What Size Bulbs Does a 1996 Chevrolet Express 1500 Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Easy (Plug and Play)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 1996 Chevrolet Express 1500 Have?
The 1996 Chevrolet Express 1500 features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9006 LED low beams and PC74 high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Express 1500 has been available from 1996 to 2014, and the 1996 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1996 Chevrolet Express 1500?
To upgrade the 1996 Chevrolet Express 1500 headlights to LED, you will need a 9006 LED LED kit for the low beams and a PC74 LED kit for the high beams. Start with the low beams since they are used most often and have the biggest impact on nighttime visibility. For the fog lights, a LED Fog Light LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 1996 Chevrolet Express 1500
The 9006 bulb uses a push-and-twist L-shaped bayonet lock. To remove the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness first, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out. Older model years like the 1996 Express 1500 typically offer easy access to the headlight bulbs from behind the headlight assembly under the hood. Most owners can complete the swap in under 10 minutes per side. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Skin oils create hot spots that shorten bulb life. Wear clean gloves or handle the bulb by its plastic base only. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the LED Fog Light fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
1996 Chevrolet Express 1500 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9006 LED | Buy 9006 LED |
High Beam | PC74 | Buy PC74 |
Fog Light | LED Fog Light | Buy LED Fog Light |
Brake Light | PC74 | Buy PC74 |
Side Marker | 194 LED | Buy 194 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 2057NA LED | Buy 2057NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 2057 LED | Buy 2057 LED |
Reverse Light | 1141 | Buy 1141 |
Dome Light | 211-2 | Buy 211-2 |
License Plate | 194 | Buy 194 |
Map Light | 561 | Buy 561 |
Parking Light | 2057NA | Buy 2057NA |
Trunk Light | LED Light | Buy LED Light |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1996 Chevrolet Express 1500How Long Do 1996 Chevrolet Express 1500 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1996 Chevrolet Express 1500 have an expected lifespan of 500 to 1,000 hours, which works out to roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use. Signs of a failing halogen bulb include noticeably dimmer output, a yellowish tint compared to the other headlight, or intermittent flickering. At 30 years old, the original bulbs on your Express 1500 are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.
What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 1996 Chevrolet Express 1500?
The 9006 low beam bulb on the 1996 Chevrolet Express 1500 is cross-compatible with HB4 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, 9006 is the recommended size because it is optimized for the wattage and beam pattern designed into your headlight housing. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.
1996 Chevrolet Express 1500 Headlight FAQ
Did Chevrolet Express 1500 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1996 to 2014, the Chevrolet Express 1500 has seen bulb size changes in the High Beam, Brake Light and Turn Signal Front positions. The 1996 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2003. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1996 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Express 1500 Years
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Other Vehicles That Use 9006 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 9006 LED low beam bulb: