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Fitment Guaranteed for 1996 GMC Sonoma

What Size Bulbs Does a 1996 GMC Sonoma 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 Sonoma Have?

The 1996 GMC Sonoma features an extensive lighting system with 11 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H4666 LED low beams and PC74 high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Sonoma has been available from 1995 to 2004, and the 1996 model falls in the early-generation years.

Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1996 GMC Sonoma?

To upgrade the 1996 GMC Sonoma headlights to LED, you will need a H4666 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 H3 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.

How to Replace Bulbs on a 1996 GMC Sonoma

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 Sonoma 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 H3 LED fog light socket.

Full Upgrade Bundle

Upgrade All 11 Positions at Once

Low Beam: H4666 LEDHigh Beam: PC74Fog Light: H3 LEDBrake Light: PC74Side Marker: 194 LEDTurn Signal Front: 3157NA LEDTurn Signal Rear: 3057 LEDReverse Light: 1156License Plate: 192Parking Light: 3157NATrunk Light: LED Light
Shop Complete LED Kit

1996 GMC Sonoma Complete Bulb Size Chart

PositionBulb SizeShop
Low Beam
H4666 LEDBuy H4666 LED
High Beam
PC74Buy PC74
Fog Light
H3 LEDBuy H3 LED
Brake Light
PC74Buy PC74
Side Marker
194 LEDBuy 194 LED
Turn Signal Front
3157NA LEDBuy 3157NA LED
Turn Signal Rear
3057 LEDBuy 3057 LED
Reverse Light
1156Buy 1156
License Plate
192Buy 192
Parking Light
3157NABuy 3157NA
Trunk Light
LED LightBuy LED Light

Want to upgrade everything at once?

Shop Complete LED Kit for 1996 GMC Sonoma
Installation Guide
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How Long Do 1996 GMC Sonoma Headlight Bulbs Last?

Standard halogen headlights on the 1996 GMC Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma?

The H4666 low beam bulb on the 1996 GMC Sonoma is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H4666 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 Sonoma Headlight FAQ

The 1996 GMC Sonoma uses a H4666 LED bulb for the low beam headlights. We recommend upgrading to LED for better visibility.

The high beam bulb size for the 1996 GMC Sonoma is PC74.

The 1996 GMC Sonoma uses a dual bulb headlight system. This means you have separate bulbs for high and low beams.

Yes, the 1996 GMC Sonoma comes with standard halogen bulbs from the factory, but they can be upgraded to LED. You will need a H4666 LED LED conversion kit for the low beams.

Yes, the 1996 GMC Sonoma takes a H3 LED bulb for the fog light position.

Turn off the vehicle and open the hood. Locate the headlight assembly from behind, remove the dust cover or retaining clip, disconnect the wiring harness, twist the old H4666 LED bulb counter-clockwise to remove it, then insert the new bulb and reassemble. The whole process typically takes 10 to 30 minutes per side depending on accessibility.

LED bulbs used off-road or in auxiliary lights are legal everywhere. For on-road headlight use, legality varies by state. Many states allow LED retrofits as long as the beam pattern meets DOT standards. For the best legal compliance, choose a DOT-approved H4666 LED LED kit that is designed as a direct replacement and produces a proper cutoff pattern without excessive glare.

A pair of halogen H4666 LED bulbs costs $15 to $40, while LED conversion kits run $25 to $60 per pair. If you have a shop do the work, expect an additional $20 to $50 in labor per bulb. Replacing them yourself at home saves the labor cost and usually takes under 30 minutes.

Halogen bulbs produce a warm yellow light (around 3200K), last 500 to 1000 hours, and draw more power. LED bulbs emit a brighter white light (5000-6000K), last 25,000+ hours, and use less energy. LED upgrades for the H4666 LED position are available as direct plug-and-play replacements.

Did GMC Sonoma Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?

Over its production run from 1995 to 2004, the GMC Sonoma 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 2002. 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 Sonoma Years

200420032002200120001999199819971995
AcadiaAcadia LimitedC1500C2500C3500CanyonEnvoyEnvoy XL

Other Vehicles That Use H4666 LED Bulbs

These vehicles from other makes also use a H4666 LED low beam bulb:

1997 Ford Probe1994 Toyota Tercel1993 Dodge Stealth1992 Dodge Dakota1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT1991 Eagle Talon