2002 Subaru WRX Bulb Sizes

The 2002 Subaru WRX uses a mix of bulb types throughout its lighting system. Whether you need to replace a burnt out headlight or want to upgrade your interior lights, knowing the correct bulb sizes saves time and prevents buying the wrong parts. This guide lists all exterior and interior bulb sizes for the US-spec 2002 WRX sedan and wagon, and offers tips for selection and replacement.

Headlight Bulb Sizes

The 2002 Subaru WRX's headlights use separate bulbs for low and high beams. For the low beam, you'll need an H1 bulb. These bulbs are single filament and fit into a projector-style housing. The high beam uses a 9005 (HB3) bulb, which is a standard halogen style and provides the extra light needed for night driving on dark roads.

When replacing these bulbs, double check the wiring harness and ensure you do not touch the glass of new bulbs with bare hands. Oils from your skin can cause the bulb to fail prematurely. If you're considering an LED or HID upgrade, be aware that the factory wiring and reflector design was intended for halogen bulbs, so retrofits may require extra hardware and careful alignment to avoid glare.

Front Turn Signal, Parking, and Side Marker Bulbs

The front turn signals on the 2002 WRX take 1156 (BA15S) bulbs. These are single-filament bulbs that provide the flashing amber light used for signaling. The front parking lights use 194 bulbs, which are very common wedge-base bulbs found in many vehicles. The side marker lights, located in the front bumper, also use 194 bulbs. These small bulbs are easy to swap; just twist the socket out from the back of the light housing and pull the bulb straight out.

When replacing these bulbs, you can use either standard incandescent or compatible LED bulbs. If switching to LED, ensure the polarity matches and check that the light output is consistent. LEDs for turn signals may require a resistor or an electronic flasher to prevent hyperflashing.

Tail Light, Brake, and Rear Turn Signal Bulbs

In the rear, the WRX uses 7443 bulbs for both the tail/brake lights and the rear turn signals. The 7443 is a dual-filament bulb that handles both the running light and the brighter brake or turn light. For the reverse lights, use a 921 bulb, which is a smaller wedge-base bulb that provides white light when backing up.

For those considering an upgrade to LEDs in the tail lamps, ensure you pick bulbs that are labeled as 'CANbus compatible' to avoid bulb-out warnings or flicker. LED bulbs are often brighter and respond more quickly than incandescents, which can be a safety benefit.

License Plate, Trunk, and Interior Bulb Sizes

The license plate lights on the 2002 WRX use 168 or 194 bulbs, which are interchangeable wedge-base types. The trunk also uses a 194 bulb to illuminate your cargo area. For the dome light inside the car, you'll need a 194 bulb, and the map lights take 168 or 194 bulbs as well.

Interior bulb replacement is straightforward, but sometimes the plastic lens covers can become brittle with age. Use a trim removal tool or wrap a flathead screwdriver in tape to gently pry off the covers. If upgrading to LED, choose bulbs with a warm white color temperature to retain the factory look, or go for cool white for a modern feel.

Fog Light Bulb Size

The factory fog lights on the 2002 WRX use an H3 bulb. This is a single-filament halogen bulb with a wire lead. Replacing the H3 bulb requires removing the fog light assembly from the bumper. The H3 can be replaced with an equivalent LED bulb if desired, but make sure the replacement can handle the heat and moisture exposure common in fog light housings.

If your WRX did not come with factory fog lights, some aftermarket kits use different bulb types. Always verify the bulb base and mounting before ordering replacements or upgrades.

Instrument Cluster and HVAC Control Bulbs

The 2002 Subaru WRX uses small twist-lock bulbs for the instrument cluster and HVAC controls. The cluster bulbs are typically size T5 (also called #74) for the backlighting. The HVAC controls use similar T5 or T3 neo-wedge bulbs, depending on the position. Swapping these requires removing the cluster and HVAC panels, a process that takes some patience but can refresh the interior look.

For a custom appearance, colored LED replacements are available, but be aware that very bright LEDs can create uneven lighting or hotspots behind the gauges. Always test replacements before reinstalling the panels to ensure all indicators and backlights function correctly.

Bulb Replacement Tips and Common Issues

Replacing bulbs on the 2002 WRX is mostly a simple DIY job, but a few tips can help avoid headaches. Always disconnect the battery before working on exterior lights to prevent electrical shorts or shocks. When installing new halogen bulbs, use gloves or a clean cloth to avoid touching the glass. If switching to LED bulbs for turn signals or brake lights, check for hyperflashing; this rapid blinking happens because LEDs draw less current than stock bulbs, and can usually be fixed by installing load resistors or an LED-compatible relay.

Some WRX models may have aftermarket headlights or tail lights that use different bulb types. If your bulbs don't match the sizes listed here, check the housing or consult with the manufacturer. Also, aging sockets or corroded contacts can cause flicker or bulb failures. Clean any corrosion with electrical contact cleaner before installing new bulbs.

Frequently asked questions