(EASY ACCESS!) 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Tail Light Removal / Reverse Light Replacement

[@Coenen2517]

Amazing. Watching the video took longer than the actual job. Can not describe how clutch that move with the belt/strap is!

[@mrbailey31]

Oh my goodness I love your strap idea I screwed around with the trim knife method alone from other videos for like 20 minutes trying not to break anything while your strap method took less than 10 seconds (I used a light duty tie down strap and didn't even need to use any trim tool), you're the man with such a wonderful idea.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

I'm so glad it worked well for you! Neat little trick that saves me a BIG headache

[@banjo-beard]

First time I tried this, I just took two huge chips out of the tail light assembly. I wish I had seen this strap method!!

[@highestupper]

I used a dog leash - worked like a charm! None of the other videos had that little trick. THANK YOU!

[@blueninja115]

Thank you! Genius! Word of caution though, the only thing holding the tail light up after it's released will be the wiring, so be prepared to catch it and don't let it get too far away from the car. It may be best to do it towards your chest. It only needs to move an inch or so to be released from the clip and pins. You don't need to rip on the strap, just a sharp tug. The entire process took about two minutes. I was dreading the prying against the paint and pulling, so I put some strips of painters tape down where I used the pry tool to make a gap.

[@pbethany]

Slipping the strap under the taillight assembly to pull it off works great! I watched multiple videos on this process and pulling the taillight off always looked like a real struggle. Using a strap let me pop the assembly off in seconds. Thanks for the tip!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Sometimes it's just the little things that make all the difference! Glad I could help.

[@ivegas1000]

Thanks so much you just saved me about $47! The dealer wants $50 to change brake light. I bought the Sylvania 7443 last year for about $6/2 bulbs ($3 a bulb) from Amazon on my Legacy which was a lot easier to change out--access from inside trunk. This time my Forester needed a little more elbow grease. Your trick of using the belt was excellent which I didnt have, so I sub for a flat 1" wide rope (pajama's cord). And tape a flathead screwdriver with electrical tape. After removing the 2 screws using Philips which was easy, I pried the plastic casing with the flathead as you showed slightly, finnessed the rope in and popped that case out, changed the bulb etc all done in 20 minutes for an absolute novice and non-handy person like me, the satisfaction was enormous. Big thanks to you!!

[@keithcrudgington3869]

This is a better video than another I tried. The band, I used a strong piece of cloth and pulling straight back towards the bumper, is key. Thanks.

[@susangreenberg2229]

The strap was the best suggestion of all the videos I saw. Many thanks!

[@biglebowski9596]

Your strap trick is absolutely awesome. I'm way too impatient for those types of little projects. Thanks to your video my Sunday afternoon didn't get ruined.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Right on! Love to hear that!

[@2327lalala]

The belt strap idea is absolutely genius!

[@oortobject77]

Brilliant!. I looked at 3 videos before I found yours. Worked like a charm. No special tools required. Thank you!!!

[@JohnSmith-zh3dw]

Fantastic tip on using the belt or strap to unlock that tab. I didn't find any other videos that made the process so easy. Brilliant!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

So glad it worked for you as well!

[@island007100]

Thanks so much for the video! Using the strap as you demonstrated very likely saved me from a cracked taillight. Definitely the easiest and safest way to remove the assembly.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Don't know how I did it before I schemed that little idea but I'm sure glad I did!

[@teamc.a.r.l8581]

Dude this my first time, wife got a forester and damn that's handy little tip..good job, haven't started cus my beer not empty yet but I will!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

You got this brother let me know if you have any questions or issues - hope the strap trick works like magic!

[@teamc.a.r.l8581]

@Explorer-pj1nx hey actually that duct tape trick did the job. Popped right out. Thanks to you and youtube for a cheap fix. 200$+ at a shop in Phoenix. Went for the strap, had it in hand but housing popped right out. Even told my wife..give me your belt and let me amaze u!! ( she didn't care at all)

[@ARLISreference]

Your method is a work of genius. Following your suggstion, I used a length of old elastic suspender to open the clip so that the tail light assembly could be removed.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Awesome! That's a great usage

[@jerryfranklin9719]

Used this strap method twice after watching lots of other videos, This is the BEST! Thanks for sharing!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

So glad it worked for you!!

