Thanks Martin, better $150 in your pocket than in Subaru's!
Lol I’m 19 and asked my dad if he could change my light for me, he said it was “too hard” so I did it myself with this video. 🥰 thank you for the super helpful info!!
10/10. Thanks to you, I just finished changing the bulb on my 2013 OB without a hitch! If anyone struggles getting the gray bulb cover off like I did, inserting a flathead between the cover and the rim it sits in can help release the suction and pry that bugger off. Happy 2023! :)
This is the best video for folks like me who know nothing about cars. Thorough explanations help so much more than live time recording. Thank you so much for making this video & making the models that show exactly how to do everything.
Took 4 of us an hour to do both bulbs last time. Took me 45 minutes solo after this video. Really appreciate the help.
Thanks Todd!
1,000 thank yous. you by far had the best video explaining this delicate procedure. i admit the first time i watched your video i sort of skimmed through and thought I got this. i changed both sides. but the next morning when i turned on the lights to go to work they were all over the place and couldnt see the road at all. so today i focused on the position of the bulb itself and sure enough i had mine at odd angles when i put new ones in. redid both sides and i am back in focus thanks to your video. feels good to stiff subaru and the dolts that designed this. thanks again.
Why can't I upvote this video more than once? The model you made to demonstrate the clip was above and beyond.
My girlfriend has the same exact year, model and color Subaru. I just want to say thank you so much for this video! You saved me so much time, aggravation and money. Your how to video is above and beyond thought out, helpful and detailed. I really appreciate it!
This guide is amazing!! Took me 15-20 minutes to change the bulb. Midas quoted 2 hours of labor and they wanted to remove the whole front bumper. Thank you!!
This is the best diy video I've seen, ever,period. Thank you so much for describing in detail how to change lights, especially when the dealership charges I think 300 to change bulbs.
It was very generous of you to make this outstanding video. Your time, effort and talent are valuable! I appreciated your thorough, clear, thoughtful presentation. The specifics are so helpful, in my case the model you made was exactly what I needed but never dreamed I'd find. I had relied on the owner's manual and released the clip by trying to take off the screw holding it down. Perhaps released isn't the right word. It launched itself into oblivion. I wish I had found your video before starting this project, but finding it when I was stumped and infuriated was more than I had hoped for. I also really appreciated your general comments on procedure, preparing and keeping track of everything, how to be aware of and document how things are put together before taking them apart, noticing and marking the appropriate details, keeping everything organized, checking at the end to make sure there aren't any bits left out. Even though this was a pain, it is still my car of choice, so reliable for so long with very little ever going wrong. Subaru should reward you and pay you for the rights to use your instruction. Many thanks from us!
"It launched itself into oblivion." I guess I should be sympathetic and not find that funny in the video clip running in my imagination, huh?
Hey Man, I’ve owned my 2012 outback since 2014, every year around Christmas I get a headlight out, and every year I try to do it myself and end up getting frustrated and take it to the dealer. But today, I watched your tutorial, and I did it. It took 2 hours, and a little blood, but I changed both headlights. Thanks for taking the time do make this video.
Thanks heaps for your video. Its fantastic. I've never owned a subaru outback previously. I'll never buy one again. I've found multiple nuances that make it difficult to work on. Its more of a headache and doesnt seem well designed or thought out, at all
Great video! Subaru has made changing both high and low beams a lot easier on the 2015 - 2017 cars. I own a 2015 Outback and I was able to change out both from under the hood. For 2018 up owners they get LED headlights that shouldn’t need changing.
Jesse James good to know. I have to change mine on my 2015 Legacy and I’m not a “car person”. I hope it’s fairly straightforward.
You're pretty much a legend. Thanks for detailing this, what a world of difference.
I just ordered an LED conversion kit for mine. Owned my 2010 Legacy for one year and this is the second bulb I have to replace, so we're hoping that the LEDs won't burn out so easily. Wish me luck! Thanks for the video!
Here I go... it took me three tries just to get the b clips off before I decided to consult TH-cam, haven’t even gotten the fender open! This is an incredible tutorial! Nicely done
Oh sweet goodness, that’s a complete mess once you get the fender seal back and start souping around, my wrist is all scraped up now... but I closed my eyes and visualized your spring clip model and got it back together. Ahhhhhh 🕶 thanks again... no way I would have figured it out without the video. Of course I forgot to put the bulb cover on and sealed it all up.
Haha, yeah, i forgot that grey cap once too.... You don't realize it until everything is buttoned up of course...
Previously, I took the entire bumper off to change the headlights. This saved me a TON of time! Thank you!
This is the most comprehensive how to I've ever seen. I haven't done the bulb change yet but I feel fairly confident that I am able to, now. Thanks!!
Excellent video, the whole process took about 15 minutes. The hardest part was getting the cap notches lined up. Thanks again!
Best tips! Last time I changed these bulbs I did it completely wrong and it took me hours. Your tips made it very easy to figure out and it took me ten mins! Thanks!
Thank you for this very helpful video. I successfully changed the head light bulb on my 2010 Outback today, following your instructions. I have to say it was not an easy job (especially when it's minus 7 degrees celcius outside -- that's Canada), and may not have been able to pull it off if I didn't have long arms. I did it on the driver's side. There are a lot of things preventing you from reaching the area comfortably (wires, tubes, metal barriers), but it helps to be able to see the cap by lifting the hood (which is not possible from the passenger side). Darn cap was hard to remove. But again, thank you for having taken the time to share this video. It's a good deed that keeps on giving. Cheers.
