What Size Bulbs Does a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 Chrysler PT Cruiser Have?
The 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9006XS LED low beams and PC74 high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The PT Cruiser has been available from 2001 to 2010, and the 2004 model falls in the mid-generation years. As a Chrysler vehicle, it uses a CANbus electrical system that monitors bulb status.
LED Flicker Warning
This vehicle (Chrysler) is known to use a CANbus system that checks for burnt-out bulbs. Installing standard LEDs may cause them to flicker or trigger a dashboard error.
We highly recommend using a CANbus decoder or "Anti-Flicker" resistors.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
To upgrade the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser headlights to LED, you will need a 9006XS 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. Important: Chrysler vehicles use a CANbus system that detects bulb wattage. Standard LED bulbs may trigger dashboard warnings or flicker. Choose LED kits labeled "CANbus-compatible" or add inline decoder resistors to prevent these issues. For the fog lights, a 9006 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Older model years like the 2004 PT Cruiser 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 9006 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9006XS LED | Buy 9006XS LED |
High Beam | PC74 | Buy PC74 |
Fog Light | 9006 LED | Buy 9006 LED |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | 3157 LED | Buy 3157 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 4157NA LED | Buy 4157NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 3157 LED | Buy 3157 LED |
Dome Light | 579 | Buy 579 |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | 192 | Buy 192 |
Parking Light | 4157NA | Buy 4157NA |
Reverse Light | 3157 | Buy 3157 |
Trunk Light | 906 | Buy 906 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2004 Chrysler PT CruiserHow Long Do 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 PT Cruiser 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 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The 9006XS low beam bulb on the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact 9006XS size. 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 Chrysler PT Cruiser Headlight FAQ
Did Chrysler PT Cruiser Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2001 to 2010, the Chrysler PT Cruiser has seen bulb size changes in the High Beam, Fog Light and Turn Signal Rear positions. The 2004 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2006. 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 PT Cruiser Years
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Other Vehicles That Use 9006XS LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 9006XS LED low beam bulb: