Q: Is there any way to change the headlight bulb more easily?

asked by on November 05, 2015

My 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has the most annoying problem I've ever encountered in any vehicle which I have owned. The headlight on the driver’s side burned out at around 20,000 miles - which normally would be a small problem - but not for this car! You have to remove either the tire or the bumper to access the front headlight. I can't imagine how this design idea was ever approved! And, the light just burned out again at 44,000 miles. Are there any headlights you can buy which won’t burn out for a very long time?

Headlight is not working Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Engineers do not seem to think about anyone servicing the cars after they design them, and in your situation there is no way around getting access to the headlight bulbs. The bulbs in your car are Halogen style and do not last as long as the old-style bulbs. One thing that will shorten the life of these bulbs is touching the bulb before installation, as oil from your fingers causes the glass to crack. Make sure you keep bulbs clean and handle from the base only when you install them. There is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-08-42-001E dated May 16, 2015, which says to inspect and replace the bulb and connector if it shows signs of overheating. The connector end should be replaced with the new bulb. I cannot say if an aftermarket bulb would be better, or as good as original equipment unless it’s certified to meet or exceed manufacturers specifications. GM has stated that aftermarket lenses are not ok as a GM certified replacement. YourMechanic can inspect and replace headlight bulbs on your vehicle as needed.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I reset the sunroof?
If your battery has been disconnected or replaced, then the sunroof will need to be reset before it will start working properly. To reset the sunroof, follow these steps: 1. Turn the ignition to the ON position. 2. Push the...
Car moving from side-to-side when driving
Hello, I'm not quite sure what you mean that it moves side to side. Being that it is affecting the drivability of the vehicle, it should be inspected and repaired sooner that later. You will probably need the aid of...
Is my fuel pump bad?
This means your fuel pump is coming on like it should. The pump will cycle on for a few seconds and then turn off if you just turn the key to on. This should happen each time you cycle the...
Car hit by lightning and won't start.
You will need to have the vehicle towed to a dealer. I have seen many vehicles like this and in most cases, if not all, the computers in the vehicle get zapped and fried. I would recommend contacting your insurance...
No acceleration past 30 mph, then 10 mph
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1999 Chrysler Intrepid. The engine oil being overfull will not turn on the Check Engine Light. However, a transmission problem could and that's what your issue sounds like. The first step in...
Transmission Issue
Hi there: The symptoms you're describing are similar in many ways to restriction of hydraulic fluid inside the transmission. Sometimes flushing the transmission fluid can help remove those obstructions; but in most cases, it delays the inevitable task of removing...
Car doesn't have power in the lower gears.
The issue is the clutch is slipping. When the transmission is in second gear, the power train is in an in between gear ratio and will cause the vehicle to have a loss of power during acceleration. I recommend seeking...
driver side axle repair seal is leaking honda crv 2014
If you are referring to the CV axle seal that is within the side case of the transaxle (i.e., transmission fluid is leaking), the service to request to get that leak repaired is axle shaft seal replacement (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/axle-shaft-seal-replacement). It is...
Holden Crewman 2005
Hi there. Unfortunately, we don't see many Holden vehicles here in the United States. We are only able to offer mechanical advice on US sold cars, trucks and SUV's. You might want to contact a local mechanic to get some...

Related articles

4 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Headlights
If If you are driving at night, or if there is rain, fog, or snow, you need to turn on your headlights. They ensure that you can see the road, so you are driving safely. They also allow other people...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Just Retired
Here’s Here’s a cruel, hard fact – car manufacturers no longer target seniors. Instead, they devote their time and energy to appealing to the 18-45 demographic. Still, some features make certain cars more suitable for older drivers. We have evaluated...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Don’t Have Kids
Buying Buying a used car is rarely a simple process, but if you don’t have kids, you have many more options than those who have to account for additional passengers. There are plenty of choices out there, depending on your...