2020 Chevrolet Malibu Bulb Size Guide

Quick Reference

When it comes to maintaining your 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, knowing the correct bulb sizes is essential, whether you're replacing a burnt-out bulb or looking to upgrade your lighting. The 2020 Malibu offers a mix of lighting technologies across its various trims, with some models featuring traditional halogen setups while others boast more advanced HID or LED options.

Low Beam and High Beam Headlights

The 2020 Malibu's low beam headlights can vary significantly. Lower trim levels typically come equipped with H7 halogen bulbs. However, higher trims or those with optional lighting packages might feature D5S HID (High-Intensity Discharge) bulbs, providing a brighter and whiter light output. It's crucial to check your specific trim and existing bulb type before purchasing replacements. The high beam headlights across most, if not all, 2020 Malibu models utilize H9 halogen bulbs.

Fog Lights and Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Most 2020 Malibu models use a common H11 halogen bulb for their fog lights. These provide supplementary lighting in adverse weather conditions. For the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), which are always on when the vehicle is running, the Malibu generally uses a 7440 incandescent bulb.

Turn Signals, Brake Lights, and Tail Lights

Both the front and rear turn signals on the 2020 Malibu commonly use incandescent bulbs. The front turn signals are typically 7443 bulbs, which are dual-filament bulbs (one for turn signal, one for parking light if applicable), while the rear turn signals are usually 7440 bulbs. The brake lights also utilize 7443 incandescent bulbs. For the tail lights, the 2020 Malibu primarily features integrated LED units. This means that if an LED in the tail light assembly fails, often the entire assembly needs to be replaced, as individual LEDs are not typically serviceable.

Reverse Lights, License Plate, and Side Marker Lights

When backing up, your 2020 Malibu illuminates the rear with 921 incandescent bulbs for the reverse lights. The license plate lights, crucial for nighttime visibility and legal compliance, use 194 incandescent bulbs. Similarly, the front side marker lights also employ 194 incandescent bulbs.

Interior Lighting: Dome and Map Lights

Inside the cabin, the dome light, which provides general illumination, typically uses a 578 fuse-type incandescent bulb. For more focused lighting, the map lights generally use 194 incandescent bulbs, similar to the license plate and side marker lights.

LED vs. Halogen Upgrade Considerations

Upgrading from halogen to LED bulbs can offer numerous benefits, including brighter light, a whiter color temperature, and longer lifespan. However, there are important considerations for your 2020 Chevrolet Malibu:

• CANBUS Errors: Modern vehicles like the Malibu use a CANBUS (Controller Area Network Bus) system to monitor electrical components. LED bulbs draw less power than halogens, which can trigger "bulb out" warnings or flickering due to CANBUS errors. Installing CANBUS-compatible LED bulbs or separate load resistors is often necessary to prevent these issues.
• Adapter and Housing Fitment: Aftermarket LED bulbs can be physically larger than their halogen counterparts. Ensure that any LED replacement bulbs will fit within the Malibu's headlight or tail light housing without interference and that any necessary adapters (for secure fitment or electrical connection) are included.
• Beam Pattern: For headlights, a well-designed LED bulb replacement mimics the halogen filament's position to ensure a proper beam pattern. Poorly designed LEDs can scatter light, reducing visibility for you and potentially blinding oncoming drivers.

How to Replace Each Bulb (Short Tips)

• Headlights (Low/High Beam, Fog): Access is often through the wheel well liner or from under the hood. You may need to turn the wheel for better access. Disconnect the electrical connector, unclip the bulb, and replace. For HID bulbs, exercise extreme caution due to high voltage.
• DRL, Front Turn Signal: Typically accessed from the front of the vehicle, often by reaching behind the bumper or through the wheel well. Twist and pull the socket to remove the bulb.
• Rear Turn Signal, Brake, Reverse, Tail Light: Access is usually from inside the trunk, behind the tail light assembly. You'll likely unbolt or unclip the entire assembly to gain access to the bulb sockets.
• License Plate Light: Often accessed by removing a couple of screws holding the lens assembly in place.
• Side Marker Light: Typically involves carefully prying off or unscrewing the small lens cover.
• Dome/Map Lights: Gently pry open the plastic lens cover with a plastic trim tool to avoid damage. The bulbs will then be accessible.

Common Lighting Issues for This Generation

For the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, some owners have reported:

• Premature Halogen Bulb Failure: Particularly for headlights, some factory halogen bulbs may have a shorter lifespan than expected.
• DRL Outages: The incandescent DRL bulbs can burn out, leading to a visible difference in illumination between the driver and passenger sides.
• Tail Light LED Failures: While less common for the entire assembly, if individual LEDs within the integrated tail light units fail, the entire unit usually requires replacement, which can be more costly than replacing a single incandescent bulb.

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