2019 Ford Transit Bulb Sizes

Quick reference

The 2019 Ford Transit primarily utilizes halogen bulbs for its exterior lighting, with incandescent bulbs for most turn signals, brake lights, and marker lights. There were no factory LED headlight or taillight options available for the 2019 model year. Some higher trims or specially optioned Transits might have had different feature sets, but for the most common configurations, the above sizes hold true.

LED vs halogen upgrade considerations

Upgrading your 2019 Ford Transit's lighting from halogen to LED can significantly improve visibility and give your van a more modern look. However, there are several factors to consider to ensure a smooth transition.

CANBUS Errors: The 2019 Ford Transit's electrical system uses a CANBUS (Controller Area Network Bus) to monitor various vehicle functions, including lighting. When you replace a halogen bulb with an LED, the lower power draw of the LED can trick the CANBUS system into thinking the bulb is out, leading to "bulb out" warning messages on your dashboard or hyper-flashing turn signals. To prevent these errors, you will likely need to install CANBUS-compatible LED bulbs or use load resistors in conjunction with your new LED bulbs. Load resistors mimic the power draw of the original halogen bulbs, satisfying the CANBUS system.

Adapters Needed: For most exterior bulb locations, LED bulbs designed to be "plug-and-play" will fit directly into the existing housing. However, some aftermarket LED bulbs, especially those with larger heatsinks for cooling, might require minor modifications to the dust caps or even specialized adapters to properly seat and seal the headlight or fog light housing. For interior dome and map lights, ensure you select the correct festoon size (578/579 are common for the Transit) to fit the existing clips.

Beam Pattern: When upgrading headlights or fog lights to LED, pay close attention to the beam pattern. Poorly designed LED bulbs can create a scattered light pattern, blinding oncoming drivers or failing to properly illuminate the road. Look for LED bulbs that are specifically designed to replicate the beam pattern of their halogen counterparts or consider projector-style LED conversions for the best results.

How to replace each bulb

Replacing bulbs on your 2019 Ford Transit is a relatively straightforward DIY task, but some locations are more accessible than others.

• Low Beam/High Beam: Access to the headlight bulbs is typically from behind the headlight assembly, often requiring removal of a plastic cover or shield within the engine bay. Twist the bulb counter-clockwise to remove.
• Fog Light: Fog lights are usually accessed from underneath the front bumper or by reaching through the wheel well liner. You may need to remove a few clips or fasteners to gain access.
• DRL: The DRL (Daytime Running Light) bulb location is generally similar to the high beam, often part of the same assembly.
• Front Turn Signal: These are often accessible from behind the headlight assembly or sometimes from the front by twisting and pulling out the amber lens housing.
• Rear Turn Signal/Brake Light/Tail Light/Reverse Light: These bulbs are all housed within the rear taillight assembly. Open the rear door(s), locate the screws or nuts holding the taillight assembly in place, remove them, and carefully pull the assembly away from the body. You can then twist the bulb sockets to replace the bulbs.
• License Plate: These small bulbs are typically accessed by removing a couple of screws that hold the license plate light housing in place, often located just above the license plate.
• Side Marker: Side markers on the Transit are usually small incandescent bulbs, often integrated into the front fender or side mirror assemblies. Access may vary, sometimes requiring careful prying of the lens or reaching behind the panel.
• Dome/Map Light: Interior lights are usually covered by a plastic lens that can be carefully pried open with a plastic trim tool or small flathead screwdriver. The festoon bulbs simply clip into place.

Always consult your owner's manual for specific instructions and diagrams for your particular Transit configuration.

Common lighting issues for this generation

The 2019 Ford Transit, while a reliable workhorse, can experience a few common lighting-related issues, as can most vehicles that see heavy use:

• Premature Bulb Failure: Due to vibrations and constant use, particularly in commercial applications, some incandescent and halogen bulbs may experience shorter lifespans. This is often exacerbated by poorly sealed housings allowing moisture ingress.
• Corroded Sockets: Exposure to moisture and road salt can lead to corrosion in bulb sockets, causing intermittent operation or complete bulb failure. Cleaning the contacts with electrical contact cleaner and a small brush can often resolve this.
• Flickering Headlights: While less common in halogen systems, flickering can occur due to a loose connection, a failing ground wire, or a dying bulb. In cases of aftermarket LED installations, this is often a sign of CANBUS incompatibility.
• DRL Malfunctions: Issues with the Daytime Running Lights, such as one side not working, can often be attributed to a burnt-out bulb or a wiring issue within the DRL circuit.
• Tail Light/Brake Light Assembly Leaks: The seals around the rear taillight assemblies can degrade over time, allowing water to enter, which can lead to corrosion of bulb sockets and wiring issues. Regularly inspecting these seals can prevent more extensive problems.

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