2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Bulb Sizes (Headlight, Tail, Fog)

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve worked on countless GM trucks, and the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 is one of the most common visitors to the shop. The 2022 model year is unique because it includes both the pre-refresh "Limited" models and the fully refreshed models. Across the board, GMC leaned heavily into LED technology for the upper trims (SLT, AT4, Denali), while base trims (Pro/SLE) still utilize some traditional halogen bulbs.

Whether you are looking to replace a burnt-out taillight or upgrade your base model halogens to LEDs, this comprehensive guide has you covered.

Quick reference

Note: Trims with factory LED lighting packages (Denali, AT4, SLT) use sealed LED assemblies for the headlights, fog lights, and taillights. These bulbs are non-replaceable; the entire housing must be replaced if they fail. The chart below reflects sizes for trims equipped with replaceable halogen incandescent bulbs.

LED vs halogen upgrade considerations

If your 2022 Sierra 1500 came with factory halogen bulbs (often found on the Pro and SLE trims), upgrading to LEDs is a great way to improve visibility and modernize the look of your truck. However, GM's electrical systems are highly sensitive.

• CANBUS Errors and Hyperflashing: The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors voltage. Because LEDs draw significantly less power than halogens, the BCM might think the bulb is burnt out. For turn signals, this results in "hyperflashing" (rapid blinking). You will need LED bulbs with built-in CANBUS decoders or inline load resistors to prevent this.
• Headlight Dust Covers: When upgrading to LED H11 or 9005 bulbs, ensure the heat sink or cooling fan on the back of the LED bulb fits behind the factory headlight dust cover. Leaving the cover off will allow moisture into the housing, leading to condensation.
• Beam Pattern: Always choose high-quality LED bulbs designed to mimic the halogen filament's exact position to prevent blinding oncoming traffic in factory reflector housings.

How to replace each bulb

• Headlights (Low/High Beam): Accessing the headlight bulbs on the 2022 Sierra can be tight. For the driver's side, you may need to remove the air filter housing. For the passenger side, removing the inner fender liner provides the best access to twist and unlock the bulbs.
• Fog Lights: These are best accessed from underneath the front bumper. Remove the T-15 Torx screws holding the front fender liner to the bumper, peel the liner back, and you can easily reach the fog light housing.
• Tail, Brake, and Rear Turn Signals: Drop the tailgate and remove the two T-15 Torx screws on the inboard side of the taillight assembly. Pull the assembly straight back (toward the rear of the truck) to pop it off its alignment pins. Twist the bulb sockets counterclockwise to remove them.
• Reverse and License Plate Lights: Reverse bulbs are in the main taillight housing. License plate bulbs can be reached by crawling under the rear bumper; simply twist the socket behind the license plate step pad.
• Interior Lights: Use a plastic trim removal tool (never a metal screwdriver) to gently pop the plastic lenses off the overhead console to access the map and dome lights.

Common lighting issues for this generation

The 2022 Sierra is a relatively new truck, but a few lighting issues are common. The most frequent complaint is condensation inside the headlight or taillight housings. While a light mist that burns off is considered normal by GM, heavy water pooling indicates a failed housing seal.

Additionally, on trucks with factory LED packages, individual diodes in the DRL strip or taillight C-clamp can sometimes burn out or flicker. Because these are sealed units, the only fix is replacing the entire expensive housing. If your truck is still under the 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, these are fully covered.

If you are dealing with persistent electrical faults, hyperflashing that won't go away, or need a sealed LED housing replaced, don't guess at the wiring. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.