What Size Bulbs Does a 1996 Ford F350 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 1996 Ford F350 Have?
The 1996 Ford F350 features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9007 LED low beams and 194 high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The F350 has been available from 1994 to 1996, and the 1996 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1996 Ford F350?
To upgrade the 1996 Ford F350 headlights to LED, you will need a 9007 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 H3 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 1996 Ford F350
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 1996 F350 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 H3 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
1996 Ford F350 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9007 LED | Buy 9007 LED |
High Beam | 194 | Buy 194 |
Fog Light | H3 LED | Buy H3 LED |
Brake Light | 194 | Buy 194 |
Side Marker | 194 LED | Buy 194 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 3157K LED | Buy 3157K LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 3157K LED | Buy 3157K LED |
Reverse Light | 3156 | Buy 3156 |
Dome Light | 912 | Buy 912 |
License Plate | 194 or 97 | Buy 194 or 97 |
Map Light | 105 | Buy 105 |
Parking Light | 916 | Buy 916 |
Trunk Light | 906 or 922 | Buy 906 or 922 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1996 Ford F350How Long Do 1996 Ford F350 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1996 Ford F350 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 30 years old, the original bulbs on your F350 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 1996 Ford F350?
The 9007 low beam bulb on the 1996 Ford F350 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.
1996 Ford F350 Headlight FAQ
Did Ford F350 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1994 to 1996, the Ford F350 has seen bulb size changes in the Turn Signal Front and Turn Signal Rear positions. The 1996 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 1995. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1996 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other F350 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: