2016 Ram 3500 Bulb Size Chart & Lighting Replacement Guide

As an ASE-certified master technician, I know that keeping your 2016 Ram 3500's lighting system in top shape is critical for safety, especially when you are towing heavy loads or working late on the job site. The 2016 Ram 3500 is a powerhouse, but its lighting configuration can be slightly confusing due to the different headlight housing options available across various trim levels (Tradesman, Laramie, Longhorn, etc.).

Whether you are looking to replace a burnt-out bulb or upgrade your factory halogens to brighter LEDs, this guide will provide you with the exact bulb sizes and expert tips you need.

Quick reference: 2016 Ram 3500 Bulb Sizes

Here is the comprehensive bulb size guide for the 2016 Ram 3500. Note: Always check your specific headlight housing type (Reflector vs. Projector) before purchasing replacement bulbs, as they use completely different sizes.

*Fog light sizes vary by bumper style. Horizontal fogs typically use 9145, while vertical fogs use 9006.

LED vs Halogen Upgrade Considerations

Upgrading your 2016 Ram 3500 from halogen to LED is one of the most popular modifications, but Chrysler/Ram vehicles are notoriously picky about aftermarket electronics.

CANBUS Errors and Flickering: The 2016 Ram 3500 uses a CANBUS system that monitors the resistance of your bulbs to detect burnouts. Because LED bulbs draw significantly less power than halogen bulbs, the truck's computer will often trigger a "bulb out" warning on the dash, or cause the LEDs to flicker or shut off entirely. To fix this, you must use LED bulbs with built-in CANBUS decoders, or install external load resistors.

Housing Adapters: If you have the projector headlights (using the 9012 bulb), the housing has a dust cover on the back. Some LED bulbs have large cooling fans that prevent this dust cover from closing properly. You may need to purchase extended dust covers to keep moisture out of your headlight assemblies.

How to Replace Each Bulb

Here are a few quick technician tips for swapping out the bulbs on your 2016 Ram 3500:

• Headlights (Low/High Beam): To access the headlight bulbs easily, it is highly recommended to remove the front grille (four bolts on top, then pull straight out) and take the entire headlight housing out. Going through the wheel well access panel is possible but incredibly frustrating due to tight clearances.
• Fog Lights: These can be accessed from directly under the front bumper. Turn the wheel inward to give yourself a bit more room. Unplug the harness, twist the bulb counter-clockwise, and pull it out.
• Tail, Brake, and Rear Turn Signals: Drop the tailgate and locate the two T25 Torx screws on the inside edge of the tail light assembly. Remove them, and pull the assembly straight back. The bulbs are seated in twist-lock sockets.
• License Plate and Reverse Lights: License plate bulbs (194) can be reached from behind the rear bumper. Twist the socket out. The reverse lights are located in the main tail light housing (see above).
• Interior Dome/Map Lights: Use a plastic trim removal tool to gently pry the plastic lenses off. Never use a metal flathead screwdriver, as it will chip the plastic.

Common Lighting Issues for this Generation

The fourth-generation Ram HD trucks (which includes the 2016 model) are solid workhorses, but they do have a few common lighting quirks:

1. Moisture in the Projector Housings: The OEM projector headlights are prone to condensation build-up. If you notice water pooling inside, check the seals on the dust covers.
2. TIPM / BCM Glitches: The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) controls the lighting. Occasionally, a shorted bulb can cause the TIPM to cut power to that specific circuit to protect itself. If a new bulb doesn't turn on, the module may need a soft reset (disconnecting the battery for 15 minutes) or a code clear via an OBD2 scanner.
3. Melting Turn Signal Sockets: In the projector headlight housings, the 7444NA front turn signal bulbs run very hot. Over time, this can cause the plastic socket to melt, leading to poor connection and bulb failure. Inspect the socket for brown/black scorch marks when changing the bulb.

Need help diagnosing an electrical gremlin or installing a new set of LED housings? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.