What Size Bulbs Does a 2017 Ford Explorer Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Moderate (Dust covers often present)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 2017 Ford Explorer Have?
The 2017 Ford Explorer features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses factory LED technology with integrated LED headlight modules. The Explorer has been available from 1993 to 2019, and the 2017 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2017 Ford Explorer?
To upgrade the 2017 Ford Explorer headlights to LED, you will need a LED Headlights 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 LED Fog Light LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2017 Ford Explorer
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. On the 2017 Explorer, you will likely encounter rubber dust covers behind the headlight housing. These pull off by hand or unscrew depending on the design. Allow about 15 to 20 minutes per side. This vehicle has factory-integrated LED headlight modules. These are not user-serviceable bulbs. If your LED headlights fail, the entire headlight assembly or LED module may need to be replaced by a dealer or qualified technician. 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 LED Fog Light fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2017 Ford Explorer Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | LED Headlights | Buy LED Headlights |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | LED Fog Light | Buy LED Fog Light |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Turn Signal Front | 3757AK LED | Buy 3757AK LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7440NA LED | Buy 7440NA LED |
Reverse Light | 7440 | Buy 7440 |
Dome Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Parking Light | 3757AK | Buy 3757AK |
Trunk Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2017 Ford ExplorerHow Long Do 2017 Ford Explorer Headlight Bulbs Last?
Factory LED headlights on the 2017 Ford Explorer are rated for approximately 25,000 to 50,000 hours of use, which translates to roughly 10 to 15 years of normal driving. LED modules rarely burn out suddenly. Instead, they gradually dim over time or develop dead zones within the LED array. At 9 years old, the original bulbs on your Explorer are likely overdue for replacement, though LED modules may still have life left. 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 2017 Ford Explorer?
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.
2017 Ford Explorer Headlight FAQ
Did Ford Explorer Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1993 to 2019, the Ford Explorer has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2017 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 2017. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2017 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.