The 9004, also known as HB1, is an older dual-beam headlight bulb found on many cars, pickups, vans, and SUVs. It uses two filaments in a single bulb, allowing the same bulb to provide both low and high beams through a three-pin electrical connection.

If your vehicle still uses 9004 halogen bulbs, switching to a compatible LED replacement can improve brightness and visibility while keeping the original high- and low-beam setup.

One important detail: 9004 and 9007/HB5 may look similar, but they are not interchangeable. Their wiring and filament positions are different, so always use the bulb size specified for your vehicle.

What Is a 9004 / HB1 Bulb?

9004 and HB1 are two names for the same bulb family.

The original 9004 halogen bulb combines the low- and high-beam filaments in one housing. This allows one headlight socket to handle both beam functions.

For a compatible LED replacement, explore our 9004/HB1 LED collection.

9004 headlight bulb guide

Where Are 9004 Bulbs Used?

9004 bulbs are most commonly found on older North American vehicles. They were widely used before newer headlight systems became more common.

However, bulb sizes can vary between model years, trims, and lighting configurations. Before ordering, check the number printed on your original bulb or use a vehicle fitment tool to confirm that your vehicle takes 9004/HB1.

Many older pickups and vans equipped with 9004 bulbs are still on the road in Canada. Some are daily drivers, work trucks, or farm vehicles that regularly see long winter nights.

If you're replacing aging halogens with LEDs, inspect the original socket and wiring first. Years of exposure to moisture, road salt, and temperature changes can cause corrosion or heat damage around the connection.

9004 vs 9007: What's the Difference?

9004/HB1 and 9007/HB5 are both dual-beam bulbs, meaning they provide low and high beams from a single bulb. However, their wiring, pin layout, and filament positions are different.

This matters because the headlight housing is designed around a specific filament position. Installing the wrong bulb can affect the beam pattern and may prevent the headlight from working correctly.

For that reason, treat 9004/HB1 and 9007/HB5 as separate fitments. Always match the replacement bulb to the size specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

What to Look for in a 9004 LED Upgrade

Not every LED bulb is a good match for an older 9004 headlight housing. Before buying, pay attention to the following features.

Accurate High- and Low-Beam Performance

A good 9004 LED bulb should switch cleanly between low and high beam while keeping the LED emitters as close as possible to the position of the original halogen filaments.

This helps the LED work with the factory reflector or projector and maintain a predictable beam pattern.

Cooling and Available Space

LED bulbs produce heat around the LED chips and need an effective cooling system.

Before installation, check the space behind the headlight housing. Make sure there is enough room for the bulb's fan or heat sink, driver, and dust cap.

Older headlight housings can have limited space, so a compact design may be important for a proper fit.

Electrical Compatibility

A 9004 bulb uses a three-pin connection, so the replacement needs to work correctly with the vehicle's factory wiring.

After installation, test both low and high beams. Also check for flickering, bulb-out warnings, or other electrical issues.

Weather Resistance

Headlights on Canadian vehicles deal with rain, snow, road spray, salt, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Make sure the bulb, connector, and headlight housing are properly sealed. A secure dust cap and properly seated bulb seal are just as important as the bulb's IP rating.

Best 9004 LED Bulbs from SEALIGHT Canada

If you're looking to replace your factory 9004 halogens, SEALIGHT offers several 9004/HB1 LED options for different priorities.

Some drivers want maximum output, while others prefer a fanless design, compact installation, or a lower price.

The models below are available through SEALIGHT's Canadian store, with prices listed in Canadian dollars. Because pricing and inventory can change, check the product page for the latest availability and current price.

SEALIGHT S7S 9004/HB1 LED — Maximum Output

The S7S is the highest-output option featured in this 9004 lineup. It produces a claimed 33,000 lumens per pair and uses a 130W system with an active cooling fan.

The driver is built into the bulb, giving the S7S an all-in-one design without a separate driver box mounted behind the headlight.

Its built-in decoding system is designed to prevent bulb-out warnings on most vehicles, although vehicle compatibility can vary.

For Canadian driving conditions, the S7S is designed to operate in temperatures as low as -40°C and uses corrosion-resistant connections and IP68 sealing for protection against moisture, slush, and road spray.

The low-beam design also focuses on maintaining a defined cutoff to help control glare. At the time this guide was written, the product had an average rating of 4.66/5 from 82 reviews.

SEALIGHT® S7S 9004/HB1 130W 6500K White IP68 LED Headlight Bulbs 2Pcs
$129.99
$189.99

SEALIGHT S1 9004/HB1 LED — Fanless and Affordable

The S1 takes a different approach to cooling. Instead of using a fan, it relies on passive cooling, so there are no moving parts inside the bulb.

