What Size Bulbs Does a 1998 Ford Windstar 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 1998 Ford Windstar Have?
The 1998 Ford Windstar features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9007 LED low beams and 37 high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Windstar has been available from 1995 to 2003, and the 1998 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1998 Ford Windstar?
To upgrade the 1998 Ford Windstar headlights to LED, you will need a 9007 LED LED kit for the low beams and a 37 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 899 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 1998 Ford Windstar
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 1998 Windstar 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 899 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
1998 Ford Windstar Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9007 LED | Buy 9007 LED |
High Beam | 37 | Buy 37 |
Fog Light | 899 LED | Buy 899 LED |
Brake Light | 37 | Buy 37 |
Side Marker | 916NA LED | Buy 916NA LED |
Turn Signal Front | 3157NA LED | Buy 3157NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 3156K LED | Buy 3156K LED |
Reverse Light | 3156K | Buy 3156K |
Dome Light | 912 | Buy 912 |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | 578 | Buy 578 |
Parking Light | 3157NA | Buy 3157NA |
Trunk Light | 562 | Buy 562 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1998 Ford WindstarHow Long Do 1998 Ford Windstar Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1998 Ford Windstar 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 28 years old, the original bulbs on your Windstar 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 1998 Ford Windstar?
The 9007 low beam bulb on the 1998 Ford Windstar 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.
1998 Ford Windstar Headlight FAQ
Did Ford Windstar Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1995 to 2003, the Ford Windstar has seen bulb size changes in the High Beam, Brake Light and Side Marker positions. The 1998 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2002. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1998 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Windstar 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: