What is the low beam headlight bulb size for a 1988 Subaru DL?

The 1988 Subaru DL uses a H4656 bulb for the low beam headlights. We recommend upgrading to LED for better visibility.

What is the high beam headlight bulb size for a 1988 Subaru DL?

The high beam bulb size for the 1988 Subaru DL is H4651.

Why are my 1988 Subaru DL headlights dim?

Dim headlights on a 1988 Subaru DL can be caused by aging halogen bulbs, which lose brightness over time, or oxidation (cloudiness) on the plastic headlight lenses. Upgrading to a H4656 LED conversion kit can provide a significantly brighter and whiter light output.

Which bulb fits the 1988 Subaru DL fog light?

The 1988 Subaru DL typically does not come with factory fog lights in all trim levels. If your vehicle is equipped with them, check the manual as sizes can vary by trim.

Is the 1988 Subaru DL single or dual beam?

The 1988 Subaru DL uses a dual bulb headlight system. This means you have separate bulbs for high and low beams.

Can I install LED bulbs on my 1988 Subaru DL?

Yes, the 1988 Subaru DL comes with standard halogen bulbs from the factory, but they can be upgraded to LED. You will need a H4656 LED conversion kit for the low beams.

Did the 1988 Subaru DL change headlight bulb sizes from the previous year?

Yes — the 1988 Subaru DL uses different bulb sizes than the 1987 model. The 1988–1989 generation introduced this bulb configuration.

Is the 1988 Subaru DL the first or last year to use H4656 bulbs?

The 1988 Subaru DL is the first year in the 1988–1989 generation to use the H4656 bulb for the low beam headlight.

How do I change the headlight on a 1988 Subaru DL?

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 H4656 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.

Are LED headlights legal for a 1988 Subaru DL?

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 H4656 LED kit that is designed as a direct replacement and produces a proper cutoff pattern without excessive glare.

How much does it cost to replace 1988 Subaru DL headlights?

A pair of halogen H4656 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.

What is the difference between halogen and LED for a 1988 Subaru DL?

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 H4656 position are available as direct plug-and-play replacements.

The 1988 Subaru DL is the first model year to use this bulb configuration (1988–1989).

Fitment Guaranteed for 1988 Subaru DL

What Size Bulbs Does a 1988 Subaru DL 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 1988 Subaru DL Have?

The 1988 Subaru DL utilizes a refined lighting configuration featuring 11 distinct bulb positions. It features an extensive lighting system powered by a dual-bulb halogen configuration using separate H4656 low beam and H4651 high beam bulbs for precise light distribution. This model belongs to the late years of the DL's 1975-1989 production span.

Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1988 Subaru DL?

Upgrading to LED is one of the most effective ways to modernize your Subaru's appearance and safety profile. We recommend starting your upgrade with the H4656 low beams, as they see the most use. Adding a matching H4651 LED kit later will complete the look and ensure consistent lighting performance.

1988 Subaru DL Bulb Size Chart

Position	Bulb Size	Shop
High Beam	H4651	Buy H4651 →
Low Beam	H4656	Buy H4656 →
Turn Signal Front	1156	Buy 1156 →
Side Marker	194	Buy 194 →
License Plate	194	Buy 194 →
Brake Light	1157	Buy 1157 →
Tail Light	1157	Buy 1157 →
Reverse Light	1156	Buy 1156 →
Turn Signal Rear	1156	Buy 1156 →
Trunk Light	168	Buy 168 →
Dome Light	DE3175	Buy DE3175 →

How do the 1988 Subaru DL's bulbs compare to other years?

The 1988 Subaru DL changed bulb sizes from 1987. The previous model year used a different configuration.

The 1989 model continues with the same bulb sizes.

This bulb configuration covers the 1988–1989 model years. ← 1987 1989 →

Finding the best installation guide...

Other DL Years

1989 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975

More from Subaru

1400 Ascent B9 Tribeca BRZ Baja Brat Crosstek Crosstrek

Other Vehicles That Use H4656 Bulbs

1992 Chevrolet Camaro 1992 Chrysler New Yorker 1991 Chevrolet G10 1991 Chevrolet Van 1991 Chrysler LeBaron 1991 Ford Country Squire