What Size Bulbs Does a 2008 Dodge Nitro 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 2008 Dodge Nitro Have?
The 2008 Dodge Nitro features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with a single H13 LED dual-filament bulb handling both low and high beams. The Nitro has been available from 2007 to 2011, and the 2008 model falls in the early-generation years. As a Dodge vehicle, it uses a CANbus electrical system that monitors bulb status.
LED Flicker Warning
This vehicle (Dodge) 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 2008 Dodge Nitro?
Upgrading the 2008 Dodge Nitro to LED headlights is straightforward since it uses a single H13 LED dual-filament bulb for both low and high beams. You only need one pair of LED bulbs to upgrade both functions. Look for a H13 LED LED kit that specifically supports dual-filament operation to ensure both beams work correctly. Important: Dodge 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 9145 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2008 Dodge Nitro
The H13 bulb uses a twist-lock base with a keyed tab for alignment. 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 2008 Nitro 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 9145 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2008 Dodge Nitro Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H13 LED | Buy H13 LED |
High Beam | H13 LED | Buy H13 LED |
Fog Light | 9145 LED | Buy 9145 LED |
Brake Light | 921 LED | Buy 921 LED |
Side Marker | 4057K LED | Buy 4057K LED |
Turn Signal Front | 3157AK LED | Buy 3157AK LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 4057K LED | Buy 4057K LED |
Reverse Light | 4057K | Buy 4057K |
Dome Light | 578 | Buy 578 |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | 578 | Buy 578 |
Parking Light | 3157AK | Buy 3157AK |
Trunk Light | 578 | Buy 578 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2008 Dodge NitroHow Long Do 2008 Dodge Nitro Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2008 Dodge Nitro 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 18 years old, the original bulbs on your Nitro 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 2008 Dodge Nitro?
The H13 low beam bulb on the 2008 Dodge Nitro is cross-compatible with 9008 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, H13 is the recommended size because it is optimized for the wattage and beam pattern designed into your headlight housing. The H13 is a dual-filament bulb, meaning one bulb contains two separate filaments for low and high beams. This is a different design from single-filament bulbs like H11 or 9005. Make sure any LED replacement is specifically designed for dual-filament operation. 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.
2008 Dodge Nitro Headlight FAQ
Did Dodge Nitro Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2007 to 2011, the Dodge Nitro has seen bulb size changes in the Fog Light, Brake Light and Side Marker positions. The 2008 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2010. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2008 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Nitro Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H13 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H13 LED low beam bulb: