To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

headlight replacement

B

billconner

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 20, 2021
Messages
6,971
Location
Thousand Islands NYS
2018 Subaru Outback. Left DRL is not working. The little strip above main headlights. Dealer says $1100. $900 part and $200 labor. Supervisor said I might find a non-oem for as little as $500. It is all of the lighting in that corner.

I may poke around and see if I can find any loose connections or like but seems unlikely.

Any suggestions? I can afford it but sure would like to find a good but less expensive solution.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
7

75gmck25

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 21, 2014
Messages
1,328
Location
Alexandria, VA
Is there an accessible connector you can unplug, and then check to see its getting voltage when the lights are on? It's an expensive part to replace if the problem is really just a chafed or broken wire.

The other possibility is an issue with the body control computer in the car. In many new cars the lights are not switched directly, but are managed through the computer.
 
G

gba2331

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 22, 2021
Messages
781
DRL isn’t required for inspection in VA so I’ve never bothered to replace my ^%&5# "headlight assembly"
 
OP
B

billconner

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 20, 2021
Messages
6,971
Location
Thousand Islands NYS
zendriver said:
Is this it?

Subaru Outback Sealed Beam Headlight. Lens and Body Head - 84913AL04A | Royal Subaru, Bloomington IN

Sealed Beam Headlight. Lens and Body Head Lamp (Right). Subaru Outback. Genuine Subaru Part - 84913AL04A. Ships from Royal Subaru, Bloomington IN
parts.royaleastsubaru.com

$200 labor? :sad:
Click to expand...
When I click "confirm this fits" find it does not fit my 2018 Outback GT.


I looked under the hood and lots of other things to remove and put back. I think it's 1 hour of technician time. And the service guy who apologized before telling me price, did at end offer 10% off.

There are besides two halogen lights a strip of LED and a turn signal, a lot of chrome and clear, and motors as the lights focus and I think turn. (Like the '48 Tucker.)

I've only started to search for sources and YouTube's to diy. And struggling with the OEM vs aftermarket vs junkyard/used idea - and lean towards OEM but a used one from a junkyard and the process of removing it to learn how has some appeal. Of course taking it in for 6 month check up next week and driving out with headlight fixed has some appeal as well.


Thank you all for sharing your thoughts!
 
OP
B

billconner

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 20, 2021
Messages
6,971
Location
Thousand Islands NYS
75gmck25 said:
Is there an accessible connector you can unplug, and then check to see its getting voltage when the lights are on? It's an expensive part to replace if the problem is really just a chafed or broken wire.

The other possibility is an issue with the body control computer in the car. In many new cars the lights are not switched directly, but are managed through the computer.
Click to expand...
Have planned to check this. Right side works so thinking computer is fine. Do plan to look for loose wiring. Maybe should ask dealer if they did anybody that.

Also bil suggested trying local body shop. I did find what represented itself as OEM and fitting for around $500 and thought body shop might install it, doubt dealer would. They also might have sources and knowledge of after
market options. At 7 years and 100,000 miles OEM might not be worth the additional cost.
 
M

mike93lx

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 9, 2013
Messages
37,848
Location
Richmond, VA
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
C

cgrutt

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 4, 2016
Messages
8,356
There may be a resistor pack that controls the DLR. May need to replace or loose connection? I understand if you disconnect connector to the resistor block it will disable DRL both sides. The pack should be located behind one of the headlights.

Should look something like this.

a_20160622_1232238986.jpg
 
OP
B

billconner

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 20, 2021
Messages
6,971
Location
Thousand Islands NYS
cgrutt said:
There may be a resistor pack that controls the DLR. May need to replace or loose connection? I understand if you disconnect connector to the resistor block it will disable DRL both sides. The pack should be located behind one of the headlights.

Should look something like this.

a_20160622_1232238986.jpg
Click to expand...
Resistor pack different from an LED driver? LEDs don't usually fail but drivers do. That was my thought but everything looks sealed in its own plastic case. Will investigate under hood later today.
 
C

cgrutt

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 4, 2016
Messages
8,356
billconner said:
Resistor pack different from an LED driver? LEDs don't usually fail but drivers do. That was my thought but everything looks sealed in its own plastic case. Will investigate under hood later today.
Click to expand...
Sorry that resistor module may only be on vehicles with halogen lights I'm not sure if the DRL are LED.
 
Z

zendriver

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 10, 2014
Messages
30,129
Location
Indiana
mike93lx said:
At a dealer, that's what, 1.25 hrs? Lots of cars require removal of bumper covers to get to lights
Click to expand...
Fair enough, guess luckily I'm stuck in the past. Some are a nightmare.

I just removed both my passenger side headlight assemblies on '01 Silverado in literally under two minutes. The newer trucks are more a chore to deal with. Even the '14 Highlander comes right out.

Remember when the Malibu went from simple to removing the bumper, for access.
 
L

Lou's Garage

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 12, 2008
Messages
582
Location
Anderson, SC
If you do go aftermarket, look for CAPA certified. It should be a match to OEM specifications, possibly made by the OEM supplier.

Lou Manglass
 
W

Wrench97

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 23, 2018
Messages
12,147
Location
Southeastern Pa
OP
B

billconner

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 20, 2021
Messages
6,971
Location
Thousand Islands NYS
Chuckster in NJ said:
You can find out more information at a dedicated forum like: www.subaruoutback.org
Click to expand...
Interesting but not simple. Some one looking for same part but then adds "I want to do the diode dynamics c- light switchback turn signal upgrade so I want brand new or pretty close." Like what are they talking about?

My bil who is pretty good at this stuff could not find a YouTube on how to replace this assembly.

Thinking either ignore it, pay dealer, or find a junk yard and learn how to hands on removing it. Will check with local body shop.
 
C

Chuckster in NJ

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
2,317
Location
Hunterdon County NJ
billconner said:
Interesting but not simple. Some one looking for same part but then adds "I want to do the diode dynamics c- light switchback turn signal upgrade so I want brand new or pretty close." Like what are they talking about?

My bil who is pretty good at this stuff could not find a YouTube on how to replace this assembly.

Thinking either ignore it, pay dealer, or find a junk yard and learn how to hands on removing it. Will check with local body shop.
Click to expand...
I feel your pain!…..….. We had a Lexus LS460 that was like a puzzle to access certain areas to do a simple repair and I always found the "Brand Specific" forums to be very handy and full of knowledge.
When I changed to rear struts on the Lexus basically the rear seat area had to be removed and when you had to change a headlight bulb the front bumper had to be removed along with other components.
it sux that you have to go back to the stealership for simple repairs.
Subaru's are "weird cars" to work on according to a few indy mechanics but they are dependable.

BTW! The "switchback LED bulb" is a single bulb that changes colors…….. EG: normal white color while running and when you apply voltage to the third wire it changes to yellow and the "switches back" to white after the third wire is de energized. These bulbs are used on clear lens taillights or headlights.
 
W

Wrench97

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 23, 2018
Messages
12,147
Location
Southeastern Pa
billconner said:
Interesting but not simple. Some one looking for same part but then adds "I want to do the diode dynamics c- light switchback turn signal upgrade so I want brand new or pretty close." Like what are they talking about?

My bil who is pretty good at this stuff could not find a YouTube on how to replace this assembly.

Thinking either ignore it, pay dealer, or find a junk yard and learn how to hands on removing it. Will check with local body shop.
Click to expand...
Removing the bumper cover is the biggest part of the job, the headlight itself will have 3 or4 bolts and a couple of wire connectors.

1750017239974.png
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom