Buy Chevrolet (Chevy) Spark Headlight Assembly

Highlights

The Chevrolet Spark headlight-also called the head lamp, front lamp, or head-lamp assembly-is a sealed unit that holds the bulb, reflector, and clear lens. 2013-2022 Sparks use halogen bulbs (mostly H13 dual-filament; some trims after mid-2018 switch the low beam to H11) that deliver about 1,000-1,500 hours of light. The lamp housing is plastic, so haze and moisture can appear over time. U.S. safety rule FMVSS 108 sets brightness, beam height, and DOT markings, while newer federal rules now allow "adaptive-beam" technology for future models . Upgrading to LED or long-life halogen capsules can boost visibility if the bulbs, wiring, and beam pattern still meet FMVSS limits . (NHTSA, NHTSA)

Fit & Specs

• Model years 2013-2022: most Sparks use an H13 (9008) bulb for both low and high beams. Some late-2018+ LT/ACTIV trims swap to H11 for the dedicated low beam while keeping a single-filament high beam . (Reddit)
• Daytime-running-light (DRL) duty: Because the low-beam filament is lit any time the car is in gear, the bulb's life shortens; using long-life "ULTRA LIFE" capsules rated up to four times longer than standard halogens helps .
• Electrical protection: Headlight fuses and relays sit in the under-hood fuse box; exact slot numbers differ by year (see interactive fuse charts ). Always disconnect the negative battery cable before service. (StartMyCar)
• Beam aiming: The vertical adjuster hides behind the lamp; turn ¼-turn at a time, then verify cutoff height against a wall 25 ft away (top of beam ≈ 3 in. below lamp center) .

Legal Rules

• FMVSS 108 basics: All replacement lamps must carry "DOT" or "SAE HR HB" marks and meet candle-power limits laid out in the federal test procedure .
• LED conversions: NHTSA says LEDs are legal only if the entire head-lamp is tested as a unit or the LED retrofit shuts off completely when one light-emitting diode fails . (NHTSA)
• Adaptive beams: As of Feb 15 2022, automakers may install adaptive driving beams that shape light to traffic; retrofitting older Sparks is not yet approved . (NHTSA)
• Global checks: Euro NCAP notes that the Spark's halogen head-lamps provided "adequate" nighttime visibility when correctly aimed .

Common Issues

• Condensation: A blocked vent or torn gasket lets moist air in, fogging the lens. Clear the vent tube and gently warm the housing with a hair dryer to evaporate moisture .
• Haze & yellowing: UV-aged plastic scatters light. Light sanding plus a headlight-restoration kit restores clarity for 1-2 years .
• Frequent burnouts: DRL duty runs filaments all day; long-life bulbs or dedicated LED DRL strips outlined by SAE cut average power draw by two-thirds .

Upgrade Paths

• Long-life halogens: Look for a rated service life of 1,300 h or more (ULTRA-type or "+Life").
• True LED assemblies: Complete sealed LED head-lamps labeled "DOT SAE HL" meet FMVSS; they lower draw from ~110 W to ~25 W and run cooler . (NHTSA)
• Lens film: Clear UV film keeps restored lenses from re-yellowing.

DIY Installation

1. Pop the hood and locate the black twist-cap behind the lamp .
2. Twist counter-clockwise; pull off the rubber seal.
3. Press the wire retainer and slide the old bulb straight out.
4. Do not touch the new bulb glass; oils shorten its life .
5. Align the tabs, insert, lock the retainer, and replace the cap.
6. Test low and high beams; if dark, check the 15 A head-lamp fuse . (StartMyCar)
   A full video walk-through shows the process on a 2017 Spark .

Safety Tips

• Check aim every oil change; a heavy load can tilt beams too high.
• Replace bulbs in pairs to keep color and brightness even.
• Keep the lens clean; dirt blocks up to 40 % of light.
• Use automatic "IntelliBeam" only on rural roads without on-coming traffic .

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which bulb do I need for a 2019 Spark ACTIV?
A: Most 2019-2022 ACTIV trims use an H11 low-beam and H8/H9 high-beam. Check the stamp on your old bulb or the owner's manual . (Reddit)

Q: Why did my new LED retrofit fail inspection?
A: If the lamp lacks a DOT mark or glared above cutoff, it violates FMVSS 108 . LEDs must be tested as a full unit, not just swapped bulbs . (NHTSA)

Q: How long do stock halogen bulbs last?
A: Around 400-1,500 hours. DRL use and vibration shorten life; long-life capsules extend it .

Q: My head-lamp fills with water after rain-safe to drive?
A: Light fog is normal and vents out. Standing water can crack the bulb or refract the beam; dry it and reseal the gasket soon .

Q: Can I install brighter 55 W HID bulbs?
A: The Spark reflector is designed for 55/60 W halogen filaments. HID capsules change light position and can dazzle drivers; only full projector retrofits that pass FMVSS tests are legal .

Q: Does head-lamp aim affect safety ratings?
A: Yes. Euro NCAP found the Spark's lamps "adequate" when aimed properly, but poor aim greatly reduces seeing distance .

Q: Will LED DRLs drain my battery?
A: No-LED DRLs draw about 5 W total versus 110 W for halogen low beams, so they reduce load and extend bulb life .

Q: Where is the head-lamp relay?
A: Under the hood in fuse-relay block "X-50A"; your fuse-box diagram shows the slot for each model year . (StartMyCar)

Sources

NHTSA adaptive-beam final rule
NHTSA LED compliance letter
FMVSS 108 test procedure PDF
StartMyCar Spark fuse diagrams
2022 Spark Owner's Manual (PDF)
Chevrolet IntelliBeam support page
Osram ULTRA LIFE specs
SAE daytime-running-lamp study
Popular Mechanics composite-lamp repair
Popular Mechanics headlight-restoration guide
CarCareKiosk Spark bulb video

Euro NCAP Spark safety data
Reddit Spark bulb-size discussion

(Links appear inline where numbered.)