Replacing parker bulb on MY06

[apsilon]

Hi All,

Just wondering what the easiest way to replace the parker bulb on a MY06 Forester is? The bulb connector can't be seen within the engine bay but surely you don't have to remove the headlight assembly (which itself seems to require removing the front bar at a quick glance) just to replace a globe?

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[Ratbag]

Gidday Matt

I just checked my MY06. The bulb holders for the parking lights are at the inner end of each of the headlight units, just next to the radiator.

In doing this, I discovered that there is a second adjustment screw for the "toe-in/toe-out" of the headlight unit as a whole, in addition to the up/down adjustment screw. Thanks ... :ebiggrin: :biggrin:.

 

[apsilon]

OK, I had another look and can see the connector but there's no way I can remove it. I can get a finger on it between the radiator support and the radiator top shroud that's formed by part of the front bar.

I really don't see a way to do it without removing, at least partially, the front bar.

 

[mr turbo]

I'm not sure about the MY06 but I know that with the MY05 (my Forry) you have to remove the entire light to gain access to be able to replace the parking light globes.
I realize that you have a different model to mine, but I'm guessing that Subaru continued to do the same stupid thing when they did the facelift etc with the MY05 to the MY06.

Hope this helps somewhat.

Regards
Mr Turbo

 

[Ratbag]

Which side is it?

On the P/S, loosen the clips holding the grill frame in along the top. This allows enough room to get your fingers and needle nose pliers in to turn the bulb holder counter-clockwise. Once loose, you can pull it back far enough to get it facing upwards. Change the bulb. Put the bulb holder back in the hole. Holding it securely in place with your other hand's finger, use the needle nose pliers to turn it clockwise to lock it in place again.

I have just done this.

On the D/S, it would seem that it would be far easier to buy a pair of really cheap and nasty needle nose pliers with a 45° offset, as you have to turn it towards you, and there isn't sufficient room to do this with straight needle nose pliers. Maybe if one were a neurosurgeon, it would help ... :rotfl:.

Anyway, it is possible to change these bulbs without disabling the air bag system and removing the front bumper cover. Just ...

[EDIT] PS: Mr T. They did change it for MY06 onwards. Not necessarily for the better ... [end edit]

 

[apsilon]

Thanks guys, not urgent so I'll have another look next weekend. I'm amazed that they'd make something like this so difficult. It should be a 30sec job. I was barely able to change the headlight bulbs (that's why I noticed the parker was out) without pulling the battery on the P/S and part of the airbox on the D/S. If I had large hands I'm not sure I could've done it.

 

[Ratbag]

You ought to try the bloody bulbs on the bloody Camry ...

Headlight bulbs weren't a problem ...

Every other bulb required that one damaged the bodywork or paint in some fashion. WHATEVER HAPPENED to good, old-fashioned screw fittings ... . I am convinced that modern cars (our two Subarus included) are held together with concealed and un-removable clips and press fittings.

 

[stephendean]

Yep replacing park lights on a later model 2005/ early 2006 forester is a pain. Managed to do the passenger side with not to much skin lost. But the drivers' side is a different story. Will invest in some cheap needle nose pliers and mod them. Then install some LED's. I certainly do not want to do it again.