Fits: 2022-2026 Subaru WRX (VB), all trims. Direct replacement for the factory lamps, no modification needed.
These steps cover both sets and every build in them. The removal and fitting are identical — what changes is the light signature and, on the RGB builds, which app controls it.
- Dragon-Scale: Clear White, Clear Red, Smoke White, Smoke Red, and Smoke Digital.
- C Shape: Clear White, Clear Red, Smoke White, Smoke Red, Clear RGB, and Smoke RGB.
Every build runs an amber sequential sweep, a dedicated high-intensity brake stage above the running light, a white reverse section from the centre of each housing, and a startup welcome animation on ignition.
Which app you need: the Dragon-Scale Smoke Digital build uses Star Light Running and ships with a one-touch remote. The C Shape Clear RGB and Smoke RGB builds use Happy Lighting and have no remote. The static builds in both sets have neither. Both RGB systems run 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 — confirm the brake stage steps up in intensity over the running light.
- Left and right turn signals and hazards — confirm the amber sweep fires in sequence on both sides.
- Reverse lights — confirm clean white light from the centre of each housing, with the car safely in reverse and the parking brake on.
- Startup welcome animation on ignition.
- 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.
Dragon-Scale Smoke Digital: Star Light Running App Setup
1. Remote control. The remote ships paired with the lamps and returns the whole panel to solid red with one press. If it does not respond, check the battery tab has been pulled out, then press the brake pedal and hold the remote button for 10 seconds to pair it again.
2. Animation control. The app controls the running-light animations. The startup animation is preset and cannot be changed.
3. Download the app. Search for "Star Light Running" in the App Store or Google Play, or scan the QR code on the controller box.
4. Bluetooth connection. Open the app, tap Add Device (Figure 2), open the interface (Figure 3), and select the nearby device.
5. Adjusting modes.
- Dynamic mode: the number in the center of the blue box shows the current mode. Tap + or - to switch effects, or AUTO to cycle through all of them.
- Static color: drag the color wheel in the green box, or tap a preset color. This stops any running animation.
- Brightness: drag the slider in the first row of the red box.
- Speed: drag the slider in the last row of the red box.
Tip: if you used the older "Light Running" app and have trouble connecting, use "Star Light Running", the upgraded version.
C Shape Clear RGB and Smoke RGB: 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 you set, but confirm every road-light function works normally first. On the Digital build, use the remote to return the panel to solid red for driving.
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.
The app will not find the lights. Check you are using the right app for your build: Star Light Running for the Dragon-Scale Digital, Happy Lighting for the C Shape RGB builds. Then confirm the controller has power, and that Bluetooth and Location Services are on (Android needs Location for Bluetooth scanning). The static builds have no app function at all.
The remote does not respond. Only the Dragon-Scale Digital build ships with a remote. Check the battery tab has been removed.
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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