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2021 FORD F-150

3.5L V6 EcoBoost4WDAUTOMATICgasturbo
27 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs431Labor566Torque5828Fluid9DTC968Battery1Maintenance0Recalls27
electrical

Headlight Bulbs - Pair

for 2021 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
36 min
Tools
3
Steps
8

Replace both headlight bulbs on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, requiring access through the engine compartment.

Warnings

Allow headlights to cool completely before attempting bulb replacement to avoid burns.
Never touch halogen bulb glass with bare fingers as skin oils will cause premature bulb failure. Use clean gloves or cloth.
ℹ️Verify which bulbs need replacement (low beam H11 or high beam 9005) before purchasing parts.

Tools required

Flathead screwdriver or trim tool
Clean cloth or glovesEssential
Flashlight or work light

Parts

  • H11 halogen headlight bulb (low beam) or LED equivalent × 2 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
  • 9005 halogen headlight bulb (high beam) or LED equivalent if equipped × 2 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and turn off all lights
  2. Allow headlights to cool for at least 10 minutes if recently used
  3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
  4. Identify headlight assembly location - low beam bulbs are typically closer to center of vehicle, high beam outboard

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access driver side low beam bulb
    Locate the low beam bulb housing on the back of the driver side headlight assembly. It will have a round dust cap approximately 3-4 inches in diameter. Rotate the dust cap counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn and pull it straight off to expose the bulb connector.
  2. 2
    Disconnect driver side low beam bulb connector
    Press the release tab on the electrical connector attached to the bulb and pull the connector straight off. You may need to rock it gently side to side while pulling. Set the connector aside where it won't contact engine components.
  3. 3
    Remove driver side low beam bulb
    Grasp the bulb base (not the glass) and rotate it counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn. Pull the bulb straight out of the headlight housing. Note the orientation of the bulb tabs for installation.
  4. 4
    Install new driver side low beam bulb
    Using a clean cloth or gloves, remove the new H11 bulb from packaging without touching the glass. Align the tabs on the bulb base with the slots in the housing and insert the bulb. Rotate clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks into place. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks, then reinstall the dust cap by rotating clockwise.
  5. 5
    Access passenger side low beam bulb
    Repeat the dust cap removal process on the passenger side headlight assembly. On the passenger side, you may have better access by reaching down from above rather than from the side. Rotate the dust cap counterclockwise and remove.
  6. 6
    Replace passenger side low beam bulb
    Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab, then rotate the bulb counterclockwise 1/4 turn and remove. Install the new H11 bulb using a clean cloth, ensuring tabs are properly aligned. Rotate clockwise to lock, reconnect the electrical connector, and reinstall the dust cap.
  7. 7
    Access and replace driver side high beam (if needed)
    If replacing high beams, locate the high beam bulb housing (typically positioned outboard of the low beam). Remove the dust cap by rotating counterclockwise. Disconnect the 9005 bulb connector, rotate bulb counterclockwise 1/4 turn, and remove. Install new 9005 bulb without touching glass, rotate to lock, reconnect connector, and replace dust cap.
  8. 8
    Access and replace passenger side high beam (if needed)
    Repeat the high beam replacement process on the passenger side. Remove dust cap, disconnect connector, rotate bulb counterclockwise to remove, install new 9005 bulb with clean hands or cloth, rotate to lock, reconnect, and secure dust cap.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all dust caps are fully seated and rotated clockwise to lock position to prevent moisture intrusion
  2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully engaged with audible clicks
  3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment

Verification

  • Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine and activate headlights to verify low beams illuminate on both sides
  • Activate high beams to verify proper operation if those bulbs were replaced
  • Walk around vehicle to confirm both headlights are functioning and brightness is equal
  • Test headlight switch through all positions (off, parking lights, low beam, high beam) to ensure proper operation
  • Close hood and verify no warning lights on instrument cluster related to exterior lighting

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