What Size Bulbs Does a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport 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 Ford Explorer Sport Have?
The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with a single 9007 LED dual-filament bulb handling both low and high beams. The Explorer Sport has been available from 2001 to 2003, and the 2002 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport?
Upgrading the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport to LED headlights is straightforward since it uses a single 9007 LED dual-filament bulb for both low and high beams. You only need one pair of LED bulbs to upgrade both functions. Look for a 9007 LED LED kit that specifically supports dual-filament operation to ensure both beams work correctly. 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 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
The 9007 bulb uses a twist-lock base with a keyed tab for alignment identical to H13. 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 2002 Explorer Sport 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 13 Positions at Once
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9007 LED | Buy 9007 LED |
High Beam | 9007 LED | Buy 9007 LED |
Fog Light | 9145 LED | Buy 9145 LED |
Brake Light | PC74 | Buy PC74 |
Side Marker | 3157AK LED | Buy 3157AK LED |
Turn Signal Front | 3157AK LED | Buy 3157AK LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 3157K LED | Buy 3157K LED |
Reverse Light | 3156K | Buy 3156K |
Dome Light | 906 | Buy 906 |
License Plate | 194 | Buy 194 |
Map Light | 168 or PC579 | Buy 168 or PC579 |
Parking Light | 3157AK | Buy 3157AK |
Trunk Light | 906 | Buy 906 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2002 Ford Explorer SportHow Long Do 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport 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 Explorer Sport 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 Ford Explorer Sport?
The 9007 low beam bulb on the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport is cross-compatible with HB5 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, 9007 is the recommended size because it is optimized for the wattage and beam pattern designed into your headlight housing. The 9007 is a dual-filament bulb, meaning one bulb contains two separate filaments for low and high beams. This is a different design from single-filament bulbs like H11 or 9005. Make sure any LED replacement is specifically designed for dual-filament operation. 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 Ford Explorer Sport Headlight FAQ
Did Ford Explorer Sport Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
The Ford Explorer Sport has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 2001 to 2003. The low beam has used a 9007 LED bulb throughout, which means replacement parts and LED upgrade kits are widely available and well-tested for this model. If you find a deal on bulbs for any Explorer Sport year in this range, they will fit your 2002 model.
Other Explorer Sport Years
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Other Vehicles That Use 9007 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 9007 LED low beam bulb: