Fits: 2015-2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI (VA), sedan, all trims. Direct replacement for the factory lamps, no modification needed.
These steps cover all three builds: Smoke Red, Smoke White and Smoke RGB. They share the same housing and install the same way; the RGB build has an app setup section at the end.
About the RGB build: it is controlled through the Happy Lighting app over Bluetooth and does not ship with a remote. The RGB panel runs on a white substrate, so brake, tail, turn and reverse always show their correct road colours no matter what colour you set.
Before You Start
- Switch the car off before unplugging anything, and disconnect the negative battery terminal while handling wiring.
- Use clean towels or masking tape around painted panels and trim edges. Do not pry against paint.
- Do a full side before starting the other, so the original lamp stays as a reference.
- Do not put dielectric or weather-sealing grease on connectors or sockets.
- Leave the trunk trim open until every function has passed testing.
Required Tools
- Trim removal tool or panel clip tool
- Metric socket and ratchet set
- Phillips and flat screwdrivers
- Clean microfiber towels and masking tape
- Electrical tape and zip ties for the supplied harness
- A helper for brake light and turn signal testing
Part 1: Remove the Factory Tail Lights
Step 1: Open Rear Access
Open the trunk and remove only the trim panels, access covers or clips you need to reach the lamp fasteners.
Step 2: Expose the Fasteners
Fold the liner or sound insulation back carefully so the clips survive for reassembly.
Step 3: Support and Unfasten
Hold the lamp with one hand while removing its nuts, bolts or clips.
Step 4: Disconnect
Press each lock tab and pull on the connector body, not on the wires.
Step 5: Release the Lamp
Pull the lamp straight out along its locating pins. Do not pry against a painted panel.
Part 2: Install the New Tail Lights
Step 6: Compare the Two Lamps
Set the old and new lamp side by side. Transfer a bulb holder, seal, bracket or decorative piece only if the original clearly carries something the new lamp does not.
Step 7: Connect
Match each connector to the corresponding vehicle connector and confirm the lock tab clicks home.
Step 8: Route and Secure the Wiring
Run any extension or controller wire along the factory trim or grommet path. Zip-tie it clear of hinges, latch movement, the weather seal, exhaust heat and sharp sheet metal.
Step 9: Seat and Fasten
Align the locating pins and check the body gaps, then tighten the original retainers evenly without overtightening plastic mounts.
Step 10: Test Before the Trim Goes Back
- Running and parking lights on both sides.
- Brake lights, with a helper on the pedal.
- Left and right turn signals and hazards — confirm the sweep fires in sequence on both sides.
- Reverse lights, with the car safely in reverse and the parking brake on.
- Check for dashboard warnings, hyperflash or flicker.
With everything passing, refit the trim and close the trunk slowly to confirm no wire is stretched or pinched.
Smoke RGB Build: Happy Lighting App Setup
- The Happy Lighting app controls the colors and animation modes. The startup animation is preset and cannot be changed.
- Download: search for "Happy Lighting" in the App Store or Google Play, or scan the QR code on the controller box.
- Pairing: turn on Bluetooth on your phone. Open the app, tap the menu icon (arrow 1), and select your device from the list (arrow 2).
- Color: tap the Adjust tab (arrow 3) and use the color wheel (arrows 4 and 5) to choose a solid color.
- Dynamic modes: tap the Music or Mode tab (arrow 6) to choose an animation. Use slider 8 to adjust speed and slider 9 to adjust brightness.
Road use. Colour modes are for show and display use where permitted. Brake, tail, turn and reverse keep their correct road colours whatever colour you set, but confirm every road-light function works normally before using a colour mode.
Common Issues and Solutions
One tail light does not turn on. Recheck the main connector and any side-specific extension wire. Inspect the pins inside each connector; if any are bent, carefully straighten them with a small precision tool and reconnect securely.
A function behaves wrongly. Stop and recheck the connector choice and wire routing before moving pins or changing any wiring.
Warning, flicker or hyperflash. Confirm any included decoder, resistor or adapter is fitted exactly as intended for this product and trim.
RGB does not respond. Confirm you have the Smoke RGB build, that the controller has power, and that Happy Lighting is paired over Bluetooth. This build has no remote.
Trim will not sit flush. Check for a trapped harness, a misaligned clip, a folded weather seal or a grommet that is not seated.
Condensation inside the tail light. Temperature differences can cause light condensation, which is normal. Once the light has been on for a while and the internal temperature stabilizes, the moisture clears on its own. It does not affect brightness, performance, or lifespan.
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