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2004-2007 Chevrolet Malibu Headlight Replacement

If you are having a hard time driving at night...

iFixit Library Chevrolet Malibu Moderate 40 minutes Guide 138825
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This attributed iFixit guide is displayed through Fixonic's recorded commercial API permission. iFixit remains the independent source and author of the procedure.

Guide overview

Before you begin

If you are having a hard time driving at night because your headlight is going in and out, you should replace that bulb as soon as possible. We all know that driving at night is very dangerous and we believe everyone should know how to fix or replace a broken headlight. Here we describe how to simply remove an old busted light bulb and pigtail with wire cutters and electrical tape. Be sure to be careful when cutting the wire and/or twisting the wires together. If you are not careful you can poke yourself with the exposed wire, wearing gloves will help prevent this but they are not needed. I recommend using wire cutters because it can take the rubber around the wire off without damaging the wire. The scissors might take you a longer time trying to remove the rubber. Don’t worry you do not need any type of certification or degree to do this, just take your time, breathe and you’ll be done before you know it. Before beginning the repair, make sure your car is off and you disconnect the battery of the car.

Step 1

Removing Screws

  • First pop the hood of the car and locate the headlight. They are towards the front of the car.
Step 2

Repair step

  • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the 10 mm screws attaching the headlight to the car.
Step 3

Take out the headlight

  • Remove the headlight so you can see all wiring going from the car and to the headlight.
Step 4

Safety Caps

  • Remove the safety caps to get a good a view of your bulb wiring.
Step 5

Remove the Bulb

  • Turn the bulb counter clockwise then pull it out.
Step 6

Separate the bulb and pigtail

  • Pull back the clip that's holding the bulb (top half) and the pigtail (bottom half) together.
  • Pull apart the two, exposing the inside of the damaged pigtail.
Step 7

Cutting Wires

  • Now that you have separated the bulb and pigtail, detach the pigtail end from the car wires using wire cutters or scissors.
  • How To Cut With Wire Cutters
  • After cutting the wires, grab your new pigtail and pull back the rubber surrounding the wire. Pull back the rubber so there is enough wire to twist (connect) to the car wire.
Step 8

Electrical Tape

  • Once you've connected the pigtail back to the car be sure to wrap the wire in electrical tape.
  • Then grab your new bulb and attach it to the new pigtail by pushing it together until the clip has clicked.
  • Put the safety caps back on.
Step 9

Almost Done

  • Take your new bulb and place it back inside the headlight by twisting clockwise and making sure it doesn't come out or disconnect.
  • Reattach the headlight to the car with the 10 mm screws using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.