[AGstone]

LT2 . . '08 . . left rear turn signal replacement . . . no big deal.

WRONG!

Getting information from my '08 Malibu Owners Manual, I 'set up' my replacement 'project' by purchasing a #3156 bulb. This was an obstacle against my progress because the PROPER stoplight / turn signal bulb for my LT2 is a #3157. A #3156 is a single filament bulb, and the necessary bulb is a double filament bulb. (I should have realized the error, but the 'truth' didn't register until I finally was able to remove the bulb with the broken filament from the left-side light housing. In this case, the "Replacement Bulb" information in my Manual is incorrect.)

To remove the felt-like cover panel (on the left side of the trunk), the 4 screw-in-convenience-net-fixtures were no problem. The real problem was the removal (and destruction) of the 3 press-fit-plastic-plugs used to additionally secure the cover panel. Then, I found it necessary to remove the interior plastic 'bumper plate' surrounding the trunk lock mechanism.

Including the return trip to the auto parts place to exchange the #3156 bulb for a #3157, the disassembly / reassembly necessary to replace the light took about an hour and fifteen minutes.

I believe the "Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps" (page 5-45) in my Owners Manual must relate mainly to the LTZ model.

Now, how do I order replacements for those scraped-out press-fit-plastic-plugs? (One of the convenience-net-fixtures was stripped, also, and that was probably done during plant assembly.) Oh, my! Such an experience for a seemingly simple bulb replacement.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Well, if you head over to the auto parts store they have a section called "Help!" with all sorts of different weird things, along with different plastic rivets and press-in fasteners. Take one with you to make sure you can match the diameter of the shaft.

Also, to make things easier the next time you want or need to change a rear bulb, do this for whichever side you need to do:
1. Unscrew the 2 plastic net attachments
2. Pull the cover out from under the trunk latch cover
3. Put your hand inside the cavity and unscrew the 3 wing nuts
4. Pull the housing away from the body

On my '09 and on this '11 I've had them out and back in in less than 5 minutes a pair. If the manual tells you to remove all that extra stuff just write it off to a nerdy engineer who doesn't actually work on his own car. We're just regular folks who don't need a degree to change a bulb and have found a way to save a lot of trouble in the process.

The LTZ uses a unique bulb called a Joule LED. It is accessed the same way and replaced just like the 3157, except that the bulb is manufactured with the twist-lock device as part of it instead of the 3157 being separate from the socket. (No, the Joule will not fit properly into the standard housing, and it uses a unique connector as well.)

Sorry for the experience you had. Hopefully you won't need to change the front bulbs. That DOES require you to remove the entire bumper. So, if you have to change a bulb you might want to consider buying both 3157 park/turn bulbs and 168/194 side markers, along with the H11 low beams and/or H9 high beams, depending on life expectancy. (The bulbs', not yours! )

 

[hoahai]

Today, on my way home, suddenly my right turn signal flashed like crazy. I checked the manual and found that the rear turn signal bulb was burned. I set out to do it myself to avoid a one-day trip to dealer.

I read this post and the manual before do the job. Daily Driven was right. You don’t have to touch the plastic plugs. Just leave them there. It took me about 15-20 minutes to get to the bulb. Here are the steps (which is not really different much from the manual):
- Remove the net
- Unscrew the two net hooks
- Pull the cover out and up so you can get some room to work the swing nuts.
- Unscrew the three BLACK swing nuts. This is the most challenging step for me because I had a hard time to break the nut in the corner loose. There is not a lot of room for that nut (you will see in the pictures). I had to use long nose pliers to turn it loose.
- Once you got the 3 swing nuts off, pull the tail light assembly out.
- Unscrew the bulb socket and pull the bulb out from the socket. It is true that the part number for the bulb is 3157 , not 3156 as written in the manual.
Here is the link to the pics.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Very good job on the pictures! Tells a story without a word.

Just a note to anyone who wanders by this thread before changing their bulbs: you can use the 3157 or a 3157NA. The "NA" means natural amber. (Sylvania says the 4157 is a direct replacement. Never seen one yet.)

When the NA bulb burns behind the red lens it looks a little more deeply colored to me. What's important is that you end up with another choice if you're stuck somewhere and need to buy a bulb but the clear one isn't available. It also means that if your housing breaks the light coming out of the hole will be amber, not white. It can prevent a ticket!

I've used NA bulbs in my lights for years, but I've never had a hole, either. I just like the color better, and the idea that a hole won't be a ticket.

 

[elcompaLalo]

Those are great pics.

As for bulbs, I went with these.

 

[maiden13]

OK....Don't get the craziness....I am probably the least mechanically inclined person there is and know very little about cars. My 2008 Malibu had the drivers side blinker go. I searched on google how to fix this.

Left my office at 11:30 and drive 3 miles to Pep Boys. Bought a 2 pack of 3157 bulbs for $5.99. Drove back to my office. Unscrewed the net, pulled back the pieces and then unscrewed the 3 thumb bolts holding in the unit. Popped the unit out, put new bulb in. Tested and WA-LA...done. Put back together...looked at time and it was not even 12:15. Took less than 15 minutes to replace. VERY EASY.

I think Chevy owes us that considering you have to take the entire front bumper off to replace the headlight...cost me $120 to that.

Again....If you have to do this..know that someone like myself who knows NOTHING about cars was able to do it in 15 minutes.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Just an additional note. For anyone who has the LTZ tail lights, since they are LEDs you can not use regular bulbs.