I have never really worked on my car like this (I've changed the older "easy-through the engine compartment- bulbs) but I never would have done this and admit that after watching your video the FIRST time- thought, I" not doing THAT and took my car to a local mechanic. When HE didn't know how to do it-, I figured I'd just tough it out and let you guide me by playing replaying, many times, your video in the process. You gave me ALL the guidance and details I needed to get this job successfully completed M2 TheS!
IT was a BEAR for sure!!! Why in the world Subaru designed this set-up? Good Lord! What were they thinking? (more $$$ for the dealers shops.) Anyway, you are AWESOME and a WONDERFUL TEACHER! Thank you SO SO MUCH!!
Thank you so much for an excellent video! I’m a single mom age 51 and just saved $129 in 20 minutes of empowering DIY. Subaru sucks for this. You rock!
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video! I've been so frustrated by my 2012 headlights! After giving up on a few days ago because I couldn't get the grey cap off, I watched your video and decided to try again. Then when I folded back the wheel well plastic there was the grey cap sitting at the bottom! I would have been super frustrated by the little wire but your video made is such that I was able to blindly disconnect it and hopefully reconnect it as well! I've had 7 subaru wagons and this may be the last though...
You sir deserve a MEDAL!!!! Love the detail you gave!! Even made a model out of wood and copper wire to show us the spring clip!! BRAVO MAN!!!! THANK YOU FOR THE DETAILS!!!
My pleasure, John... Glad you found it helpful
Not all heroes wear capes! Thank you for making this video!
Great video, I learned a lot. Dealer wanted to charge $60.00 to replace cabin filter. I learned how to do it my self on TH-cam. Saved $40.00. Thank you for showing me how to replace my light bulb on my 2011 Legacy. 100,256 miles looking to make 200,00. I hope. Subaru's can climb trees. LOL
Im not a car mechanic type guy..If I have a problem or car needs maintenance I take it in but a headlight bulb change is easy so i decided to do this myself. Thanks for the video helps us people who usually dont do car stuff
I went into the dealership today and they told me it'd be $89 to change the headlight...so thank you for posting this video cause I'm gonna learn how to do this myself
Wow! I’ve only used 15-20 YT videos for similar situations, but never ever has one been as thorough or thoroughly helpful as this one!
I was SMH in pleasant shock that you made a model for demonstration! #AboveAndBeyond
Thanks! I am newly divorced (and got full custody of the Subaru) and this was very helpful. I am going to do this myself. You are awesome!
Hope you got the dog, too....! Let us know how the lightbulb change turned out
Like everyone else said, thank you for this tutorial and thanks for saving me $100. It's very well done.
THE BEST TH-cam VIDEO ON CHANGING THESE HEADLIGHTS! I've had to do this a few times over the years. Each time I looked up a video to remind me how to do it. There are many, and they each tell the same basic story. But yours is by far the best, especially with the hints. Just a couple of extra comments - be extra careful never to get the new bulb dirty or touch it with bare fingers (or anything that touched your bare fingers). Grease, grime or dirt totally shortens the life of the bulb. I use disposable gloves and treat it like I was donating an organ to someone. My bulbs last 2-3 years. Also, those little fasteners are a b*tch, and they are all over the Subaru. So I just bought some for pennies each at Subaru. Now I never have to worry about breaking them when I get them off.
Thanks Kenji! Haha, you know I actually watch it myself too before changing one (just to refresh my memory...) I agree about not touching the bulb, thanks for emphasizing that. The only trouble with buying the little fasteners is that the Subaru parts guys can never find the part number for the Outback clips! Ridiculous....!
Super helpful to me! I tried just following the instructions in the owner's manual, would've never completed it without finding this video!
This is the best tutorial video on the internet. I am so impressed. Thank you. Got it done in 20 minutes.
Great video. We have used it a couple times. One additional hint that helps us is to put a VERY thin film of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or similar on the mating face of the rubber gasket on the gray cap. It seems to help to get the cap into place and do the final 1/4 turn. (Note that petroleum jelly can degrade rubber per internet search so use at your own risk or find something similar-We didn't notice any damage on the gasket from the last bulb replacement 2 years ago)
This is by far the most well made mechanic tutorial video. Thanks a lot man.
thanks for the vid!! I only watched the first part, went out and did it. I then watched the rest, saw that the position was important but just hoped i had done it right by chance. night time rolls around, off center headlight shine tells me no such luck. Much easier the second time!! thanks for including your friends horror story or i might have just left it.. Oh, and a tip for anyone doing this method, put something in the plastic wheel well so it stays shimmied open while you work, like a piece of wood or something. The angle is already hard as it is, relieving that pressure made it a lot easier.
Hi Reid, thanks for the extra tips - I'm sure they helped a bunch of other Subaru owners...
This video has such good demonstration that even my wife was able to change the bulbs!
WOW! Amazingly detailed, thorough and clear. Great little wooden model of the bulb spring assembly! I have done this once before (a couple of years ago) and needed a refresher. I forgot how blind and tricky it was. I remember all the things you spent a long time explaining being real frustration points last time I tried this. THANK YOU for taking the many hours it takes to put something like this together.
A best tutorial video!!! I have successfully replaced one light bulb. Took me an hour. But I am slow abs just want to video type the positions without mis place anything. Thank you so much!!!!
I just got a 2011 Subaru Legacy. It took me some time to replace the headlights but you truly helped me so much .. Thank you for this video !
Wow! I would not have understood how to do this but for your model, specially the one on the spring lock. Excellent! The humor about the wood light bulb lasting longer than the actual one was great too! Well done. Just finished replacing the head lamp. The blasted grey plastic cover took some real wiggling to reinstall and tighten.