GM Chevrolet
Malibu Tail Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to replace the brake, reverse, and
turn signal bulbs in the tail light assembly of a 2004 to 2007 Chevy Malibu
sedan.
By Paul B. Michaels Author & Photographer Auto Mechanic Since 1989 |
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 2004-2007 Malibu Tail Light |
 Side Cargo Net |
 Remove Thumb Screw |
| This
automotive "how-to" guide was specifically written to assist owners
of the 6th generation 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2008
Chevy Malibu Classic in replacing the brake, turn signal, and
reverse bulbs in the tail light assembly. Owners of other similar General Motors vehicles based on the Epsilon platform such as the Pontiac G6, Chevy Impala, Monte Carlo, Saturn Aura, Saab 9-3, Buick Regal, Park Avenue, Riviera, Opel Vectra, Cadillac BLS, Opel GTC, and Holden Commodore may also find this guide to be useful. The light bulbs and their respective part numbers inside the tail light assembly of a 2004-2007 Malibu are as follows: brake / stop light bulb # 3057, turn signal / parking light bulb # 3057, and reverse / back up light bulb # 921. Only a Phillips head screwdriver is needed to replace any of the bulbs in the tail light assembly. |
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 Cargo Net Anchor Removed |
 Pull Back Trunk Carpeting |
 Remove 2 Thumb Screws |
| The first step is
to open the trunk and move to the side of the vehicle with the burnt out
tail light bulb.
If your Malibu is equipped with a cargo net, remove the cargo net from the black plastic anchor point. Unscrew the cargo net anchor by twisting it counter clockwise until it can be removed entirely. |
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 3 Thumb Screws Removed |
 |
 Remove One Phillips Screw |
| Then pull back the
grey trunk carpeting away from the rear corner of the vehicle to reveal two
more black plastic thumb screws that need to be removed.
Now the only thing holding the tail light in place is a single Phillips head screw on the outside edge of the trunk opening. Remove it by unscrewing it counter clockwise with a Phillips head screw driver. |
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 Phillips Head Screw Removed |
 Pull Off Tail Light |
 1/4 Turn Counter Clockwise |
| Once the outer
Phillips head screw and three interior thumb screws are removed, you can
gently pull the tail light assembly off the rear corner of the vehicle.
Lay the tail light assembly down on top of the ledge and try to avoid putting stress on the electrical wires. |
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 Parking / Turn Signal |
 # 921 Reverse Light Bulb |
 1/4 Turn Counter Clockwise |
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To remove any of the three tail light bulbs, rotate the socket 1/4 turn counter clockwise and pull it straight out of the assembly. To separate the light bulb from the socket, pull the bulb straight out. If you have trouble removing the bulb, try gently wiggling it back and forth while pulling it out. |
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 Burnt Out Brake Bulb |
 Pull Bulb Straight Out |
 Sylvania # 3057 Bulbs |
| As you can see in
the picture above, it's obvious that the brake light bulb was burnt out by
the coating of black powder lining the inside of the bulb.
Replace the old bulb with a new # 3057 light bulb by pushing it straight into the socket. |
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 Push In New 3057 Bulb |
 New Brake Bulb Installed |
 Parking Light Turned On |
| I tested the new
bulb by turning on the parking lights and having a helper step on the brake
pedal.
The smaller bulb socket is the reverse light. Rotate it 1/4 turn counterclockwise and then pull it out of the housing. Pull the old reverse bulb straight out of the socket and push in a new number 921 bulb. |
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 Insert Bulb & Socket |
 1/4 Turn Clockwise |
 Tail Light Screw Holes |
| Then insert the new light bulb back into the tail light assembly and secure it by rotating the socket 1/4 turn clockwise. | ||
 Line Up Screws & Holes |
 Screw Hole Under Trunk Lid |
 Tighten 1 Phillips Head Screw |
| To replace the tail
light assembly, line up the three screws with the holes on the rear corner
of the vehicle.
Push the tail light forwards until it sits flush with the trunk. Screw in the one Phillips head screw on the outside of the tail light assembly and tighten the two thumb screws on the rear of the assembly. Replace the trunk carpeting and attach the cargo net anchor thumb screw. Re-attach the cargo net to the black plastic anchor thumb screw and close the trunk to complete the job. |
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 Replace Two Thumb Screws |
 Replace Carpet & Anchor |
 Test New Brake Light Bulb |
| For more of my
automotive reviews and how-to guides, click on the following links:
GM Chevy Malibu Oil Change Guide,
GM Chevy Malibu Headlight Bulbs Replacement Guide,
GM Chevy Malibu Brake Lights Stay On When Brake Pedal Up Repair Guide,
Chevrolet Key Fob Battery Replacement Guide,
GM Chevrolet Sedan Front Brake Pads Replacement Guide,
GM Chevy Sedan Headlight Bulbs Replacement Guide,
How To Reattach Car Door Molding,
Meguiars Headlight Restoration Buffing Kit Review,
GM Power Window Tracks Lubrication Guide,
GM Power Window Switch Cleaning Guide,
GM Key Fob Remote Control Battery Replacement Guide,
GM HVAC Rubber Elbow Condensate Drain Cleaning Guide,
Zaino Show Car Polish Review,
WeatherTech FloorLiner Review,
GM Brake Line Fluid Bleeding Guide,
GM Tail Light Condensation Repair Guide,
Sunforce Solar Battery Maintainer Review,
Corroded Car Battery Terminal Replacement Guide,
GM Power Window Motor & Regulator Replacement Guide,
GM Wheel Hub Bearing Replacement Guide,
Falken Ziex ZE-512 Tire Review,
Buffing Hazy Car Headlights Guide,
K&N Air Filter Cleaning Guide, and
Fuzion ZRi Tire Review. |
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