After a 14-year-long stint as the top trim level for the Chevelle, the Malibu became its own model in 1978, and lasted through 1983. In 1997, the Malibu returned as a four-door, front-wheel-drive family car. This new Malibu came standard with a 2.4-liter engine with 150 horsepower, and had an optional 155-horsepower 3.1-liter V-6 engine available. Replacing the dome light bulb in the 1997 Malibu is a straightforward task.
Pry gently on the front and rear of the dome light lens with a small flat-head screwdriver to release the locking tabs and remove the lens from the dome light assembly.
Pull the dome light bulb downward to release it from its pronged sockets. Hold a new No. 561 light bulb in the center with a clean, lint-free cloth – touching the bulb with your bare hands may cause it to fail prematurely – and align the flat ends of the bulb with the pronged sockets. Press each end of the bulb into its respective pronged socket.
Align the dome light lens with the housing and press the lens onto the assembly until the retaining tabs click into place.