[@aceyg]

That belt trick was magical. Thank you!!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

My pleasure! Glad it worked out

[@jooje100]

Thanks. It worked. Other videos were uuuuuuseless. Not yours. The strap method. Bravo 🙌🙌👏🤩

[@pwpainter6375]

Tanks for the answer. I also found some kind of flat plastic spoon in the kitchen. With a piece of rope and a piece of cloth it will work. I'm just imitating how you did it in the video. Many thanks again

[@JamesBjorkSax]

Props to you for the strap/belt idea. That made it so much easier and smoother!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

So glad it worked well for you+

[@patrickcurrie6242]

Thanks for this, especially the strap approach. Made quick work of the replacement, which was especially welcome when I did the work in the driveway in sub-freezing temps.

[@jimseviltwin1]

Thanks for the video! Couldn’t figure out what was still holding the housing onto the fender; your strap method did the trick ! Make sure to have the right bulb(s) before you start their replacement - don’t be me.

[@1978911sc]

Shout out to you!! As others said, your instructions were spot on and was an easy task. I did the whole change out, including bulb test, in about 6 min. Your belt trick is the bomb. Thank you!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

So glad it worked well for you also! And thanks so much for sunscribing, it makes such a difference to me

[@katrinablow7737]

Grappled with that problem for about 30 minutes BEFORE I watched your video. Excellent. Thanks for saving my fingernails and joints prior to doing something STUPID. Best to to you Pal !!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Glad you found me! Peace

[@danherrick2310]

hey bud, you just saved me a lot of frustration! Thanks for the vid - I must be the 40th person to say thanks for the idea with the strap! i used a nylon guitar strap - worked fantastically.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Right on! Love that it saved you some time and trouble.

[@danherrick2310]

@@Explorer-pj1nx you got no idea - i am pretty much useless at working on cars in any capacity! The heroes of youtube tutorials are the ones truly doing the lord's work lol

[@schlammbad]

Wow! The strap trick is genius. Thank you!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Happy to share! Tell your friends!

[@vaska791]

Strap is genius! Worked immediately. Another video suggested an old credit card or gift card if you don't have the plastic tool to pry it open enough to get the strap in

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

What a great idea as well! Innovation is a wonderful thing

[@pamelab861]

THANK YOU so much for this trick!!! I was struggling for so long trying to get that darn thing off, your trick worked perfectly!!!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

So glad it worked

[@DR-pj8wh]

Thanks much! Wrapped 2 small screwdrivers in electric tape, wife helped to pry, slipped web belt in, worked just like video!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Nice handywork! I bet she was impressed. Tell her it was your idea!

[@vincentsordo]

This worked for me. Inserting the strap and pulling was much easier than other methods.

[@chrisenglishblues]

Folks, this works great! Spend a couple of minutes watching this video and save yourself a lot of time and frustration.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

So glad it worked well for you too! Every little bit helps

[@TinkeringTom91]

Built/strap idea save me a lot of time and frustration thank you so much!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Right on!

[@aaragon5784]

Brilliant! Strap idea looked very smooth.

[@OntheWrist]

I used your trick with the rope, it made this super easy! Great tip! Thank you for saving me!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

I'm glad it worked well for you also!

[@psychobueller]

This video was the best! The strap idea is a life saver. Thank you!!

[@anothertaco4561]

This was great info on how to pop out the light from the compression tab. Thanks so much!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

No problem, glad it worked out for you!

[@cg8001]

Worked exactly as you showed. I used a lightweight tie-down strap with excellent result. Thanks for the clever and efficient process.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Much better than just trying to tug it out! Glad it worked for you as well

[@christopherstevenson9737]

Grest no b.s. video. Thx for keeping it short w/o a ton of theory and “i love this bcz…”. Good tip w a belt too😊

[@benjaminmattson558]

Used the handle from a folding chair bag, worked wonders thanks

[@baybaybay4557]

The strap idea was perfect! Thank you, great tip!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Awesome! Glad it worked as intended

[@roguepetunia]

Worked perfectly! I used a ratchet strap. it slipped right in. I was able to easily pull the taillight off.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

So glad it worked for you!

[@GlobeTrotting2024]

Thank you so much! The strap trick worked amazing.

[@liberty610]

Thank you for video! Worked like a charm on my 2018 Forester. Especially the belt idea!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Right on!!!

[@karlahernandez5750]

Thank you! Your trick with the belt worked like a charm. I did strip one of the bolts but I had an old 10mm from something that I used as a replacement. I won't make that mistake again!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Phew, close call! Glad it worked out in the end though

[@karlahernandez5750]

Had to do it again today thanks again! ​@@Explorer-pj1nx

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

@karlahernandez5750 welcome back!!!

[@xchen9837]

I tried to remove the taillights for more than 20 mins, and finally failed. Until I watched your video, use a belt, 3 seconds, done. Thank you so much!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching

[@dinoverginella8956]

Well that made it easy!!! Great tip!! Thanks man.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

So glad it worked well for you!

[@wishiwasksgirl7515]

Thank you so much for this video! I was scared to death I was gonna break my tail lights trying to get it off. Watched your video, did exactly what you said with the strap (used a dog leash 😂) and it worked perfect!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Dog leash is a great idea too! So glad it worked for you

[@DorYacobi]

Thank you for the explanation and the belt trick

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

You bet!

[@joetassone7790]

2 seconds with this video!!!! Awesome --- Thank you!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@markhahn6182]

Strap worked beautifully! Thanks!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Good stuff! Glad you made it work for you

[@krae3145]

Dude...... thank you. You don't know it. But you're my DIY superman! Haha

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Yo i love to hear that! Thank you so much!!

[@joshschweber8977]

Very helpful. Completed in 4 minutes tops

[@DGill-rn5jq]

What LED bulb did you get for the backup light on Amazon? Did it require anything else besides the bulb? Great video!

[@danthemanyep]

The old belt trick.. thanks for sharing 👍

[@JoseRamos-wb1fr]

Thank you very much. Not to difficult after all, once you have good instructions.

[@eblockbbc]

Just used this method. Awesome tip, thanks.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Thrilled to hear it!

[@pwpainter6375]

Thank you for so calmly show me how to change the light bulb. I have a 2013 Forester, would that be about the same? And is the clamp also in approximately the same place?

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

I think 2013 was the last year of the previous generation, but should be mostly the same! Bulb might be different / other minor differences.

[@philippebouvry5153]

Wouaw, thank your very much, the belt thing, a real charm.

[@lorenwilson8128]

Five stars - saved me from breaking the assembly.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Excellent! Glad it worked out for you as well

[@itsc0608]

Thats awesome trick. Save me time and sweat....Love your this clip. Thank you so much!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Glad it helped you out of a pinch!

[@gregandkelsey]

Thanks for the video; would you mind adding the actual model number of the light you used as a replacement?

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

I believe it was this: AUXITO 912 921 LED Bulb for Backup Light Reverse Lights High Power 2835 15-SMD Chipsets Error Free T15 906 922 W16W Bulbs, 6000K White (Upgraded, Pack of 2) a.co/0idmmzK

[@rjrivera4000]

Great idea! It made it super easy.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Awesome, so glad it worked for you too!

[@stevebensinger7651]

Thanks -- very helpful.

[@chrismanning6954]

Love the video! Are the brake light, reverse light and tail light all the same bulb? Also what bulb did you use? Cheers

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Hi! I do not believe they're the same bulb - to be honest I forget which bulb I use, but I know theyre different from one another

[@chrismanning6954]

Ok good to know thank you!

[@walteryoung6867]

To remove the lens easily, simply apply pressure to the front part of the lens and push it backwards. No tool needed. I changed brake light bulbs today and this is easier than a tool.

[@JackieWelles-id3vx]

I just used some nitrile gloves and pulled the assembly right off no need for any tools but what you use to get the screws out .

[@gregnorris8934]

Worked PERFECT😊

[@raulcalderon7581]

Thanks for your video was great and helpful nice work

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Thanks so much! Glad I could help you out

[@mattherrick8945]

Yep everybody else already chimed in on this but ditto about the strap trick… about just ripped it off and resigned to deal with the consequences later lol

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Glad it worked out for you and you didnt rip anything off!!!

[@johnondrusek1356]

Fantastic, thank you

[@jaksmith6465]

ty this helped me so much

[@diegocuartas717]

Best video to do this.

[@thanekeith]

The belt's the boss!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Best trick they never taught ya!

[@Mark-qq9cd]

Thanks. Any issues with the LED upgrades?

