What Size Bulbs Does a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu 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 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Have?
The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H11 LED low beams and H9 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Malibu has been available from 1997 to 2018, and the 2004 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu?
To upgrade the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu headlights to LED, you will need a H11 LED LED kit for the low beams and a H9 LED 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 880 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
The H11 bulb uses a quarter-turn bayonet mount that locks with a short twist. 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 2004 Malibu 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 880 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
High Beam | H9 LED | Buy H9 LED |
Fog Light | 880 LED | Buy 880 LED |
Brake Light | 912 LED | Buy 912 LED |
Side Marker | 194 LED | Buy 194 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 3157K LED | Buy 3157K LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 3057K LED | Buy 3057K LED |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Dome Light | 561 | Buy 561 |
License Plate | 194 | Buy 194 |
Map Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Parking Light | 3157KX | Buy 3157KX |
Trunk Light | 211-2 | Buy 211-2 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2004 Chevrolet MalibuHow Long Do 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu 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 22 years old, the original bulbs on your Malibu 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 2004 Chevrolet Malibu?
The H11 low beam bulb on the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is cross-compatible with H8, H9, H16 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, H11 is the recommended size because it is optimized for the wattage and beam pattern designed into your headlight housing. For the high beams, the H9 is interchangeable with H11, H8. 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.
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Headlight FAQ
Did Chevrolet Malibu Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1997 to 2018, the Chevrolet Malibu has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2004 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2016. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2004 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Malibu Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H11 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H11 LED low beam bulb: