Getting Rid of the QUIRKS! | Subaru Outback Wilderness

[@cindylk11]

I believe the whole purpose of vanity lights, is to provide a soft, warm glow. If there’s one thing a woman doesn’t like, it’s seeing all of her imperfections in a mirror with a bright led lightbulb.😂😊

[@ronfromportland]

😂😂😂

[@TommyBlazeHD]

The vanity lights in the mirror remain unchanged. Those are map lights, and they help you see better in the car at night, or if you go camping. Which many ppl do when they buy these Outbacks.

[@cindylk11]

@@TommyBlazeHD I own a 2023 Outback XT, so the map/ cabin lights are pretty bright.

[@dlg5485]

@@cindylk11 I own a '23 Touring XT and the map/dome LEDs from factory absolutely suck. They are dimmer than halogen...and they can't be upgraded because, according to the main Outback forum discussions, they are permanently integrated into the circuit board above, probably to save 2 cent, so I am are stuck with them.

[@kwelitysoul]

I changed out to all LEDs minus the vanity for this reason lol

[@anvilhead59]

Not mandatory, just something you want. Which is okay. I have to ask, what's a "stock yellow" bulb? You mean an incandescent lamp. Vanity lights are set up to provide the correct kind of lighting for how you look in a social setting. If the lighting isn't right, your wife or girlfriend cannot verify her makeup is okay.

[@joemolinari4493]

Funny I was looking to change all the lights to warm to get rid of the hospital vibes in the car. Helpful video!

[@ronfromportland]

Hospital vibes 💀. Made me crack up hahaha

[@cujo8585]

Amazing video! Changing such small little things made such a huge difference on the overall feel of the car, those lights look awesome! I’m definitely doing this to my Wilderness, saving this video for future use 😆

[@willa1907]

Hey thanks for the video, just swapped out factory halogen to Diode Dynamics, cool white. They look great! Quick heads-up the 2024 has factory led bulbs for both interior dome lights, front and back of the car.

[@ronfromportland]

Good to know the 24s are LED! Thanks!

[@lumiboi]

Thanks for the great video. I just got a 24 OBW with the LED upgrade so luckily only needed to replace a couple bulbs out. The door lights had me a little on edge but used a pry tool like yours and eventually got them out 🤣 Used Diode Dynamics bulbs for those and the reverse lights and it looks great!

[@ronfromportland]

Yeah, the prying out the door lights made me feel a bit uneasy 😂. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@benjaminkniola1715]

After watching I had to do the same upgrades. Showed how easy it was, only took 10 minutes. Much nicer looking and easier to see.

[@ronfromportland]

Yup, it was super easy! Just gotta be extra careful with the plastic pieces but other than that it is straightforward. Thanks for watching the video.

[@cofffeejoe2079]

I’ll definitely be doing the reverse lights on my 23 OBW. I would have never realized they weren’t led if it wasn’t for this video.

[@ronfromportland]

Glad you found it! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@kippywylie]

​@@ronfromportland What about the 2024 Outback Limited? Does it have incandescent reverse lights?

[@ronfromportland]

@@kippywylie not too sure on that part but I’m assuming they are not LED

[@kippywylie]

@@ronfromportland I searched Amazon and found a vendor who assures me thier LED reverse lights will fit. Thanks for inspiration on this because after 2 months in this new 2024 Outback my one complaint is night backing up with its crappy camera & lights

[@Mackf92]

​@@kippywylie I just did mine today on my 21 outback limited. 10 minute job and a big improvement

[@LRPhotographer]

Thanks for the video. That made my life so much easier, as I dreaded having to figure out which bulbs to get for those exact three things. Congrats on the Outback Wilderness. Got mine in Geyser Blue too. And the extra door cladding and side molding you can get for it makes it look even sharper. :)

[@ronfromportland]

Glad to you found it helpful! I’m thinking of doing the extra cladding, I just keep going back and forth on the looks.

[@LRPhotographer]

@@ronfromportland I think my inclination toward the extra cladding and side molding is because, while I do like the Geyser Blue (which is why I got it), for someone my age it could be seen as a mid-life crisis color. lol My previous outback was Autumn Green, and it just had a bit more of a subdued vibe. I think the extra cladding and side molding help tone down the youthfulness of the blue a bit. It's the best in-between look I've been able to find for this color to try to keep me from looking like I'm trying to be younger than I am. 😄

[@ronfromportland]

@@LRPhotographer hahaha, I love the reasoning!

[@Hall7180]

I Used the Diode Dynamics XPR for my wife's 2023 Touring XT. Great Video.

[@ronfromportland]

Thank you 🙏

[@leoreal3456]

Thinks,it’s great video and nice showed.I just ordered 2024 Outback windless .

[@ronfromportland]

Thank you!

[@nevada2th]

Opposite problem - 2023 comes with LED’s in the trunk. I should have looked before I ordered. 😂 Thanks for all the cool mod ideas!

[@ronfromportland]

😂thanks for the good laugh

[@richg4now]

I have an Onyx Outback the trim color is green. I put green LED bulbs in my puddle lights. Prior to that I had a Forester Sport the trim color is orange so I put orange LED bulbs in the puddle lights.

[@ronfromportland]

Very nice! I thought about a different color but I’m sticking to this one for a while.

[@dx3200]

Not sure if many people are aware of turning your fob off from sending the signal to your car. My dealership didn’t know about it. It’s to help and prevent your Subaru from being stolen by someone picking up the signal your fob is constantly sending out. I always do it even when going shopping. Lock your car. Press the lock button and keep it depressed while pressing the unlock button twice. Then release the two buttons. You will get a red flash confirmation on your fob. Now if you approach your car and want to unlock it by grabbing the door handle, the door will not unlock because the car is not receiving the signal from the fob. To unlock just press the unlock button on the fob. Repeat the procedure when leaving your car parked. This will give you another layer of protection from your Subaru being stolen. Try it. It works. Hope all of you guys find it valuable information.

[@ronfromportland]

Thank you!

[@sgoldste02]

Thanks for the video! For the trunk light, which bulb model should we order (HP3 or HP5)?

[@ronfromportland]

I would go with the HP5 option for the trunk light since it’s a bigger space. HP5 is 92 lumens compared to the 56 lumens HP3.

[@Bajablast_scuba_cat]

That's really interesting. My 23 OBW has all the same non LED lights except the second row interior. That is in fact LED from the factory. Maybe in 6 years they'll have upgraded one light at a time so everything is finally LED 😂

[@ronfromportland]

Yeah, I heard that the 23 models come with LED upgrades! Maybe one year…one step at a time 😂

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

Ha ha same here but I think our hatch light is also led.

[@Gizmoduck.blatherskite]

hi, I wonder how to change the light bulb to LED in the glove box?

[@lcdcac]

@ronfromportland have you swapped your rear license plate lights? Great vid, thx.

[@ronfromportland]

Nope, the Outback came with LEDs from the factory and I’m pretty happy with the brightness of them. Thank you!

[@kmkkpb]

Thanks for the video! LED lights look a whole lot better. What about the rear turn signal blinkers? I believe they are not LED. What LED would you recommend for the rear turn signal blinkers (22 OB)

[@ronfromportland]

Thank you! I haven’t really gotten the chance to look into the rear blinkers but I might get a set from this company called Oxilam. Here’s a video I did with their LED blinkers when I had my WRX and they were BRIGHT! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4jXiZ2IqK1nrcksi=0Y0AEl_HpJpWrW_9

[@timflaherty2731]

For the Reverse light, why did you go with the HP5, and not something brighter? Would you recommend going brighter?

[@ronfromportland]

It got expensive quick, haha. These are bright enough for me though. I do suggest going brighter for the door lights though if you were in the market for those.

[@jparker1823]

Wish I found this video two weeks ago. Purchased some DD bulbs on sale for my wife's 18 OB, got the vanity bulbs for my 23 OB. Didn't know the backup and puddle bulbs were incandescent. The 23 dome was already LED. Wish I knew DD festoon bulbs are oversized too. For the 18 OB, I had to return 31mm bulbs for 29mm bulbs. Maybe I got a mislabeled batch.

[@ronfromportland]

Definitely sounds like a mislabel. Hopefully they took care of you!

[@jparker1823]

@ronfromportland We are now good with DD, they resolved my order. I went out and got some Zevo bulbs for the puddle lights since I had Advanced Auto Parts Rewards and the Zevo 168 are lifetime warranty. I noticed the DD and Zevo bulbs aren't as omnidirectional as the Kelly incandescent bulbs, but at least the light matches my approach lights now and the two lights kind of overlap anyway.

[@PRO4XKEV]

Nice ride. I am looking at getting a Forester Wilderness next year. I have a 2018 FXT Touring now, and love it, not sure if I will trade it in.

[@ronfromportland]

Thank you! The Forester Wilderness looks great. That was our first choice but we decided on the Outback for the turbo. Can’t go wrong either way!

[@chemuzio-ssir2015]

Trade it in. Your gonna love the Wilderness more lol

[@broinsocali]

Wow that is a lot brighter. Nice.

[@TCobb47]

Just ordered these lights. Thanks for sharing!

[@James-yy6gx]

Could You Show Us How To Change Outback Glove Box Light??😁

[@ronfromportland]

Haha, I definitely will if I ever change them out.

[@petethehawk5186]

I went with the warm white LEDs for the vanity lights. They’re much nicer than the stock bulbs and not as harsh as the cool whites. Took maybe 5 minutes to do all 4. I’m surprised your cargo light isn’t LED. It is on my 23 Onyx. I did the same back up LEDs and they’re a nice upgrade. I’ve got the door LEDs but haven’t gotten around to those yet.

[@ronfromportland]

I’m thinking about going to the warm whites to change things up a bit. Also looking to go brighter on the door lights.

[@id70b40]

What about the rear indicator (repeater) bulbs?

[@ronfromportland]

Never got around to doing the rear turn signals www.diodedynamics.com/rear-turn-signal-leds-for-2015-2023-subaru-outback-pair.html

[@wontonnoodles]

Do you happen to have the link LED bulb for the dome light? The light you point to at 3:11. Thank you!

[@ronfromportland]

For some reason, I couldn’t find that one on the Diode Dynamics site. Best check with them if this one would fit: www.diodedynamics.com/dome-light-led-for-2003-2022-subaru-legacy-one.html This one is the OEM one: parts.subaru.com/p/subaru_2022_Outback/LED-Upgrade---Dome-Light/71867692/H461SFL110.html

[@wontonnoodles]

Thank you! I’ll check with them.

[@ronfromportland]

@@wontonnoodles let me know what you find out 😃

[@carlcolvin8320]

I would recommend the yellow fog lights instead of the white. Reason being the white fog lights will reflect in the Snow and Fog

[@ronfromportland]

Yes, I agree 😃 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4qWgaSLeNyMh6csi=slpoEaW5kZC-LxR_

[@Skigate]

Thanks! Good video for Wilderness folks!

[@ronfromportland]

Just doing my best to share some knowledge! Thanks for watching the video!

[@K03sport]

on the reverse lights, how well does the new HP5 LED bulb use the reflector housing to throw more light backwards? Yes, the new DD LED lights are brighter out of the package, but do they take advantage of the reflector? The DD HP5 lights do have a more pronounced hot spot and lighting isn't uniform in the reverse location. No "Bulb out" messages?

[@ronfromportland]

I would say because of the bulb design, it doesn’t reflect backwards towards the housing.

[@timflaherty2731]

For the trunk light, do I want the 56, 92, or 210 Lumen bulb?

[@ronfromportland]

All personal preference really. If I could go back, I’d get the brightest option available (210).

[@CeeMeRun]

Thanks for the video. Any issues with the car software in accommodating the LEDs?

[@ronfromportland]

Nope, the bulbs are error free!

[@musicman6243]

Thanks very informative! We just got a new Crosstrek Sport and looking to upgrade to LED headlights.. hopefully not too difficult! Love the OW!!!

[@ronfromportland]

It’s very simple! Just be careful around the plastic pieces and you’ll be fine. Congrats on the Crosstrek! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@chemuzio-ssir2015]

I got a Crosstrek Sport as well. LED headlights is a must. I also used Diode Dynamic Products. I did the low beam bulbs, high beams/Daytime running bulbs, and the SS3 Fog lights in Sport and Amber color. Super nice products. They’re very easy to install. The only problem I encountered was with the high beam bulb. It wouldn’t fit because the rubber o-ring they come with is a bit on the thick side. So what I did was replace those o-rings with the ones from the original bulbs. Fitment was excellent. Can’t go wrong with Diode Dynamics

[@musicman6243]

@@chemuzio-ssir2015 awesome I bet the amber fog lights look cool!! Definitely will check out the DD products thanks 😊

[@79random]

If it has halogen housings, please just put a better halogen bulb in it. Signed every oncoming driver.

[@nickg9070]

The most natural light is 4000K. It is white without blue and yellow

[@calif-fisherman8285]

Awesome video!!! I'm learning a lot from your video!!! What should I install trunk light? HP3 (56 lumens), HP5 (92 lumens) or HP36 (210 lumens)? and what did you install for back seat light?

[@ronfromportland]

Thank you! I would get the brightest bulbs possible for the trunk light. For the back seat, I used an LED bulb from the dealership. Total rip off so I suggest buying this from Diode Dynamics!

[@jimkester3603]

I have a 2023 Outback Wilderness. Do you happen to have the replacement light number from Diodedynamics for the two map lights? Many thanks!! JK

[@ronfromportland]

I had trouble finding these ones but according to some searches, 31mm is the bulb size for the map lights. Best check with DD if the below is the correct size (I think it is). www.diodedynamics.com/31mm-hp6-led-bulbs.html

[@richierich859]

where did you get those copper valve cap ? looks good !

[@ronfromportland]

Thanks! Picked them up from eBay for like $6!

[@79random]

The trunk one annoys me. My wife paid for the optional led upgrade to interior lights but it did not include the trunk. Not sure why they had to half-ass this. Same as the reverse lights 🤷‍♂️

[@ronfromportland]

Crazy, and I’m sure they overcharge for it!

[@stevewest8930]

Great video - I have a 22 Outback running DD ditch lights. I’m looking to change out a few bulbs. My question- on the puddle lights you went with 56 lumens. I see DD also has a 92 lumen bulb available. Are you happy with the brightness of the 56 or next time would you go with the 92? BTW - the ceramic coating looks incredible!! Thanks for a quality video.

[@ronfromportland]

Thanks, Steve! I would definitely go a little brighter on the puddle lights. The 56 has this calm look to it but it won’t hurt to go brighter.

[@georgea2527]

Hi Steve, after seeing this video I went with the DD HP5 92 lumen lamps and they are nice and bright, not obnoxiously bright but nice to see the ground below. They are more money than the HP3 lamps but worth it in my opinion

[@rodneyboyd5280]

"This one will bother me..." I get it.

[@MrBobbyBrown2006]

Wonderfully informative video! Earned my sub and I look forward to future Wilderness related videos.

[@ronfromportland]

Thank you for that, I really appreciate it!!

[@timflaherty2731]

On the vanity light, you made a comment that "these ones are directional" What does that mean?

[@ronfromportland]

Meaning if you insert them and they don’t light up, it means they are installed backwards

[@MoJoNinjaGarage]

Dang man this video slipped by me but I got it now! It’s crazy how much better something as simple as led bulbs make such a great difference in how a car looks. The small things make the overall project come together……looks good brother.

[@ronfromportland]

All good bro! Man who said the Outback was a project! 😂😅

[@MoJoNinjaGarage]

@@ronfromportland yeah I know, I’m just waiting patiently for the performance upgrades……….Then that’s when it’s going to be going down. Your teasing right now but I know it’s coming!😉

[@ronfromportland]

@@MoJoNinjaGarage ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheCreateOutdoors]

Yeah I'm doing this on my Forester Wilderness. The mudflaps too, they look slick.

[@ronfromportland]

Awesome! 👌

[@derspeed5796]

You’re my new guinea pig. Thank you. 😉👍 So no codes? Are you going to swap the front signal bulbs? Definitely buy trim removal tools. Harbor freight sells them. You’re 100% right about frying the electronics. I had to change a headliner in an A3 Jetta. I fried the sunroof switch because I popped the switch and light assembly out with the key. I touched two solder points, and that was the end of it. I had to get a new switch. Luckily that’s the only thing that got cooked.

[@ronfromportland]

Thanks for checking out the video! No codes, the setup is great. I might try the front signal bulbs next. I wasn’t sure if it would be worth it since those are hard to see through the lens but I might just give it a shot. Yeah I’ve heard some horror stories like ECUs being fried from switching out bulbs with metal! I’ve done it on my BRZ but luckily the only damage was the door light wouldn’t illuminate at 100%. I left it as is, got super lucky.

[@derspeed5796]

@@ronfromportland Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@derspeed5796]

@@ronfromportlandI wanted to follow up with you. I’ve had my ‘23 Wilderness since 10/24. All of the headliner lights are LEDs from the factory. The vanity lights are filament as are the puddle lights. I’m going to change out the puddle lights. I’m not sure about the vanity lights yet. I got the heated mirrors and Homelink package, so my wing mirrors have lighted Subaru logos in the mirror glass that illuminate the sides of the car so you can see the doorhandles as you approach the car. It’s pretty cool. The reverse lights definitely need changed to LEDs. The stock lights seem dim in the reverse camera. I think I may install the footwell lights. It looks like an easy job. I had Xpel PPF installed on the entire hood and nose of the car by a professional. I installed headlight film from WeatherTech. It’s thin compared to the XPel headlight film I used on my BMW, so it was a lot easier to work with. I hope it holds up as well. I put yellow film on the fog lights.

[@suchjeff]

Thanks for this video! I just got the same reverse lights

[@ronfromportland]

Thanks for watching man! 🙏

[@danwynn5630]

I don’t get what you mean inside of the car direction? Facing forward the top or bottom?

[@ronfromportland]

The vanity lights? By directional it means they need to be installed a correct way. If it doesn’t illuminate, take the bulb out and flip it.

[@matthewridley5955]

Do these work in the forester wilderness also?

[@ronfromportland]

The bulbs should be similar but I’d check on their site to confirm fitment.

[@Bluewhaleaquatics]

Do the lights help make the back up camera a better view?

[@ronfromportland]

Slightly. I’ve had super bright ones in the past and it seemed to have messed with the camera and the night vision. These ones are just right.

[@kohort1]

I have a 2013 obw and the ceiling lights in the front and back seats are LED white but seems dim it at least maybe the color temperature doesnt illuminate the area very well. Does anyone else experience this?

[@ronfromportland]

Assuming you meant 2023 OBW? If it’s factory then they are not very bright.

[@kohort1]

@@ronfromportland oops...yeah my bad. But yeah thanks for confirming my notion, I'm probably going to change them. The one in the back gate too... What do you think would be a good wattage/lumen upgrade would be (just so I don't have to trial and error.) Generally, I like a color temp that's in the middle not too warm but not too white.

[@ronfromportland]

I would definitely stay away from the ‘cool white’. Possibly consider the ‘Natural White’ at the highest available lumens (92 lumens, 194/HP5). If that’s too warm then ‘pure white’ would be my next choice. Just a heads up that there are brighter/cheaper bulbs out there but I can’t speak on the quality of them.

[@ICregular]

Nice Video , thank you for the info I am going to do this as well . What light is the cabin light you mention around 3:18 ? You said you changed it before the video. Might as well get em all so I have to ask. Thanks!

[@ronfromportland]

The dome light I have for that one is the one from the dealer. parts.oregoncitysubaru.com/p/Subaru__Outback/LED-Upgrade---Dome-Light/71867692/H461SFL110.html?partner=googlebase_adwords&feedLabel=cvb_make_model&kwd=&matchtype=&device=m&network=g&userLocation=9052589&googleCampaignID=1675208055&googleAdGroupID=65006529516&googleAdID=324506527368&googleExtensionID=&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqOucBhDrARIsAPCQL1ZVbWnJUKl0-Tg29Vj9cvyKLvrYGgkly2mzGn8y8Q7kl29zI08KtckaAomaEALw_wcB I didn’t mention it because I wouldn’t pay that much for a bulb! I’m sure Diode Dynamics has something similar, I just didn’t get the chance to ask them.

[@ICregular]

@@ronfromportland Awesome! TY!

[@stevepowsinger733]

Interesting. I’ll have to think about it since I can just imagine slipping and breaking something.

[@Itsmiguelsvoice]

Thank you, ordered all of them.

[@matt.eggleton]

Excellent vid! Thank you!

[@ronfromportland]

Thanks for watching it!

[@spboy215-VC]

I wonder if Diode Dynamics will make a tail as turn module for these so you could increase the reverse lights to have a quad LED backup :D

[@ronfromportland]

I’m sure! Would be a nice upgrade 🔥

[@brightlee214]

Well done and very easy. I can rebuild the HID high beam and low beam by myself 👈👍🥳

[@ronfromportland]

Very nice! Thanks for watching the video!

[@bubbalo3388]

Changing out to brighter led lights is not so simple as it seems. Just because it looks brighter when one looks at it and it has an x amount more lumens does not necessarily make it brighter at night based on just lumens. I mean lumens does play a part. But a lot of it comes down to the spectrum of light of which plays into what one can see. You can have all the lumens you want, but if the spectrum is not right then you can actually see less at night. In the instance of headlights. A led light with a lot of lumens throwing out the wrong spectrum of light may look really bright when you are looking straight at it. But look down the road and you may see less than your stock light. Your eyes can only see certain spectrums of light. So what ever spectrum of light your light throws out and reflects off of objects back to your eyes you may not see all the details or colors accurately because things kind of blend together, like without your eyes being able to separate colors as the colors look muted or aren't represented properly and also can affect shades. This is just a loose explanation but research it for yourself.

[@ronfromportland]

Great info, thanks for sharing!

[@davidperri8862]

This guy is LED crazy

[@ronfromportland]

💯

[@Zanderthelab]

Did you upgrade the headlights? Cuz I think they are pretty bright already lol

[@ronfromportland]

Haha, nope. The headlights are stock. They really are bright!

[@dlg5485]

Honestly, I regret buying these because they simply aren't bright enough. I expected better brightness from DD. There are brighter LEDs available for the same or less money, so I recommend going with a different brand.

[@AntilleanConfederation]

If only the wilderness came in manual transmission 😢

[@ronfromportland]

Agree!!!!

[@resolution55555]

Why?😂

[@ronfromportland]

Because