The Subaru Outback dates back to 1995. The 2005 model is part of the third-generation Outback, which was produced between 2003 and 2009. Changing the 2005 Outback's headlights is a simple procedure, even if you aren't experienced in automotive maintenance. Like most modern vehicles, the Outback uses a lens-style headlight. Rather than replacing the entire unit, you simply replace the bulb. The Outback's headlight case holds three bulbs: the low-beam bulb, the high-beam bulb and the turn-signal bulb. In most cases, you'll be replacing the low-beam bulbs, but the procedure to replace the high-beams is similar.
Turn the engine off. Open the hood and support it with the rod. Examine the back of the headlight to find the low-beam bulb. The low-beam headlight bulb is the center bulb in your headlight assembly.
Turn the low-beam bulb's plastic cover counterclockwise until it slides off. This gives you access to the bulb inside. Press the tab on the bulb connection; pull the connection away to disconnect it from the headlight.
Push the metal retainer spring upward. This spring secures the headlight bulb; with it detached, the headlight comes off easily. Slide the old bulb out and discard it.
Place the new bulb in the mount. Push down the metal retainer spring; tuck the edge into the clip on the side to secure it. Reconnect the electrical connection to the rear of the bulb. Reattach the cover; turn it clockwise to tighten it.
Turn the engine off. Open the hood and prop it with the rod. Locate the high-beam bulb on the rear of the headlight case. It is the inboard bulb (the one closest to the Outback's grille emblem).
Unplug the connection from the high-beam bulb. Grasp the base of the bulb; turn it counterclockwise to unhook it, and pull it straight out.
Carefully insert the replacement bulb. Turn it clockwise to lock it. Reattach the connection to the rear of the bulb.
