What Size Bulbs Does a 1996 GMC Safari 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 GMC Safari Have?
The 1996 GMC Safari features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H6054 LED low beams and PC74 high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Safari has been available from 1993 to 2005, and the 1996 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1996 GMC Safari?
To upgrade the 1996 GMC Safari headlights to LED, you will need a H6054 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 GMC Safari
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 1996 Safari 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 12 Positions at Once
1996 GMC Safari Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H6054 LED | Buy H6054 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 | 3157NA LED | Buy 3157NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 2057 LED | Buy 2057 LED |
Reverse Light | 1156 | Buy 1156 |
License Plate | 194 | Buy 194 |
Map Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Parking Light | 3157NA | Buy 3157NA |
Trunk Light | LED Light | Buy LED Light |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1996 GMC SafariHow Long Do 1996 GMC Safari Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1996 GMC Safari 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 Safari 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 GMC Safari?
The H6054 low beam bulb on the 1996 GMC Safari is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H6054 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.
1996 GMC Safari Headlight FAQ
Did GMC Safari Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1993 to 2005, the GMC Safari has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 1996 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2004. 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 Safari Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H6054 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H6054 LED low beam bulb: