2019 International MV Bulb Sizes (Headlight, Tail, Fog)

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve serviced countless medium-duty commercial trucks. The 2019 International MV is a true workhorse, commonly used for everything from delivery box trucks to tow trucks and dump trucks. Maintaining proper visibility on a commercial vehicle isn't just about safety—it's about DOT compliance. A burnt-out headlight or marker light can lead to immediate downtime and hefty fines.

Whether your 2019 International MV was spec'd with standard halogen housings or upgraded OEM LED arrays, knowing the correct bulb sizes is critical for fast fleet maintenance. Below is your comprehensive guide to the lighting on the 2019 International MV series.

Quick reference: 2019 International MV Bulb Sizes

Note: Rear lighting (tail, brake, turn, reverse) can vary heavily depending on the upfitter body installed on the chassis. The sizes below represent the factory chassis-cab defaults and standard box setups.

LED vs halogen upgrade considerations

When upgrading a commercial truck like the International MV from standard halogens to LEDs, there are a few heavy-duty considerations to keep in mind:

• CANBUS Errors and Hyperflashing: The electrical system on the MV monitors lighting circuits to alert the driver of burnt-out bulbs. Because LEDs draw significantly less power than halogen bulbs, installing aftermarket LEDs in the turn signals will usually cause hyperflashing or throw a dashboard error. You will likely need in-line load resistors or CANBUS-ready LED bulbs to ensure proper operation.
• Headlight Housing Limitations: The standard composite headlight on the 2019 MV is designed for the focal point of an H4 dual-filament halogen bulb. Dropping a cheap LED into this housing can scatter light, blinding oncoming traffic and failing DOT inspections. If you upgrade, choose high-quality LEDs designed to mimic the halogen filament placement, or upgrade to DOT-compliant full LED sealed replacement housings.
• Upfitter Compatibility: If your truck has a custom bed or box, standard automotive bulbs might not apply to the rear. Many upfitters use standard 4-inch round or 6-inch oval sealed LED fixtures, meaning you replace the whole unit rather than a single bulb.

How to replace each bulb

Here are a few quick technician tips for swapping bulbs on the 2019 International MV:

• Headlights (Low/High Beam): The MV features a forward-tilting hood. Tilt the hood forward to gain massive, unobstructed access to the rear of the headlight assemblies. Unplug the harness, remove the rubber dust boot, unclip the retaining wire, and swap the H4 bulb. Make sure not to touch the new glass bulb with your bare fingers!
• Front Turn Signals / Markers: With the hood tilted forward, these are easily accessible right below or beside the main headlight housing. Simply twist the bulb socket counterclockwise to pull it out.
• Fog Lights: Located in the bumper, these can be accessed from underneath or behind the bumper. Twist the H11 socket out. On trucks exposed to road salt, these connectors can get stubborn, so a shot of electrical contact cleaner is a good idea before plugging the new one in.
• Cab Marker Lights: Accessing these requires a ladder. Depending on the spec, you'll either unscrew the amber lens to replace a 194 bulb, or unbolt and unplug the entire sealed LED unit.
• Rear Lighting: For standard chassis setups, rear bulbs require a Phillips screwdriver to remove the taillight lens. For commercial bodies with sealed grommet lights, use a flathead to carefully pry the rubber grommet away, unplug the 3-prong pigtail, and push a new sealed unit in.

Common lighting issues for this generation

Commercial trucks take a beating, and the 2019 International MV is no exception. A few common lighting issues include:

1. Corroded Ground Wires: Commercial chassis are prone to corrosion, especially if driven in winter states. If your tail lights are acting erratically (e.g., brake lights make the turn signals dim), you almost certainly have a bad chassis ground near the rear harness block.
2. Moisture in the Headlights: The factory composite headlight housings can sometimes lose their seal over time, leading to condensation build-up. This will drastically shorten the life of halogen H4 bulbs and can corrode the socket. If you see standing water, replace the entire housing.
3. Pigtail Failures: On the rear sealed truck lights, the 3-prong pigtails often corrode before the LED light itself fails. Always check the plug for green corrosion before buying a whole new light fixture. Use dielectric grease on all new connections to prevent this.

Keeping your commercial MV fleet well-lit ensures your drivers stay safe and DOT inspectors stay happy. If you are experiencing complex electrical issues or need professional fleet maintenance, don't leave it to chance. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.