What Size Bulbs Does a 2004 Volvo S40 Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Hard (Tight clearances)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 2004 Volvo S40 Have?
The 2004 Volvo S40 features an extensive lighting system with 11 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H11 LED low beams and H7 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The S40 has been available from 2000 to 2011, and the 2004 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2004 Volvo S40?
To upgrade the 2004 Volvo S40 headlights to LED, you will need a H11 LED LED kit for the low beams and a H7 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 H3 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2004 Volvo S40
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. Volvo vehicles are known for tight engine bay clearances around the headlight assembly. You may need to remove the air intake duct, battery cover, or wheel well liner to access the bulbs. Budget 30 to 45 minutes per side for your first replacement. 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
2004 Volvo S40 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
High Beam | H7 LED | Buy H7 LED |
Fog Light | H3 LED | Buy H3 LED |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Turn Signal Front | 2827 LED | Buy 2827 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 12496 LED | Buy 12496 LED |
Dome Light | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Map Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Parking Light | 3457NA | Buy 3457NA |
Reverse Light | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Trunk Light | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2004 Volvo S40How Long Do 2004 Volvo S40 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2004 Volvo S40 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 S40 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 Volvo S40?
The H11 low beam bulb on the 2004 Volvo S40 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. 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 Volvo S40 Headlight FAQ
Did Volvo S40 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2000 to 2011, the Volvo S40 has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, Fog Light and Turn Signal Front positions. The 2004 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2008. 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 S40 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: