Parts for your 2006 Subaru Impreza-Interior bulbs

2006 Subaru Impreza interior bulbs — what they do and how to look after them

Yes, the 2006 Subaru Impreza is fitted with interior bulbs. Technical references including the Subaru Owner’s Manual for MY2006 Impreza and the Subaru Service Manual (Body/Lighting section) specify courtesy/dome, map, vanity, glove box and cargo/boot lamps using 12V replaceable bulbs. Depending on trim, common fitments are W5W/T10 wedge bulbs and 31 mm festoon (DE3175) types.

Interior bulbs in a 2006 Impreza make everyday driving that bit easier — lighting up the cabin so it’s simple to find things after dark, read a map, or load the boot. They’re small, cheap and easy to service, but they do work hard and eventually fade or fail. As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to check they’re all working and swap any that look dim or patchy.

Typical locations and bulb styles include:

• Front map lights (usually W5W/T10 wedge)
• Dome/courtesy light (W5W/T10 wedge or 31 mm festoon, depending on trim)
• Vanity mirror lights (often small festoon)
• Glove box light (W5W/T10 wedge)
• Boot/cargo light (W5W/T10 wedge or festoon)

Replacement is straightforward: switch the light to OFF, let the old bulb cool, then gently pry the lens with a plastic trim tool to avoid marking the housing. Pull the bulb straight out (wedge) or unclip it (festoon), seat the new one firmly, and test before refitting the lens. For LED upgrades, note polarity — if it doesn’t light, flip it 180°. Stick to the correct size and wattage listed in the owner’s manual to avoid heat damage. If a light won’t come on, also check the relevant fuse in the interior fuse box and make sure the lamp switch is in the DOOR position if you want it to operate with the doors.

For best results during a service, give the lamp lenses a quick clean with a soft cloth, dusty lenses cut light output. If going LED, choose quality, warm-white units for a factory look and no flicker. The Impreza’s interior circuits typically don’t throw bulb-out errors, but very low-quality LEDs can ghost faintly — a proper CAN-compatible or resistor-equipped LED usually sorts that. Lastly, if all interior lights stay on, inspect the door ajar switches and the dome light switch position before chasing wiring.

Popular questions

What interior bulb sizes fit a 2006 Subaru Impreza?
Most trims use W5W/T10 wedge bulbs for map, glove box and often the boot, with a 31 mm festoon (DE3175) or another W5W in the dome, and small festoons in the vanity mirrors. Always confirm against the 2006 Impreza owner’s manual or match the old bulb before buying.

Subaru varied bulbs by market and trim, so a quick visual check ensures you get the right size first go.

Can the interior bulbs be upgraded to LEDs?
Yes, they’re a simple plug-in upgrade. Choose the correct sizes (T10/W5W and 31 mm festoon are common), observe polarity, and pick warm-white for a factory vibe. Avoid high-wattage or poor-quality LEDs that can flicker or glow faintly.

Good LEDs run cooler and last longer, brightening the cabin without cooking the housings.

Why do my interior lights stay on in my Impreza?
Check the dome switch isn’t set to ON, then look at door-ajar switches and the boot latch. If a switch sticks, the car thinks a door’s open. If the bulbs and switches are fine, inspect the fuse and wiring as per the service manual’s lighting diagnostics.

Cleaning or replacing a faulty door switch usually sorts it without drama.