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

The 1988 Subaru XT uses a 6052 LED 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 XT?

The high beam bulb size for the 1988 Subaru XT is 6052 LED.

Why are my 1988 Subaru XT headlights dim?

Dim headlights on a 1988 Subaru XT can be caused by aging halogen bulbs, which lose brightness over time, or oxidation (cloudiness) on the plastic headlight lenses. Upgrading to a 6052 LED LED conversion kit can provide a significantly brighter and whiter light output.

Which bulb fits the 1988 Subaru XT fog light?

The 1988 Subaru XT uses a H3 LED bulb for the fog light position.

Is the 1988 Subaru XT single or dual beam?

The 1988 Subaru XT uses a single bulb (dual filament) headlight system. This means one bulb controls both high and low beams.

Can I install LED bulbs on my 1988 Subaru XT?

Yes, the 1988 Subaru XT comes with standard halogen bulbs from the factory, but they can be upgraded to LED. You will need a 6052 LED LED conversion kit for the low beams.

Does the 1988 Subaru XT have fog lights?

Yes, the 1988 Subaru XT takes a H3 LED bulb for the fog light position.

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

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

Is the 1988 Subaru XT the first or last year to use 6052 LED bulbs?

The 1988 Subaru XT is the only year in the 1988 generation to use the 6052 LED bulb for the low beam headlight.

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

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 6052 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.

Are LED headlights legal for a 1988 Subaru XT?

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 6052 LED 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 XT headlights?

A pair of halogen 6052 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.

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

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 6052 LED position are available as direct plug-and-play replacements.

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

Fitment Guaranteed for 1988 Subaru XT

What Size Bulbs Does a 1988 Subaru XT 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 XT Have?

The 1988 Subaru XT utilizes a refined lighting configuration featuring 12 distinct bulb positions. It features an extensive lighting system powered by a halogen-based setup where a single 6052 LED dual-filament bulb handles both low and high beam duties within the same reflector. This model belongs to the mid years of the XT's 1985-1991 production span.

Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1988 Subaru XT?

Upgrading to LED is one of the most effective ways to modernize your Subaru's appearance and safety profile. Since your XT uses a single 6052 LED bulb for both high and low beams, ensure your chosen LED kit is "dual-beam" compatible. This allows the LED circuitry to mimic the two-filament design of the original halogen bulb. Don't forget the H3 LED fog lights; switching these to LED can dramatically improve your visibility in adverse weather.

1988 Subaru XT Bulb Size Chart

Position	Bulb Size	Shop
Low Beam	6052 LED	Buy 6052 LED →
High Beam	6052 LED	Buy 6052 LED →
Fog Light	H3 LED	Buy H3 LED →
Brake Light	74	Buy 74 →
Side Marker	194 LED	Buy 194 LED →
Turn Signal Front	1156 LED	Buy 1156 LED →
Turn Signal Rear	1156 LED	Buy 1156 LED →
Reverse Light	1156	Buy 1156 →
Dome Light	DE3175	Buy DE3175 →
License Plate	194	Buy 194 →
Parking Light	1895	Buy 1895 →
Trunk Light	168	Buy 168 →

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

The 1988 Subaru XT 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 XT Years

1991 1990 1989 1987 1986 1985

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Other Vehicles That Use 6052 LED Bulbs

1991 Dodge B150 1991 Dodge B250 1991 Dodge B350 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 1989 Chrysler Conquest 1989 GMC Vandura G1500