What Size Bulbs Does a 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Easy (Plug and Play)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 Have?
The 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9004 LED low beams and PC194 or PC74 high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Ram 3500 has been available from 2002 to 2010, and the 2002 model falls in the early-generation years. As a Dodge vehicle, it uses a CANbus electrical system that monitors bulb status.
LED Flicker Warning
This vehicle (Dodge) is known to use a CANbus system that checks for burnt-out bulbs. Installing standard LEDs may cause them to flicker or trigger a dashboard error.
We highly recommend using a CANbus decoder or "Anti-Flicker" resistors.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2002 Dodge Ram 3500?
To upgrade the 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 headlights to LED, you will need a 9004 LED LED kit for the low beams and a PC194 or PC74 LED kit for the high beams. Start with the low beams since they are used most often and have the biggest impact on nighttime visibility. Important: Dodge vehicles use a CANbus system that detects bulb wattage. Standard LED bulbs may trigger dashboard warnings or flicker. Choose LED kits labeled "CANbus-compatible" or add inline decoder resistors to prevent these issues. For the fog lights, a 896 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2002 Dodge Ram 3500
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Older model years like the 2002 Ram 3500 typically offer easy access to the headlight bulbs from behind the headlight assembly under the hood. Most owners can complete the swap in under 10 minutes per side. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Skin oils create hot spots that shorten bulb life. Wear clean gloves or handle the bulb by its plastic base only. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the 896 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2002 Dodge Ram 3500 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9004 LED | Buy 9004 LED |
High Beam | PC194 or PC74 | Buy PC194 or PC74 |
Fog Light | 896 LED | Buy 896 LED |
Brake Light | PC194 | Buy PC194 |
Side Marker | 194 LED | Buy 194 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 3157NA LED or 3157K LED | Buy 3157NA LED or 3157K LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 1157 LED or 3157 LED | Buy 1157 LED or 3157 LED |
Reverse Light | 1156 or 3157 or 921 | Buy 1156 or 3157 or 921 |
Dome Light | 579 | Buy 579 |
License Plate | 168 or 1155 | Buy 168 or 1155 |
Map Light | 212-2 or 906 | Buy 212-2 or 906 |
Parking Light | 3157NA or 3157K | Buy 3157NA or 3157K |
Trunk Light | 921 or 579 | Buy 921 or 579 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2002 Dodge Ram 3500How Long Do 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 have an expected lifespan of 500 to 1,000 hours, which works out to roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use. Signs of a failing halogen bulb include noticeably dimmer output, a yellowish tint compared to the other headlight, or intermittent flickering. At 24 years old, the original bulbs on your Ram 3500 are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.
What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 2002 Dodge Ram 3500?
The 9004 low beam bulb on the 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact 9004 size. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.
2002 Dodge Ram 3500 Headlight FAQ
Did Dodge Ram 3500 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2002 to 2010, the Dodge Ram 3500 has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2002 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2009. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2002 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Ram 3500 Years
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Other Vehicles That Use 9004 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 9004 LED low beam bulb: