When you've noticed your 2016 f150 low beam bulb isn't cutting by means of the dark such as it used to, you're definitely not really alone. It's one particular of those issues you don't really think about till you're driving down a backroad during the night and realize you can barely see twenty feet in front side of your truck. Whether the bulb finally burnt out there or it's simply gotten dangerously dim over the years, getting it swapped out is one of all those DIY tasks that'll create a massive distinction in how much you actually appreciate driving your truck after the sun decreases.
What Bulb Size Will the 2016 F150 Actually Use?
Before you head over in order to the auto components store or start scrolling through listings online, you have to be 100% sure concerning the size. For the 2016 Ford F-150, the typical factory low beam bulb is a good H11 . Now, in the event that you're also searching to do the high beams while you're at it, those are usually 9005s, but for the particular low beams—the lamps you use 99% associated with the time—it's nearly always the H11.
It's usually a good idea to double-check your owner's manual or even look at the base from the bulb currently within your pickup truck if you can be able to it. Ford includes a habit associated with changing things up depending on whether you have the base halogen housings or the fancy factory LED/HID setups located on the higher trims such as the Full Ranch or Platinum. But for the majority of F150s on the road from that year, the H11 is your go-to.
Halogen, DIRECTED, or HID: Producing the Choice
This is where things obtain a little fascinating. You have the few different pathways you can take when replacing your 2016 f150 low beam bulb , and each has its own group of advantages and cons.
Stick with Halogen
If you want in order to keep things simple and cheap, a standard halogen H11 will be the way to go. They're "plug and play" within the truest sense. You don't have to be concerned about cooling fans, external drivers, or flickering issues. Drawback? These people run hot, they will don't last almost as long as LEDs, and the particular light is usually that will yellowish tint that will looks a bit dated compared to modern trucks. Brands like Sylvania or Philips offer "SilverStar" or even "X-treme Vision" variations that are very much brighter than typically the basic bulbs whilst still staying street-legal.
Upgrading in order to LED
This is the nearly all popular route these types of days. LEDs turn that yellow shine into a crisp, modern white. They will also last very much longer—often longer than the truck alone. However, there's a catch. Because the 2016 F150 uses a personal computer to monitor bulb health (CANBUS), some cheap LEDs might flicker or even trigger a "bulb out" warning on your dash. You'll want to appear for bulbs that will are "CANBUS ready" or include a small decoder. Furthermore, pay attention to the "cutoff collection. " If the particular LED isn't made right, you'll finish up blinding oncoming traffic, which will be a good way to get flashed by every single car you complete.
The HID Route
HIDs (High-Intensity Discharge) are incredibly bright, yet they're also the particular most complicated to install. You have in order to mount ballasts and sometimes operate a distinct wiring harness to the battery. Truthfully, with how good modern LEDs have got become, most F150 owners discover that LEDs are way less of a headache than HIDs.
The "Secret" to Changing the Bulb
If a person look at the engine bay of your 2016 F150, you may think you have to be the contortionist to achieve the back from the headlight. There's almost no room to get your hand in right now there from the best because of the particular airbox and other parts.
The particular "pro tip" with regard to changing the 2016 f150 low beam bulb is usually actually to proceed through the wheel well . It sounds such as more work, yet it's actually way faster. You just convert your wheels most the way in order to one side, place out a couple of those plastic push-pins plus a few screws within the wheel arch liner, and draw the liner back again. This gives you the direct, straight-shot watch of the back of the headlight housing.
Once you're within there, you'll discover a round dirt cover. Twist that will off, and you'll see the bulb. A quick counter-clockwise perspective releases the aged bulb, you swap the wire clip, and you're midway done.
Don't Make This Common Mistake
If you choose to stick with halogen bulbs, there is definitely one rule you absolutely cannot break: In no way touch the cup of the new bulb with your own bare fingers.
Your pores and skin carries natural oils. If even a little bit of that oil gets on the quartz glass of a halogen bulb, it creates a "hot spot" once the bulb turns on. Because these lights get incredibly hot, that oil will cause the glass in order to heat unevenly, which usually leads to the bulb shattering or burning out within just a few weeks. If you do accidentally touch it, clean it down thoroughly with some rubbing alcoholic beverages before you install it. Better yet, just wear a pair of clean latex or nitrile hand protection while you're working.
Troubleshooting the particular "Flicker"
Therefore, let's say you bought some high-end LEDs for your 2016 f150 low beam bulb replacement. You get them installed, they will look great, but then you notice they're pulsing or flickering slightly when the particular engine is working. This is a classic F150 quirk.
The particular truck's computer transmits pulses of electrical power to check on if the particular bulb remains. Since LEDs require so little power, they react to these types of pulses. The repair is generally a set associated with "anti-flicker" capacitors or decoders. A few of the better LED brands develop these right into the particular wire, but if your own didn't include all of them, you can purchase a pair for regarding twenty bucks. It's an extra action, but it is better than having headlights that will look like a strobe light at a concert.
Is It Worth Performing It Yourself?
Taking your pickup truck to a car dealership or even a local shop for a bulb change is definitely an option, but you're going to spend reduced for labor. Most shops can charge you with least a half-hour to an hr of labor, which usually can easily end up being $50 to $100 on top of the cost of the bulb.
Given that you can exchange a 2016 f150 low beam bulb in about 20 minutes as soon as you know the particular wheel well technique, it's a great way to conserve some money. Plus, a person get to select exactly which bulb goes into your truck rather than just getting whichever the shop provides sitting on the particular shelf.
Conclusions on Night Visibility
Altering your bulbs will be the first step, but if your own headlight lenses are usually all foggy or even yellowed in the sun, even the cleverest bulb in the world won't help much. If your enclosures look hazy, get a restoration package or spend the little time along with some polishing substance.
When you combine apparent lenses with the fresh 2016 f150 low beam bulb , the is literally night and day. You'll feel a lot more confident at the rear of the wheel, especially during those wet winter nights or long highway hauls. Keep in mind to aim your lights correctly in case you go with a brighter-than-stock option—your fellow drivers will definitely thank a person for not scorching their retinas!