2019 Ford Explorer Bulb Sizes (Headlight, Tail, Fog)

Quick reference

The 2019 Ford Explorer offers a mix of lighting technologies, with lower trims typically featuring halogen bulbs and higher trims or optional packages incorporating more advanced LED systems. It's important to verify the exact bulb type in your specific vehicle before purchasing replacements, as even within the same trim level, minor variations can occur.

For models equipped with factory LED headlights, the individual LED components are often integrated into the headlamp assembly and are not designed for individual bulb replacement. In such cases, the entire headlamp assembly may need to be replaced if a component fails.

LED vs halogen upgrade considerations

Upgrading your 2019 Ford Explorer from halogen to aftermarket LED bulbs can offer significant improvements in brightness, longevity, and a more modern aesthetic. However, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:

• CANBUS Errors: Modern vehicles like the 2019 Explorer utilize a CANBUS (Controller Area Network Bus) system to monitor various electrical components, including lighting. Halogen bulbs draw more power than most LED bulbs. When you replace a halogen bulb with an LED, the lower power draw can cause the CANBUS system to detect a "bulb out" error, triggering a warning light on your dashboard or causing hyper-flashing for turn signals. To prevent this, many aftermarket LED kits include or require CANBUS decoders, also known as load resistors. These devices mimic the electrical load of a halogen bulb, tricking the CANBUS system into thinking all is well.
• Adapters Not Always Needed: For many common bulb sizes, LED replacements are designed to be plug-and-play, fitting directly into the original socket without additional adapters. However, some applications, particularly in housings with tight clearances or unique bulb retention mechanisms, might require specialized adapters to properly seat the LED bulb and/or its cooling fan. Always check the specific product description for any required fittings.
• Beam Pattern Issues: While LEDs are brighter, their light distribution can differ significantly from halogens. Simply dropping an LED bulb into a housing designed for a halogen filament can result in a scattered, unfocused beam pattern that blinds oncoming drivers and reduces your own effective visibility. Look for LED bulbs specifically designed to mimic the filament placement of their halogen counterparts, or consider projector-style LED upgrades for the best beam control.
• Heat Dissipation: LEDs generate heat, and effective heat dissipation is crucial for their longevity. Good quality LED bulbs incorporate heatsinks (often with integrated fans) to manage this. Ensure there's adequate space behind your headlight or fog light housing for these components.

How to replace each bulb

• Low Beam/High Beam (Halogen): Access to these bulbs typically requires opening the hood and reaching behind the headlight assembly. You'll usually twist a collar or unclip a spring to release the bulb. Disconnect the electrical connector before pulling out the old bulb. Be careful not to touch the glass of new halogen bulbs with your bare hands, as oils can cause premature failure.
• Fog Light: Access is often achieved by turning the wheel inward and removing a few fasteners from the fender liner to gain access to the back of the fog light housing. Twist and pull to remove.
• DRL (if replaceable): If your DRL is a separate bulb (some trims), access might be similar to fog lights via the fender liner or from behind the bumper. Integrated LEDs are not serviceable.
• Front Turn Signal: Often accessed by reaching behind the headlight assembly or, in some cases, through the fender liner. Twist the socket counter-clockwise to remove.
• Rear Turn Signal/Brake/Tail/Reverse: These are usually accessed by opening the liftgate and removing the plastic covers or trim pieces to expose the main taillight assembly mounting bolts. Once the assembly is out, the bulb sockets can be twisted out from the back.
• License Plate: Typically involves removing a few screws from the clear lens cover above the license plate, then pulling out the old bulb.
• Side Marker (Front/Rear): These are often integrated into the headlight/taillight assembly. If separate, they usually pop out with a pry tool or are accessed from behind the fender liner.
• Dome Light (Front/Rear): Carefully pry down the plastic lens cover with a plastic trim tool to avoid damaging the headliner or lens. The festoon bulb simply unclips from its metal holders.
• Map Light: Similar to the dome light, carefully pry open the plastic lens cover. The 194 bulb pulls straight out from its socket.

Common lighting issues for this generation

The 2019 Ford Explorer, being part of the fifth generation (2011-2019), can experience a few common lighting-related issues:

• Premature Halogen Bulb Failure: Particularly for low beams and fog lights, some owners report shorter-than-expected lifespan for factory halogen bulbs. This can be due to vibrations, voltage fluctuations, or simply the nature of incandescent bulbs. Upgrading to higher quality halogens or LEDs can mitigate this.
• Moisture in Headlight/Taillight Assemblies: Condensation or moisture buildup inside the headlight or taillight housings can be a recurring issue for some vehicles, including the Explorer. This can lead to reduced light output, bulb corrosion, and eventually, electrical shorts. While minor fogging can dissipate, persistent moisture indicates a seal failure, often requiring replacement of the entire assembly.
• DRL Malfunctions (Integrated LED): For models with integrated LED DRLs, a failure in one or more LEDs within the strip can occur. Since these are often part of a sealed unit, repair typically means replacing the entire headlight assembly. This is less common but more costly than simple bulb replacements.
• Flickering Lights (Aftermarket LED): If aftermarket LEDs were installed without proper CANBUS decoders, flickering or intermittent operation can occur due to the vehicle's electrical system not recognizing the lower load. This is a tell-tale sign that load resistors are needed.
• Corroded Sockets: Over time, especially in areas exposed to moisture or road salt, bulb sockets can corrode, leading to intermittent connections or complete bulb failure. Cleaning the contacts or replacing the socket can resolve this.

Routine inspection of your Explorer's lighting, especially after washing or in humid conditions, can help catch issues early.

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