Subaru tribeca 2006 i cannot turn on headlights there are 3 lights on each side of the car, i can turn on the 2 smaller lights but the main headlight only goes on when i turn on flash. any ideas? i bought the car in switzerland and have only a french manual

ALL ELSE WORKS
CAR DRIVES?, HEATER AND A/C WORKS OK?

The headlight switch is part of a muti-switch the runs the lights on one side and wipers on the other. They are not cheep.
1) remove air bag
2) remove steering wheel
3) remove steering colum covers
4) unplug multi- switch (there may be 2 screws that hold the plug to the colum
5) remove screws (I think there is 4 screws) that hold multi-switch
6) remove muti-switch. (there may be a ty-wrap or wire harness holder you will need to free the wires from)
7) reverse order to reinstall

VERY GOOD ONCE ONE LIGHT GOES OUT THE OTHER IS SOON TO FOLLOW,

I just spent five hours replacing the passenger side bulb because I did not know to leave the spring alone. I then replaced the bulb and when I went to check the headlight, the drivers side blew out. 5 minutes job turned into five hours.

Inspect/Replace There can be slight variations in procedure from one model to another when replacing headlights. For instance, on some models the turn signal light assembly must be removed before the headlight can be replaced. Overall, however, the procedure does not differ much from the following typical instructions.
Make sure the replacement bulb is the same type and part number as the one that is being replaced.
Comparing the old and ther replacement headlamps. To Replace:

• Remove the headlight bezel retaining screws. Remove the bezel. If necessary, disconnect the turn signal lamp wires.
• Remove the retaining ring screws from one or both lights.
• Remove the retaining rings.
• Remove the light from the housing. Disconnect the wiring connector from the back of the light.
• Push the wiring connector onto the prongs at the rear of the new light.
• Place the new light in the headlight housing. Position it so the embossed number in the light lens is on the top.
• Place the retaining ring over the light and install the retaining ring screws. Tighten them slightly.
• Check the aim of the headlight and adjust it, if necessary.
• Install the headlight bezel. Secure it with the retaining screws.
• Connect the turn signal lamp wiring (if it was disconnected).

This website sucks. It says it has one solution to a problem and shows none where you click there. What a fraud!!

We have an 05 Legacy and I've done this. Tribeca should be the same way: Look through the engine bay behind the light, you can locate the position by following the wires which actually connect to the bulb assembly. The bulb assembly ought to be removable with a 1/4-1/2 turn and pull motion. Be sure to not touch the replacement bulb with your bare hands. Your Subaru service ought to help you with this and not charge you......

Same problems. I'm willing to bet that Subaru outsourced their light manufacturing to China, seeing as how the quality of the bulbs are so poor.

I bought a 2006 Tribeca in late 2007 with 27K miles on it. Have about 47K miles on it now and have changed out both sets of the headlight bulbs twice. At present the side puddle light is out and I also need to replace one rear brake light and 1 rear running light. I've kept my last two cars (Nissan & Ford) for no less than 5 years a piece but, I've never had, or heard of so many crappy light bulb issues.

On one occasion, both headlights went out at the same time while returning home from the grocery store at dusk. I stopped at an Advance Auto parts to get bulbs and fix it in the lot but, quickly found out it's going to take a lot more work vs. previous cars I've owned and/or worked on. Not very safe and considerate Subaru!

While I'm sharing, I also had another hazardous issue come up recently. While driving back to VA from MI, the wiper blades ceased keeping the windshield clean. It was snowing a bit and the roads were wet and dirty. I stopped at an Advance, and at a Meijers, and was advised that they only carry the rear wiper blades for 2006, and would have to go to a Subaru Dealer to get the blades. Again, not very safe and considerate thinking on the part of our friends at Subaru.

I like the car but simple maintenance matters are way too complicated and unsafe.

The usual reason it would seem the length of use would be shortened is that most Subaru owners leave there lights on every where they go day and night. Really does shorten the time in days but not really the time of being on. Just a thought. Happy trails.

DO NOT buy bulbs anywhere other than SUBARU as replacement. They are specifically long life bulbs. Yes, availlable in other brands in other stores and more cost efficient but not in the long run..