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

The 1988 Subaru GL uses a 9004 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 GL?

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

Why are my 1988 Subaru GL headlights dim?

Dim headlights on a 1988 Subaru GL can be caused by aging halogen bulbs, which lose brightness over time, or oxidation (cloudiness) on the plastic headlight lenses. Upgrading to a 9004 LED conversion kit can provide a significantly brighter and whiter light output.

Which bulb fits the 1988 Subaru GL fog light?

The 1988 Subaru GL 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 GL single or dual beam?

The 1988 Subaru GL 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 GL?

Yes, the 1988 Subaru GL comes with standard halogen bulbs from the factory, but they can be upgraded to LED. You will need a 9004 LED conversion kit for the low beams.

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

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

Is the 1988 Subaru GL the first or last year to use 9004 bulbs?

The 1988 Subaru GL is the only year in the 1988 generation to use the 9004 bulb for the low beam headlight.

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

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 9004 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 GL?

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 9004 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 GL headlights?

A pair of halogen 9004 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 GL?

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 9004 position are available as direct plug-and-play replacements.

The 1988 Subaru GL has a unique bulb configuration not shared with adjacent model years.

Fitment Guaranteed for 1988 Subaru GL

What Size Bulbs Does a 1988 Subaru GL 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 GL Have?

When it comes to nighttime visibility, the 1988 Subaru GL relies on an arrangement of 12 specialized bulbs. It features an extensive lighting system powered by a dual-bulb halogen configuration using separate 9004 low beam and H4651 high beam bulbs for precise light distribution. This model belongs to the late years of the GL's 1975-1989 production span.

Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1988 Subaru GL?

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 9004 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 GL Bulb Size Chart

Position	Bulb Size	Shop
Turn Signal Front	1156	Buy 1156 →
Side Marker	194	Buy 194 →
Low Beam	9004	Buy 9004 →
High Beam	H4651	Buy H4651 →
Turn Signal Rear	1156	Buy 1156 →
Parking Light	194	Buy 194 →
License Plate	194	Buy 194 →
Brake Light	1157	Buy 1157 →
Tail Light	1157	Buy 1157 →
Reverse Light	1156	Buy 1156 →
Trunk Light	168	Buy 168 →
Dome Light	DE3175	Buy DE3175 →

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

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

The 1989 model switched to a different bulb configuration.

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

Finding the best installation guide...

Other GL Years

1989 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1981 1980 1975

More from Subaru

1400 Ascent B9 Tribeca BRZ Baja Brat Crosstek Crosstrek

Other Vehicles That Use 9004 Bulbs

2005 Pontiac Montana 2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette 2003 Dodge Ram Van 2003 Dodge Wagon 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-class 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL500