How do you change the fog light bulb on 02 Outback sedan?

Answer 1

Changing 2002 Outback fog light bulbThere is a plastic panel on the underside of the car between the light and the front wheel. There is a single body panel clip that holds this panel in place, located behind the front bumper. These clips consist of a receiver, and a pin that inserts into the receiver that causes it to expand.

To remove the clip, you need to pry the center pin (smaller circle) out of the receiver (larger circle with 4 raised sections). Prying from one side will damage the pin, so pry from at least two sides until the pin is out far enough to grasp with pliers (I am sure the dealer has a special tool for this). Once the pin is removed, the receiver should come right out, allowing you to pull down the plastic panel.

Once the plastic panel is pulled down (do not try to remove completely), you can reach up and remove the bulb. It is a 1/4 turn release. After removing the bulb from the foglight, just unplug the old bulb and plug in the new bulb. Reinsert bulb and 1/4 turn to lock in place. Put plastic panel back in position, insert receiver completely into hole, then insert the pin.

You may want to purchase replacement clips ahead of time in case you damage the clip during removal. Driving without the clip in place would most likely damage the panel.