Are you struggling to understand the differences between 9004 and 9007 headlight bulbs? It's a common confusion among car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics. These two bulbs may be strikingly similar in appearance, but there are differences in filament design, current draw, and wire position that can affect compatibility.

In this article, we dive into the specifics of 9004 vs. 9007 headlight bulbs.

Key Differences Between 9004 vs. 9007

Filament Design

While both bulbs feature a dual filament design, their layout differs. The 9007 has axial filaments, arranged in line with the bulb's axis. In contrast, the 9004 bulb's filaments are arranged transversely or across the bulb's length. This difference in design can affect the distribution and intensity of light.

9004 vs 9007 filament design

Pin Configuration

At first glance, the 9004 and 9007 bulbs may seem identical, with similar connectors and uniform wire coloring. However, a closer look reveals the key difference in the configuration of the ground, high beam, and low beam wires.

The 9007 bulb's design positions the ground pin centrally, flanked by high and low positive pins. The 9004 bulb, conversely, has its ground pin to one side while the remaining slots house the high beam and low beam positive pins.

This variation in pin placement underscores the uniqueness of each bulb type and their incompatibility.

9004 vs 9007 Pin Configuration

Power Draw and Beam Type

Lastly, their power consumption also differs. Both bulbs support high and low beams, crucial for different driving conditions. However, their power draws differ slightly. The 9007 draws 65 / 55 W, while the 9004 draws 65 / 45 W.

The extra 10 watts consumed by the 9007 bulb translates into a slightly brighter low beam．

Are 9004 and 9007 Interchangeable?

Though they look very similar, 9004 and 9007 headlight bulbs are not the same and not interchangeable.

To sum up, the 9004 and 9007 bulbs differ in filament design, pin configuration, and power draw. The 9007's axial filaments and central ground pin set it apart from the 9004's transverse filaments and side ground pin. Plus, the 9007 consumes 65/55W, providing a brighter low beam, compared to the 9004's 65/45W. These differences make them incompatible despite similar appearances.

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>> 9007/HB5 LED Headlight Bulbs

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About 9007 Bulb

The 9007 bulb, also known as the HB5, is a dual-filament bulb with an axial filament design. This design means that the filaments are arranged along the bulb's axis, rather than a crosswise layout.

The base type for the 9007 bulb is PX29t. One distinguishing feature of this bulb is its pin configuration. The ground pin is situated in the middle, with the high and low positive pins flanking it on the left and right. This configuration is unique to the 9007 bulb and sets it apart from the 9004.

The 9007 bulb has a stock power draw of 65 / 55 W, accommodating both high and low beams.

Also read: 9007 Headlight Bulb Guide: Know Basics & Best 9007 LED Choices

About 9004 Bulb

On the other hand, the 9004 bulb, also known as the HB1, also features a dual filament design, but with a transverse filament arrangement. This means that the filaments are placed crosswise, or at right angles to the length of the bulb.

The pin configuration of the 9004 bulb is distinct from the 9007. Here, the ground pin is typically located on the left, while the middle and right pins correspond to the low beam and high beam, respectively.

The 9004 bulb has a base type of P29t and a stock power draw of 65 / 45 W. Like the 9007, it also supports high and low beams.

Also read: 9004 Headlight Bulb Guide: Know Basics & Best 9004 LED Choices

Last Words

While the 9004 and 9007 bulbs share some similarities, their differences are significant. Hopefully this article can help you understand the differences between them. If you plan to replace your headlight bulbs, always refer to your vehicle's manual or a reliable source to ensure you're getting the right bulb size for your vehicle needs.