That can be useful for drivers who prefer a quieter, simpler setup, especially when the headlights are used for extended periods during winter driving.

The driver is housed in a separate external module, and the bulb uses CANbus-ready electronics designed to prevent bulb-out warnings on most vehicles. Some particularly sensitive vehicles may still require an additional decoder.

The bulb is designed to stay close to the size of a standard halogen bulb, making it a practical option for tighter headlight housings or vehicles with limited space behind the dust cap.

With a 6000K color temperature, the S1 has a slightly warmer appearance than the 6500K options in this lineup. At the time of writing, it also had 132 customer reviews.

SEALIGHT® S1 9004/HB1 60W 6000K White IP67 LED Headlight Bulbs 2Pcs
$56.29
$66.23

SEALIGHT X1S 9004/HB1 LED — Easy Installation

The X1S offers a balance of output and installation convenience.

With a claimed 30,000 lumens per pair, it provides a substantial increase in stated light output over standard aging halogens while costing less than the S7S.

The design is self-contained, with the driver built into the bulb and an active cooling fan integrated into the aluminum housing. This means there is no separate driver box to mount behind the headlight.

The LED emitter layout is designed to follow the geometry of the original halogen filaments, helping maintain a more predictable beam pattern in compatible reflector housings.

The X1S is IP68-rated and listed with a service life of 60,000+ hours. Installation is designed as a straightforward replacement using the vehicle's original high- and low-beam wiring.

SEALIGHT® X1S 9004/HB1 80W 6500K White IP68 LED Headlight Bulbs 2Pcs
$71.99
$86.39

9004 LED Bulb Installation Checklist

Replacing a 9004 halogen bulb is generally straightforward, but taking a few minutes to check the installation can prevent common problems.

  • Confirm the bulb size: Check that the original bulb is marked 9004/HB1 before purchasing a replacement.
  • Turn off the vehicle: Switch off the engine and headlights before starting the installation.
  • Inspect the socket: Look for corrosion, loose connections, or signs of heat damage.
  • Install the LED in the correct orientation: Make sure the bulb is seated properly and aligned with the housing.
  • Secure the driver and wiring: If your LED kit uses an external driver, make sure it is securely positioned away from moving or hot components.
  • Test both beams: Check the low beam and high beam separately after installation.
  • Check the beam aim: Make sure the headlights are still aimed correctly and that the new bulbs do not create excessive glare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 9004 the same as HB1?

Yes. 9004 and HB1 are two names used for the same bulb family.

Is 9004 the same as 9007?

No. Although both are dual-beam bulbs, their wiring and filament positions are different. A 9004/HB1 housing should use a 9004/HB1 replacement rather than a 9007/HB5 bulb.

Does a 9004 provide both high and low beams?

Yes. The original 9004 halogen bulb contains two filaments, one for the low beam and one for the high beam.

Can I replace my 9004 halogen bulbs with LEDs?

Many vehicles with 9004 halogen headlights can use a compatible LED replacement. However, compatibility depends on the vehicle and headlight housing.

Before installing an LED, check the physical fit, beam pattern, high/low-beam operation, cooling requirements, and compatibility with the vehicle's electrical system.

How well do 9004 LED bulbs handle Canadian winters and road salt?

The 9004 LED models from SEALIGHT featured in this guide have an IP rating of at least IP67, which provides protection against water and road spray when the bulb seal and dust cap are properly installed.

LEDs also turn on immediately in cold weather and do not rely on a filament that needs to warm up. However, the original bulb socket and wiring can still be vulnerable to corrosion, particularly on older vehicles.

Before installing a new set, inspect the connector for corrosion or damage and make sure the dust cap is properly sealed afterward.

Final Recommendation

Choosing the right 9004 LED bulb starts with confirming the correct HB1 fitment.

From there, look for a bulb that fits the headlight housing, maintains accurate high- and low-beam positioning, has an appropriate cooling system, and works properly with the vehicle's electrical system.

For drivers who want maximum output, the S7S is the strongest option featured here. The S1 is a good choice if you prefer a fanless design and lower price, while the X1S offers a balance of output and simple installation.

Whichever model you choose, correct fitment and beam alignment should come before raw lumen numbers.

Upgrade Your 9004 Halogens to LED

SEALIGHT offers LED headlight upgrades for cars, trucks, and SUVs equipped with halogen bulbs.

The 9004/HB1 models featured in this guide are available through the SEALIGHT Canadian online store, with prices listed in Canadian dollars. Eligible orders include free shipping from Canada, with no duties or unexpected fees. Orders are also covered by a 90-day return window and a 1-year Canada warranty.

Not sure which 9004 LED bulb is right for your vehicle? Compare the available models in the 9004/HB1 LED collection.

Looking for other bulb sizes? Visit the SEALIGHT Canada homepage to browse the full catalog.