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

So, technically no; however, these headlight housings weren't designed for LED's. They won't look right. Personally, I wouldn't recommend it.

[@anthnyalxndr]

Fyi the tail light (not brake light) can be replaced with a Sylvania 168.

[@Josbor11]

Any idea if this install is the same for the 2022 models?

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

It is not 100% the same, but i bet it's a similar process. Give it a try!

[@Josbor11]

@@Explorer-pj1nx Did it today, soooo easy. Looks like 2019-2022 is different because the rear light assembly is split into two sections by the trunk. You just open the power gate all the way up and then on the inside there are two little cubbies. The covers pop right off and the bulb is directly over the opening. Honestly took maybe 3 minutes to do both lights.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

That's awesome wow, good work!

[@doc8579]

THANK YOU!!

[@sammy13rockies]

Which light is the one that's on when the headlights are on? The top brake light? that's the one that's out on my car (according to a family member driving behind me).

[@sammy13rockies]

Whilst I'm driving forward.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Great question! Here's a trick I learned; dismount the tail light housing from its spot on the body, then with the car in accessory mode, turn on the lights. Go and inspect which arent functioning and go from there!

[@AdrienneLawley]

Thanks, I changed the entire thing because someone broke my case, when I got it back together I tried to start the car and now it won't go in gear and the steering wheel is locked. This may have happened when I changed the front buls because it was out too, any help appreciated.

[@AdrienneLawley]

It's like every time I fix something, I break something else, lol. I fixed the side view mirror, now the door won't unlock and my lights are shorted

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

I dont believe those systems are related, but best of luck!

[@AdrienneLawley]

@@Explorer-pj1nx Thanks, I found out what caused it, somehow I set off the auto alarm or shut down feature of the car, I found a hack online that said to turn the key in the ignition about halfway not fully engaging the lock to unlock and hold it for 60 seconds. I did that, got in the car and it started.

[@AdrienneLawley]

gotta be the driver's door

[@AdrienneLawley]

@@Explorer-pj1nx One more thing, you video is the best! I loved the "getting the bulb out" hack, I used a car shade strap, so cool to know

[@GM-en2xf]

This is a little off subject. Have a 2016 Forester. For the last two weeks or so sporadically the tail lights and the light on the exterior of the hatch come on for unknown reason. All the doors are shut and locked, the light switch for head lights and such is in the off position. Go inside and about an hour or so some times longer the tail lights and hatch light are on. Go out and check to make sure every thing is turned off open and close all the doors including the hatch, but the lights continue to be on. Turning the light switch on a few times has no effect on turning the lights off. Yesterday checked the lights 3 times 5pm 9pm 2am and lights were off. Checked at 7am and the lights were on. Any one have any suggestions?

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Christ, that sounds absolutely bizarre! Unfortunately I can't even begin to fathom what could be causing that. I'd reccomend taking it to a dealer and seeing what they think. Maybe a bad relay? That's super strange though. Hope you get it sorted.

[@GM-en2xf]

@@Explorer-pj1nx thanks for your reply

[@joelf5565]

I have 2018 Forester 2.5 limited. Is mine the only one that has a tamper screw obstructing the brake bulb removal? I'm starting to think my dealer did it to scam people in paying stupid money for a simple bulb change.

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Might not be a bad idea to pick up a set of tamper bits! Those are always handy.

[@davidhaysbuckley]

Thanks for this great video! Please explain what “tamper bits” are?

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Tamper bits are bits that are specifically designed and are an unusual pattern, no that you need a different type of bit to remove it (beyond a flathead/ Phillip's head)

[@HunterXray]

The bottom bulb is NOT a brake light. It's only a running light.

[@yukon1dave]

Using a strap let me pop the assembly off in seconds. Thanks ,

[@CanuckMonkey]

2 brake lights?

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

I'll be honest im not 100% sure, but I think its just 1?

[@jaksmith6465]

OMFG !!!!

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Did it work for you?

[@jaksmith6465]

@@Explorer-pj1nx yea, once I got my belt on and pulled even a little, it popped right off

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Good stuff! Pass that knowledge along to someone who needs it some day

[@davidlo2259]

The camera angle is the worst on KZbin

[@Explorer-pj1nx]

Wah wah wah

[@00dreamer00]

Do you know if I need to replace my bulbs? My tail lights won't turn but only when I brake they'll turn on? Is this a light bulb problem