What Size Bulbs Does a 2005 Ford Expedition 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 2005 Ford Expedition Have?
The 2005 Ford Expedition features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9006 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Expedition has been available from 1997 to 2019, and the 2005 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2005 Ford Expedition?
To upgrade the 2005 Ford Expedition headlights to LED, you will need a 9006 LED LED kit for the low beams and a 9005 LED 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. For the fog lights, a 9145 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2005 Ford Expedition
The 9006 bulb uses a push-and-twist L-shaped bayonet lock. To remove the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness first, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out. Older model years like the 2005 Expedition 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 9145 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
2005 Ford Expedition Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9006 LED | Buy 9006 LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | 9145 LED | Buy 9145 LED |
Brake Light | 168 LED | Buy 168 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 3457K LED | Buy 3457K LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 3157K LED | Buy 3157K LED |
Reverse Light | 3156K | Buy 3156K |
Dome Light | 578 | Buy 578 |
License Plate | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Map Light | 2825 or 578 | Buy 2825 or 578 |
Parking Light | 3457K | Buy 3457K |
Trunk Light | 578 | Buy 578 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2005 Ford ExpeditionHow Long Do 2005 Ford Expedition Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2005 Ford Expedition 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 21 years old, the original bulbs on your Expedition 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 2005 Ford Expedition?
The 9006 low beam bulb on the 2005 Ford Expedition is cross-compatible with HB4 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, 9006 is the recommended size because it is optimized for the wattage and beam pattern designed into your headlight housing. For the high beams, the 9005 is interchangeable with HB3. 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.
2005 Ford Expedition Headlight FAQ
Did Ford Expedition Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1997 to 2019, the Ford Expedition has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2005 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2018. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2005 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Expedition Years
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Other Vehicles That Use 9006 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 9006 LED low beam bulb: