What Size Bulbs Does a 2003 Lincoln Aviator Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Easy (Plug and Play)
Est. Replacement Cost
$50 - $150 (HID System)
What Lighting System Does the 2003 Lincoln Aviator Have?
The 2003 Lincoln Aviator features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses factory HID/Xenon technology with D2R projector headlights. The Aviator has been available from 2003 to 2005, and the 2003 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2003 Lincoln Aviator?
The 2003 Lincoln Aviator comes equipped with factory D2R HID/Xenon headlights. These already produce significantly more light than halogen bulbs, so upgrading is generally unnecessary. When your HID bulbs burn out, replace them with OEM-spec D2R HID bulbs to maintain the correct color temperature and beam pattern. Avoid cheap aftermarket HID bulbs as they can produce incorrect beam patterns and blind oncoming drivers. Your fog lights use a LED Fog Light halogen bulb, which can be upgraded to LED for a whiter color match with your HID headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2003 Lincoln Aviator
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 2003 Aviator 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. HID headlights operate at high voltage. Always disconnect the battery before working on the headlight assembly. Never touch the HID ballast while the headlights are on, and handle the D2R capsule with gloves to avoid oil contamination. 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
2003 Lincoln Aviator Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D2R LED | Buy HID-D2R LED |
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 | 2827 LED | Buy 2827 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 2827 LED | Buy 2827 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 3057K LED | Buy 3057K LED |
Dome Light | 578 | Buy 578 |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Parking Light | 3157AK | Buy 3157AK |
Reverse Light | 3156K | Buy 3156K |
Trunk Light | 578 | Buy 578 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2003 Lincoln AviatorHow Long Do 2003 Lincoln Aviator Headlight Bulbs Last?
HID/Xenon headlights on the 2003 Lincoln Aviator typically last 2,000 to 3,000 hours, or about 4 to 6 years of regular driving. As HID bulbs age, they shift color toward pink or purple, which is a clear sign that replacement is needed. Flickering on startup also indicates a worn bulb or failing ballast. At 23 years old, the original bulbs on your Aviator 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 2003 Lincoln Aviator?
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.
2003 Lincoln Aviator Headlight FAQ
Did Lincoln Aviator Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
The Lincoln Aviator has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 2003 to 2005. The low beam has used a HID-D2R LED bulb throughout, which means replacement parts and LED upgrade kits are widely available and well-tested for this model. If you find a deal on bulbs for any Aviator year in this range, they will fit your 2003 model.
Other Aviator Years
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Other Vehicles That Use HID-D2R LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a HID-D2R LED low beam bulb: