I was going through the manual and noticed that there are instructions on replacing many of the lights on the vehicle (tail lights, turn signals, license plate, etc). However noinstructions for anyof the lights in the front of the vehicle (low-beam headlights, high-beams headlights, turn signal) were included.

I used to own a 1998 Malibu, and 2005 Pontiac G6 (was a real pain in the butt to change the headlamp bulbs on this car) and in both those cases headlamp replacement instructions were included... Did GM forget to include them for the '08 Malibu?

 

Unfortunately all the owners manual says is

Bulb Replacement

For the proper type of replacement bulbs,

see

For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this

section, contact your dealer/retailer.

And like you said, the fronts are not in there, mainly because it is kind of a ain to get the lens out to change the bulbs, and they recomend aiming the headlights when your done. Hereare the instructions on how to do it.










Callout

Component Name


Preliminary Procedure
Remove the front bumper fascia. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement.


1

Headlamp Screw (Qty:2)
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
Tip
Secure the headlamp fasteners in sequence, as indicated.
Tighten
3N·m (27lbin)


2

Headlamp Assembly
[ol][/ol]
Procedure
[ol]Pull forward on the outside edge of the headlamp in order to release the up and down locator tabs on the backside of the headlamp.
Pull forward on the top inside edge of the headlamp to release the inboard up/down locator.
Pull the headlamp assembly down.
Pull the headlamp assembly forward far enough to access the electrical connection.
Disconnect the headlamp electrical connector from the forward lamp harness connector.
Remove the headlamp assembly.
Aim the headlamps after installation. Refer to Headlamp Aiming. [/ol]

 

Thanks for the diagram shawnvw! Seems like an awful lot of work just to replace some lights... I wonder why they're making it so difficult! I remember on my '98 Malibu, changing out the headlights was a 10 minute job.

I guess when my first bulb in the headlamp housing were to go, my best bet would be to replace all the bulbs to save on labour!