electrical

Headlight Bulbs - Pair

for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

42 min

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Replace both driver and passenger side headlight bulbs on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine.

Warnings

⚠Never touch halogen bulb glass with bare fingers. Oil from skin causes hot spots that lead to premature bulb failure. Use clean gloves or lint-free cloth.

⚠Allow headlights to cool completely before attempting bulb replacement if recently used.

ℹ️Test headlights before reassembling completely to avoid rework.

Tools required

Flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool

Clean lint-free cloth or glovesEssential

Work light or flashlight

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

H13/9008 halogen headlight bulb (driver side) × 1 — H13 or 9008 bulb, Use OEM specification
H13/9008 halogen headlight bulb (passenger side) × 1 — H13 or 9008 bulb, Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and turn off ignition
Allow headlight assemblies to cool if vehicle was recently driven
Open hood and secure with prop rod
Put on clean gloves or have lint-free cloth ready to handle new bulbs

Procedure

1
Access driver side headlight assembly
Locate the headlight bulb access cover on the back of the driver side headlight assembly. It is a large round dust cover behind the headlight housing accessible from the engine bay.
2
Remove driver side bulb dust cover
Rotate the dust cover counterclockwise approximately one-quarter turn and pull it straight back to remove. Set aside in a clean location.
3
Disconnect driver side bulb connector
Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull straight back to disconnect the wiring harness from the bulb socket. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
4
Remove driver side bulb
The bulb is held by a wire retaining clip. Press down on the wire clip and swing it out of the way. Carefully pull the old bulb straight out of the socket. Dispose of old bulb properly.
5
Install new driver side bulb
Using gloves or lint-free cloth, remove new H13 bulb from packaging without touching the glass. Align the three tabs on the bulb base with the slots in the socket and insert the bulb fully. Swing the wire retaining clip back into position over the bulb base to secure it.
6
Reconnect driver side electrical connector
Push the electrical connector firmly onto the bulb terminals until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector.
7
Access passenger side headlight assembly
Move to the passenger side of the engine bay. Locate the headlight bulb access cover on the back of the passenger side headlight assembly. Access may be slightly more restricted due to engine air intake components.
8
Remove passenger side bulb dust cover
Rotate the dust cover counterclockwise approximately one-quarter turn and pull it straight back to remove. Set aside in a clean location.
9
Disconnect passenger side bulb connector
Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull straight back to disconnect the wiring harness from the bulb socket. Work carefully around nearby engine components.
10
Remove passenger side bulb
Press down on the wire retaining clip and swing it out of the way. Carefully pull the old bulb straight out of the socket. Dispose of old bulb properly.
11
Install new passenger side bulb
Using gloves or lint-free cloth, remove new H13 bulb from packaging without touching the glass. Align the three tabs on the bulb base with the slots in the socket and insert the bulb fully. Swing the wire retaining clip back into position over the bulb base to secure it.
12
Reconnect passenger side electrical connector
Push the electrical connector firmly onto the bulb terminals until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector.

Reassembly

Test both headlights on low and high beam before reinstalling dust covers
Once operation is confirmed, reinstall driver side dust cover by aligning tabs and rotating clockwise until secure
Reinstall passenger side dust cover by aligning tabs and rotating clockwise until secure
Close hood and verify headlight operation again from outside vehicle

Verification

Turn ignition to ON position and activate headlights to verify both bulbs illuminate properly on low beam
Test high beam function by engaging high beam switch and verify both bulbs illuminate brightly
Check that both headlight assemblies are properly sealed with dust covers securely in place
Verify no warning lights appear on instrument cluster indicating headlight failure