Fog Light Bulb

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the fog light bulb on a 1994-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• H3 fog light bulb (55W) × 1 — H3 12V 55W halogen bulb

Preparation

1. Turn off ignition and fog lights, allow to cool if recently operated
2. Turn steering wheel fully to one side for easier access to fog light being serviced
3. Prepare new replacement bulb and keep it in packaging until ready to install

Procedure

1. 1

   Access fog light assembly
   If equipped with factory fog lights, locate the fog light housing in the front bumper below the headlight. Note that fog lights were optional on many trims and their exact location differs between the 1994-2002 (2nd gen) and 2003-2007 (3rd gen) body styles. Depending on model year, you may need to reach behind the bumper from the wheel well area or access from below the front bumper. On some models, turning the steering wheel fully provides better access to the fog light assembly. Fog light bulb (verify type — commonly H3 55W, but some model years use 9145/H10 or 896 type)
2. 2

   Remove bulb socket retainer
   Reach behind the fog light assembly and locate the bulb socket at the rear of the housing. Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn to unlock it from the fog light housing. Pull the socket and bulb assembly straight out from the housing.
3. 3

   Remove failed bulb from socket
   The H3 bulb is typically held in the socket by a wire retaining clip or spring clip. Squeeze or release the retaining clip and carefully remove the old bulb from the socket. Note the orientation of the bulb terminals for proper installation of the replacement.
4. 4

   Install new bulb
   Using a clean lint-free cloth or the protective sleeve from the new bulb packaging, handle the new H3 bulb only by its metal base. Do not touch the glass envelope. Insert the bulb into the socket ensuring the terminals are properly seated, then secure with the wire retaining clip. Verify the bulb is firmly held in place.
5. 5

   Test bulb operation before reassembly
   With the bulb installed in the socket but before reinstalling into the housing, turn the ignition to ON, switch on the headlights/parking lights as required, and activate the fog lights to verify the new bulb illuminates. Note that on many models fog lights only function with the low-beam headlights on. This confirms bulb is functional and properly seated. Turn off fog lights before proceeding.
6. 6

   Reinstall bulb socket assembly
   Align the socket tabs with the slots in the fog light housing. Insert the socket straight into the housing, then rotate clockwise approximately 1/4 turn until it locks into place. Gently tug on the socket to confirm it is securely locked.

Reassembly

1. Return steering wheel to center position if it was turned for access
2. Ensure no tools or materials were left in the wheel well or bumper area

Verification

• Start engine and turn on fog lights to verify both fog lights illuminate with equal brightness
• Visually inspect that fog light beam pattern is correct and aimed properly
• Cycle fog lights off and on several times to confirm reliable operation

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