2008 2012 Malibu Headlight Bulb Replacement in less than 20mins without removing the bumper cover

This is a easy and quick way to replace a headlight bulb on a 2008 thru 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. This have be done in about 15-20 mins without having to remove the bumper cover or even opening the car hood.

[@user-qo8lv4cd9z]

THANK YOU!!!!!! The dealer wanted 280.00 to change the bulb, I did it in 30 min. following your instructions, thanks again.

[@leeberk9857]

IF the dealer had to take the bumper off the way GM says to, $280 sounds about right for the time it would take. Happy it worked out for you!

[@grownman1017]

Not sure what Chevy was thinking with this idea. Headlights are normally an easy fix, ESPECIALLY on American made vehicles. This is absolutely insane. Smh.... Thank you for this video. My wife's 2012s passenger side just went out. Thanks to this video, I know what I will be doing tomorrow. Thank you again

[@frankalejandro1997]

This is one of the worst cars to work on. I have one, and every time the headlight bulb goes out, or whatever, it's an absolute mission

[@jblitz55]

​​@@frankalejandro1997just happened to me over the weekend....and I'm pissed I have to go through this BS again.

[@barneygreene532]

They were thinking about how much they can screw their customers with needlessly expensive procedures!!

[@mattimus1979]

Absolutely asinine of Chevy. Awesome bud friend. I thought I was loosing it when I went to change my wife’s headlight bulb. This saved me, and I’m sure many other, so much time and headache.

[@x_overkll_x507]

Still took me awhile, I’m newer to working on cars but man this right here helped me sm

[@Pete34685]

Thanks for the video. Can't believe that it is considered improvement compared to what used to be an easy task on older vehicles is now a hard one

[@scooterglass4497]

I’ve actually replaced the low beams several times taking the whole bumper cover off. I am currently needing to replace passenger side low beam on a 2012 Malibu. I jumped on KZbin thinking someone had to of found a better way. This helps save me a ton of time. Thanks!

[@leeberk9857]

thanks

[@marcroche9324]

You saved me days of my 2009 Malibu sitting at the local shop waiting to get worked on. Your method is the quickest that I found on the 'Tube'. -Regards

[@RonnieDixon-bm8ci]

Thank you so much! Thanks to your video, I saved $400! Which is what my local mechanic wanted to charge for both headlights. Got them both done and took around 30 minutes. Many thanks 🙌🏻.

[@leeberk9857]

Thanks for sharing!

[@JIJINRORO]

This video was so helpful. Did it all in 20 mins ! Ty

[@nonclassicalcarbocation2750]

This worked on a 2012 LS with slight variations. Plastic fender slightly different. I had a little trouble getting assembly back in place. That little plastic rod that the video says be careful. I said screw it, I am clipping it on purpose and headlight assembly was easier to put back in place. THIS IS A GREAT VIDEO BECAUSE it worked.😊

[@pkey749]

I broke the little clippy replacing my bulbs today. It was not an issue on the driver side. But I just couldn’t get it seated properly on the passenger side until the nubbin snapped. Went in perfectly after that. 😊

[@bradley5185]

Helped me out today and you don’t even know it, thanks gee

[@leeberk9857]

That is so nice of you to say, thank you!

[@buddhaheart213]

Thanks for the video. I changed both headlights out. I ended up breaking the smaller pointy plastic pieces on each headlight, but they don't seem to be necessary for the headlight installation. This video saved me a lot of time and money!

[@leeberk9857]

Thanks, yes, the piece is being stretch and can see it could break. I agree, not sure what’s it’s needed for

[@christhomas9470]

@@leeberk9857❤

[@ikkaga]

WD40 sprayed those bolts. Came back and they did come off finally. Took about an hour to take apart. Thanks for your help.

[@thecannonac]

Thank you! This has been a huge help.

[@Imakhan12]

Thank you! Changed my daughters headlights

[@224flash]

I am fairly handy swinging wrenches and this is by far easier than pulling the front bumper which I've done several times on GM vehicles including a 2013 Caddy SRX. There is no reason to break anything if you're patient and use just a little caution. Thank you for posting sir.

[@leeberk9857]

thank you

[@timothyhenderson9209]

Saved me a lot of time. Thanks!

[@und3rtow]

Thank you! Saved me time and money!!

[@marselitocortez5002]

Thanks you ❤❤

[@WildInKY]

Thank you, sir! Greatly appreciated! I will attempt this. 👍🏻

[@WildInKY]

It worked very well. Thanks again!

[@anonymous4885]

I was having trouble changing the light last night. After watching this video I changed the light within 20 minutes. Thank you for this video. Saved me a lot of $$$$$$$

[@leeberk9857]

Thank you

[@jerryburnett1803]

Nice! Thank you. I needed a refresher!

[@leeberk9857]

You're welcome!

[@rayguar687]

Thank you I watched your video It took 30 minutes.

[@leeberk9857]

Great!

[@hadriana.hoisington]

Thanks for posting this! We were able to follow along and change the headlight on our 2012 Malibu. We had a hell of a time popping out those plastic caps (first step) and ended up breaking them all off, but everything else went super smoothly! Also, it helps to have small hands...

[@leeberk9857]

Thanks for your comment and sorry about those caps. They also make a tool to remove them (I don’t have one) and new ones are sold at most any auto store.

[@devinyoung5100]

@@leeberk9857 1111

[@stateportSound_wav]

i wasn’t the only one then. And that wheel well bolt is the bane of my existence! My bumper hangs low from frequently taking it off for bulb replacements. Now it’s getting lower and clipping curbs/driveway inclines, I’m burning through bulbs like candy 😭

[@stonedigidy420]

Dumbest shit about this car

[@gregbellinger5765]

Nicely done video.

[@ivanpinto2080]

giving this a shot. mechanic wanted to charge me 300 bucks so will give a update later

[@user-oy1or3ph3l]

I initially tried this approach and was worried of breaking something. So I just took the entire bumper cover off. It was way, way easier than working in tight quarters, with an increased risk of breaking something. The bumper cover was completely off in 15 minutes for a 1st timer, and it was really easy & quick to reattach after replacing bulbs. Always better to replace bulbs in pairs anyway. Of course, GM should be ashamed for such a pathetic design for bulb replacement.

[@Zombified-]

I'm thinking the same thing. I'm just going to take the whole bumper off. Here in California they want $380 at the dealership to replace 2 bulbs and harnesses! The labor is insane!

[@fernandoramone6669]

​@@Zombified-thats fucking bonkers

[@briannamadrid6002]

Thank you! so much easier and quicker then the 20 min video I just watched 👀 😀

[@Mr.J.Diesel]

Thank you!

[@slvrktman7824]

Excellent…thanks!

[@michaelgmyhan6277]

I don't know you...but you sir...I'd shake your hand. It's a real pain in the a$$...and anybody that makes it easier is a pretty cool dude in my book. Thanks for sharing. Especially on your mother in laws car. Lol.

[@leeberk9857]

Thank you for those very kind words!! Just a guy that likes to fix stuff and have a KZbin account! Comments like yours give me the energy to do more!

[@Glulist]

Thank you so very much

[@ricardonarvaez1628]

I wish you would've shown how you pull out the headlight assembly !!!

[@ryanbushue8596]

(Idk if u mean the bulb or the actual entire headlight itself so I’ll explain both.) entire headlight : Push down lightly and pull out at the same time should come straight out. (If it doesn’t then idk my cousins did it that way) Bulb: Once headlight assembly is out grab the back of the module unplug the light and then turn 180 degrees to the left and pull out. Should be good! Hopefully that helps! (if not I feel your pain I struggled with my cousins before I figured it out.)

[@captmack007]

Was considering a malibu. Not anymore. My 08 impala is so easy maybe 3 minutes tops . This is insane

[@leeberk9857]

a lot of cars are like this. this is easier than taking a bummer off!

[@HunterTinsley]

It's the worst car I've ever owned. Stay far away.

[@davidramirez4810]

Agree

[@leeberk9857]

@Jim Smith Years ago, my wife had a 2005 Cadillac SRX. That was much harder. On that car, I had to jack up the car, remove a tire, drop the wheel well to get access to the back of the unit. So this is easier in comparison ;-)

[@Bradly_Warner]

​@HunterTinsley I have one & I bought it out right & it was the worst mistake I ever made. Not even two years I've had to replace the front axle, brake pads , both control arms & both headlights. I've put in close to $2,000 in this car & it steadily has problems. It's a car that will cause you tons of stress. I DO NOT recommend buying this car..

[@matthewelling8751]

I've watched several of these prior to replacing my bulbs. Nobody mentions that the back of the headlight assembly has a plastic "hook" that fits into a slot. The whole thing needs to be pushed down until that hook comes loose and then can be pulled forward. Also, after everything was reinstalled and tightened, my headlights were kind of "cock-eyed." One was high and one was low. I didn't figure that was a concern with all of the guide pins and bolts put into the correct holes. So, I'm going to have to remove everything again and align the headlights. Also, and maybe it's just my car, nothing came apart as easy as it looks in the videos. I didn't have anywhere near the amount of room it looked like you had.

[@user-by3dy7hq5r]

Can adjust up and down with long screw driver without removing anything.. there's videos

[@stephaniebaima6947]

Thanks for this video. Does having a lot of condensation in the headlight assembly decrease the life of the bulb?

[@leeberk9857]

No idea, but can't imagine it is a good thing

[@MatthewHalinar]

Works, However the car is 12-16 years old now. Be prepared some of the plastic parts are not has durable. Take the extra 10 minutes to move things slowly and make your own adjustments based on the plastic wear and tear.

[@fredthornton5170]

great video can you get to turn signal bulb this way? thanks

[@leeberk9857]

I would assume so, but have never needed to try

[@hmh3808]

Thank you ! I can’t believe they wanted to charge me 1.5 hrs. Labour at mechanic to do that….

[@SFCAUSTIN1995]

What’s the best tool to get that 10mm out? I’m struggling to get it out. My drill isn’t working on it and it’s at that angle.

[@leeberk9857]

Need more info

[@dajoremarks9137]

To replace the grille do I have to take the whole bumper off?

[@leeberk9857]

Likely but unsure. For many other GM cars you do. I have not done a Malibu grill.

[@bootyeader]

This shit took me a while to do, you do it once its pretty easy the next time around

[@leeberk9857]

Glad it worked for you!

[@robertrabanal2195]

Thank you. Very tight fit but just made it. Bad Chevy, bad.:(

[@leeberk9857]

thank you

[@user-qg3eg5qo9j]

Are all the bolts you took out 10mm? Or are they each different sizes?

[@pkey749]

All 10mm

[@peterdowd1723]

Dude, I paid 75 bucks worth. Chevy calls for removing a bunch of crap from the engine compartment. Well that’s how my 62-year-old brain remembers it.👍🤪🤦‍♀️ Thank you so much I have one out right now.

[@butlerlandscaping5503]

I assume that it is the same deal for the driver side?

[@leeberk9857]

Yes, mirror image

[@LastBastian]

Damn... The bolt that's recessed up in wheel well is stuck! Tried a 10mm bolt extractor but all it did was round off the head of the bolt!! I'm afraid to use heat because everything around it is plastic, and it's so hard to get to in the first place, I'm not sure what to do??

[@leeberk9857]

I can't speak to rounded head on your bolt. Sometimes if you use a 6 point socket vs a 12 point that most people use can sometimes help

[@LastBastian]

@@leeberk9857 Six point socket actually did it! Just finished up. Turned out the connection to the bulb was actually bad. It'd melted a little and melted plastic was partially covering the metal clip inside the connector. I cleaned that off with a little precision file, and put a new bulb in anyway for good measure. 👍

[@wadenorgaard9988]

Back, and to the left. Back!, and to the left

[@jerrys8396]

Hahahaha!!

[@ronnysanchez5810]

I did all these steps. However, the lense was not coming off.

[@leeberk9857]

It wil fell likes stuck, but you have use uncomfortable pressure. It could break, that is a risk when you do it this way.

[@shawnsatterlee6035]

It would be very wise to grease the threads of the bolts. As a 20+ year mechanic it really pisses me off ppl don't grease the threads on any bolt, screw or stud. It makes life lot easier down the road when taking it apart again.

[@peteeaton931]

90% good video. 10% doesn't show you how they took off 3rd headlight screw to get headlight to lean forward. That s rew is buried under the center of the bumper.

[@leeberk9857]

I don’t remove the bolt towards the center, just the two on the side. There is enough flex about to swap the bulb. Hope that helps.

[@eXcommunicate1979]

Chevy really lost me for life after enduring the ownership of an 08 Malibu.

[@leeberk9857]

I think a lot of car designs at this time were not the best at this time. When you see some of the ting Toyota and Honda have done, you would say the same thing.

[@ralami6183]

Ridiculous on Chevy’s end.

[@leeberk9857]

Completely agree

[@jerrys8396]

Nice video. Pathetic build, Chevy. Takes 5 minutes to put in a bulb on my 2007 Silverado, this is outrageous.

[@leeberk9857]

Agreed. Thank you!

[@jo6520]

Those clampy things are called clips

[@leeberk9857]

thanks!

[@gurutimes2]

lets do it wrong

[@michaelkennedy5126]

omg I regret buying my malibu, what a circus just to replace a headlight bulb?

[@leeberk9857]

My mother-in-law has had hers for a long time and has been a great car. Yes, this was a PITA,, but just one thing. Everything else has been good for her.

[@mp4338]

Poor design and execution of the car. Can be limit of the car destroyed. NEVER EVER AMERICAN CAR.

[@VAspeed3]

A lot of foreign cars are much worse, if you can believe it. One friend's Mercedes would cost $3500 to replace a bulb!! Found a body shop that did it for a mere $2500. You'll never find a Benz in my driveway!!

[@dragofloyd8765]

I have one, and I can't believe chevy made so fuck difficult to change the headlights damn shame.

[@MimicoBungalow]

How dreadful that GM would make the later (post 2007) Malibu headlight replacement so difficult! I have a suggestion, though. Buy a bag of those 'push fasteners' BEFORE you try this. It will save you a lot of grief later. You WILL break some of them in the process of removing the cap. Did you show if they even worked after replacement? GM is shooting themselves in the foot with this sort of BS.

[@leeberk9857]

I guess I was lucky, I broke nothing and needed nothing beyond tools. I can see what you mean, those plastic fasteners are fragile!