2019 Ram 2500 Bulb Sizes: Comprehensive Replacement Guide

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve seen countless 2019 Ram 2500s roll into the bay for lighting upgrades and replacements. The 2019 model year marked a significant redesign for the Ram Heavy Duty lineup, and with it came several variations in lighting setups depending on your trim level. Whether you’re driving a hard-working Tradesman with standard halogens or a luxurious Limited equipped with factory LED projectors, knowing the exact bulb sizes is critical for proper maintenance and upgrades.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the 2019 Ram 2500 bulb sizes, upgrade considerations, and replacement tips.

Quick Reference Bulb Size Chart

Note: The 2019 Ram 2500 was offered with three distinct headlight options: standard halogen reflectors, LED reflectors, and premium LED projectors. If your truck has factory LEDs, the bulbs are generally non-replaceable integrated units (requiring full assembly replacement if they fail).

LED vs Halogen Upgrade Considerations

Upgrading your standard halogen Ram 2500 to aftermarket LEDs is one of the most popular modifications, but modern Rams are notoriously picky when it comes to electrical changes. The 2019 Ram 2500 uses a sophisticated CANBUS (Controller Area Network Bus) system that monitors bulb resistance.

If you simply drop in a cheap LED bulb, the truck's computer will detect the lower power draw and assume the bulb is burnt out. This leads to hyper-flashing turn signals, "bulb out" warning messages on the dash, or headlights that flicker and shut off completely.

To successfully upgrade to LEDs:

• Use CANBUS-Ready Bulbs: Purchase high-quality LED bulbs specifically marketed as CANBUS error-free.
• Install Resistors/Anti-Flicker Modules: For headlights (H11/9005) and turn signals (3157/7444NA), you will likely need inline load resistors or PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) anti-flicker adapters to satisfy the computer.
• Check Beam Patterns: When putting an LED bulb into a halogen reflector housing, ensure the LED chips mimic the exact placement of a halogen filament to prevent blinding oncoming traffic.

How to Replace Each Bulb

While some bulbs are easily accessible, the beefy front end of the Ram 2500 makes a few replacements a bit of a chore.

• Headlights (Low/High/Turn): Accessing the headlight bulbs usually requires going through the wheel well. Turn the steering wheel inward, remove the access panel in the fender liner, and reach up to twist and remove the dust cover. From there, it's a standard quarter-turn to remove the H11 or 9005 bulbs.
• Fog Lights: These are easily accessible from underneath the front bumper. Simply crawl under, locate the back of the fog light housing, unplug the connector, and twist the H11 bulb out.
• Tail, Brake, and Rear Turn Signals: Drop the tailgate and locate the two Torx screws (usually T25) on the inboard side of the tail light assembly. Remove them, pull the housing straight back to pop it off its retention pins, and twist out the 3157 sockets.
• License Plate and Reverse Lights: License plate lights can be twisted out from behind the rear bumper. Reverse lights are located in the tail light assembly and are accessed just like the brake lights.
• Interior Dome/Map: Use a plastic trim removal tool to gently pry off the clear plastic lenses. Pull the 194 bulbs straight out.

Common Lighting Issues for this Generation

The 2019 Ram 2500 is incredibly rugged, but it does have a few common lighting quirks:

1. Moisture in the Housings: Condensation in the headlight or tail light assemblies is somewhat common. If it's just light mist, it usually burns off. If water is pooling, the seal is compromised, and the housing needs replacement.
2. Factory LED Failures: If you have the premium Laramie or Limited factory LED headlights or tail lights and a section burns out, you cannot simply replace a bulb. The entire expensive assembly must be replaced.
3. Third Brake Light Leaks: While not strictly a bulb issue, the gasket on the CHMSL (Center High Mount Stop Light) is prone to leaking water into the cabin. Check this gasket if you are replacing the cargo/third brake light bulbs.

If you are dealing with persistent electrical issues, CANBUS errors, or need a full housing replacement, it might be time to bring it to a professional. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.