What Size Bulbs Does a 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500 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 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500 Have?
The 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500 features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with a single H13 LED dual-filament bulb handling both low and high beams. The Yukon XL 2500 has been available from 2001 to 2013, and the 2012 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500?
Upgrading the 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500 to LED headlights is straightforward since it uses a single H13 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 H13 LED LED kit that specifically supports dual-filament operation to ensure both beams work correctly. For the fog lights, a 5202 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500
The H13 bulb uses a twist-lock base with a keyed tab for alignment. 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 2012 Yukon XL 2500 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 5202 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H13 LED | Buy H13 LED |
High Beam | H13 LED | Buy H13 LED |
Fog Light | 5202 LED | Buy 5202 LED |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | 194NA LED | Buy 194NA LED |
Turn Signal Front | 5702AK LED | Buy 5702AK LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7443 LED | Buy 7443 LED |
Reverse Light | 7441 | Buy 7441 |
Dome Light | 212-2 | Buy 212-2 |
License Plate | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Map Light | 212-2 | Buy 212-2 |
Parking Light | 5702AK | Buy 5702AK |
Trunk Light | 212-2 | Buy 212-2 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500How Long Do 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500 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 14 years old, the original bulbs on your Yukon XL 2500 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 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500?
The H13 low beam bulb on the 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500 is cross-compatible with 9008 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, H13 is the recommended size because it is optimized for the wattage and beam pattern designed into your headlight housing. The H13 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.
2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500 Headlight FAQ
Did GMC Yukon XL 2500 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2001 to 2013, the GMC Yukon XL 2500 has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2012 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 2010. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2012 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Yukon XL 2500 Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H13 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H13 LED low beam bulb: