Parts for your 1987 Suzuki Swift-Headlight bulbs

1987 Suzuki Swift headlight bulbs — what they do and how to look after them

Relevant? Yes. Technical sources confirm the 1987 Suzuki Swift (SA/AA series) runs replaceable halogen headlight bulbs, not sealed beams. The Suzuki Swift/Cultus SA310 factory service manual specifies H4 12V 60/55W bulbs, the Holden Barina MB (the local rebadged Swift) workshop manual lists the same, and Australian/NZ bulb catalogues from brands like Narva and Philips map 1986–1988 Swift/Barina to a standard H4 fitment. So if a Swift from ’87 is in the driveway, it definitely uses headlight bulbs.

On this classic, the headlight bulbs are simple H4 halogens that handle both low and high beam via a dual-filament design. They’re there to keep night driving clear and legal, throw a clean low-beam cutoff to avoid dazzling others, and punch out decent high-beam reach for country roads. Given the age of the wiring and lenses, keeping on top of bulbs is a smart bit of preventative maintenance.

When servicing a 1987 Suzuki Swift, it pays to:

• Replace bulbs in pairs to keep colour and brightness matched.
• Stick with ADR/NZTA-compliant H4 12V 60/55W. Avoid higher-wattage bulbs unless the loom is upgraded with relays.
• Check the 3‑pin H4 connector for heat damage and the earth points for corrosion — clean and tighten if needed.
• Freshen cloudy lenses, a quick headlight restoration can claw back a heap of light.
• Carry a spare H4 bulb in the glovebox for road trips.

Swapping a bulb is a five‑minute, no‑drama job: pop the bonnet, unplug the 3‑pin connector at the rear of the lamp, peel off the rubber boot, release the spring clip, and slide out the old bulb. Without touching the glass, seat the new H4 so the locating tabs line up, clip it in, refit the boot and plug, then test low and high beam. If the beam looks off, tweak the adjusters to aim the lights to spec.

If output still feels weak, look for voltage drop: measure battery-to-bulb voltage with lights on. Big losses point to tired wiring, a lazy relay, or a crusty switch. Upgrading to quality +30/+60 performance H4s can help, but the biggest gains often come from sorting the electrics and lens clarity first.

Popular questions

What headlight bulb fits a 1987 Suzuki Swift?
It takes a standard H4 (P43t base) 12V 60/55W halogen. That single globe handles both low and high beam in the factory reflector housing. Choose a reputable brand and ADR/NZTA-compliant type for the best reliability and beam shape.

Can I use LED bulbs in the factory Swift headlights?
Physically, many LED H4 retrofits will fit, but beam focus and legality can be an issue in the original halogen reflector. For road use, stick with approved halogen H4s unless fitting a properly engineered LED headlamp assembly that meets local regulations.

Why are my headlights still dim after new bulbs?
Ageing wiring, poor earths, hazy lenses, or a tired headlight switch can rob voltage and scatter light. Check and clean connectors and grounds, measure voltage at the bulb with lights on, and restore the lenses. Sorting those basics usually brightens things up more than any fancy globe.