What Size Bulbs Does a 1988 Ford F-350 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 1988 Ford F-350 Have?
The 1988 Ford F-350 features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9004 LED low beams and 194 high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The F-350 has been available from 1985 to 2010, and the 1988 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1988 Ford F-350?
To upgrade the 1988 Ford F-350 headlights to LED, you will need a 9004 LED LED kit for the low beams and a 194 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 1988 Ford F-350
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 1988 F-350 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 LED Fog Light fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
1988 Ford F-350 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9004 LED | Buy 9004 LED |
High Beam | 194 | Buy 194 |
Fog Light | LED Fog Light | Buy LED Fog Light |
Brake Light | 194 | Buy 194 |
Side Marker | 194 LED | Buy 194 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 3157 LED | Buy 3157 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 3157 LED | Buy 3157 LED |
Reverse Light | 1156 | Buy 1156 |
License Plate | 194 or 97 | Buy 194 or 97 |
Map Light | 105 | Buy 105 |
Parking Light | 3157 | Buy 3157 |
Trunk Light | 912 | Buy 912 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1988 Ford F-350How Long Do 1988 Ford F-350 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1988 Ford F-350 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 38 years old, the original bulbs on your F-350 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 1988 Ford F-350?
The 9004 low beam bulb on the 1988 Ford F-350 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.
1988 Ford F-350 Headlight FAQ
Did Ford F-350 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1985 to 2010, the Ford F-350 has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 1988 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2007. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1988 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other F-350 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: