Replace Instrument Panel Lights on 2000 - 2007 Subaru Impreza
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Replace Instrument Panel Lights on 2000 - 2007 Subaru Impreza
It's really frustrating when the lights behind your gauges burn out, because you can't tell how fast you're going or how much gas you have left! Luckily they are easy to replace.
My car is a 2004 Impreza sedan. This procedure should be identical for all 2000 - 2007 models. Other Subarus will be similar but not identical.
My car is a 2004 Impreza sedan. This procedure should be identical for all 2000 - 2007 models. Other Subarus will be similar but not identical.
Remove the "Combination Meter Assembly" (aka Instrument Panel, or Gauges)
The repair manual calls this the "combination meter assembly". Normal people call it "gauges", "instrument panel", or "instrument cluster".
Start by moving the steering wheel as far down as possible, to give yourself space to work.
Take off the black trim piece around the instrument cluster by removing 2 screws in the top of the piece. Sorry my picture is cut off. See step 2 for a better view.
There are also 2 snaps at the bottom of the trim piece, pull it directly towards you firmly until they "click" out. To get the piece to fit past the steering wheel as you remove it, try tilting toward you.
Start by moving the steering wheel as far down as possible, to give yourself space to work.
Take off the black trim piece around the instrument cluster by removing 2 screws in the top of the piece. Sorry my picture is cut off. See step 2 for a better view.
There are also 2 snaps at the bottom of the trim piece, pull it directly towards you firmly until they "click" out. To get the piece to fit past the steering wheel as you remove it, try tilting toward you.
Remove More Screws, Then Disconnect Wires
Remove 3 more screws (in blue), then pull the assembly forward a little.
Reach behind and unplug 3 green connectors.
Then fully remove the assembly. Keep the clear cover on.
Reach behind and unplug 3 green connectors.
Then fully remove the assembly. Keep the clear cover on.
Replace the Bulbs
The instrument panel, and ORIGINAL bulbs are shown above. To remove a bulb from the instrument panel, turn the base 1/4 turn and pull out. Then grip the bulb and gently pull it out of the base.
NOTES:
Most of the light bulbs are for things like the turn signals or check engine light. Don't replace these unless they are broken. (to check, make sure they illuminate briefly when you first start the car).
Only 5 actually illuminate the gauges and needles. You should replace all 5 at once so the color stays the same. See the attached PDF, they are #1, 2, 5, 10, 11.
Replacement bulbs are readily available online, search for "#74" (this refers to their size). I recommend LEDs, because they will last longer than the car. For color go with natural white, NOT cool white or other colors. Other colors will not show through correctly because the gauges have green and red color already.
As you can see in the picture, there are black, blue, and red bases, plus bulbs with big and small heads. Don't worry about this. The bases are all interchangeable and you can use the same replacement bulbs in place of both originals.
NOTES:
Most of the light bulbs are for things like the turn signals or check engine light. Don't replace these unless they are broken. (to check, make sure they illuminate briefly when you first start the car).
Only 5 actually illuminate the gauges and needles. You should replace all 5 at once so the color stays the same. See the attached PDF, they are #1, 2, 5, 10, 11.
Replacement bulbs are readily available online, search for "#74" (this refers to their size). I recommend LEDs, because they will last longer than the car. For color go with natural white, NOT cool white or other colors. Other colors will not show through correctly because the gauges have green and red color already.
As you can see in the picture, there are black, blue, and red bases, plus bulbs with big and small heads. Don't worry about this. The bases are all interchangeable and you can use the same replacement bulbs in place of both originals.
Downloads
Put It All Back Together and Test
Installation is the reverse of removal.
If one or more of the bulbs aren't lighting up, note their location, then open everything back up. Turn the bulb the opposite way in the socket. This is because many LEDs are polarized - they only work in one direction.
If one or more of the bulbs aren't lighting up, note their location, then open everything back up. Turn the bulb the opposite way in the socket. This is because many LEDs are polarized - they only work in one direction.