What are the bulbs in a Dodge Charger?
Chargers use a mix of LED, HID and halogen bulbs for exterior and interior lighting; the exact bulb types depend on the model year and trim, with some lights built as LED or sealed assemblies that aren’t user-replaceable. This guide outlines the common bulb categories you’ll encounter and how they vary by generation.
Exterior lighting: headlights, signals and taillights
Exterior lighting is organized by function. The Charger’s headlamps, fog lamps, turn signals, brake/taillights, reverse lamps and license plate lighting may use replaceable halogen bulbs on older trims or LED/HID modules on newer ones. Always verify with your owner's manual or a parts diagram for your exact year and trim.
Headlights
The headlight assembly covers the primary illumination for night driving. Depending on the year and trim, Chargers may use LED or HID projector headlights, or in some earlier configurations, halogen bulbs inside a reflector housing. If the headlight unit is halogen and replaceable, common individual bulbs might be used for low-beam and high-beam functions; newer LED/HID setups often use non-replaceable modules.
- LED or HID headlights (assembly may be sealed in some trims)
- Halogen headlight bulbs (if applicable on older configurations)
In summary, modern Chargers frequently rely on LED or HID headlight assemblies, with user-replaceable bulbs only in some older halogen configurations. Always check your specific model’s bulb type and replacement procedure in the manual or a trusted parts diagram.
Fog lights
Fog lights provide enhanced visibility in adverse weather and are located low on the front bumper. They are typically halogen bulbs in older Chargers (such as H11 or similar) or part of an LED assembly in newer trims. Replacement availability depends on the headlight design for your year.
- Common halogen options (e.g., H11, H8/H16 depending on trim)
- LED fog light modules in some newer models
Note that some trims may not offer a replaceable bulb if the fogs are LED-based; consult your manual for the exact bulb type and replacement approach.
Turn signals and daytime running lights
Turn signals are typically integrated into exterior lighting and may use amber bulbs or LED indicators depending on the design of the front and rear light assemblies. Daytime running lights (DRLs) are often built into the headlight or mirror assemblies and may be LED rather than separate bulbs.
- Amber turn signal bulbs in some halogen configurations
- LED indicators or LED DRL elements in newer trims
Because designs vary by year, verify the exact bulb type and replacement procedure in your Charger’s documentation or by inspecting the light assembly socket.
Brake lights and taillights
Rear lighting serves as tail, brake and turn signals. In older Chargers, these may use dual-filament bulbs (for tail and brake) such as 3157 or 3057 types. In many newer Chargers, taillights and brake lights are LED assemblies, which don’t use replaceable bulbs.
- Dual-filament bulbs in some older models (e.g., 3157/3157K family)
- LED tail/brake light modules in newer trims
If you’re replacing bulbs on a model with LED rear lighting, you’re typically replacing the entire assembly or module rather than a single bulb.
Reverse lights
Reverse lighting is used when backing up and is commonly placed on the rear bumper. In older configurations, a dedicated bulb like 921 (T15) or similar may be used; on newer models, the reverse lights may be LED modules integrated into the taillight assembly.
- Halogen reverse bulbs (e.g., 921/T15 on some generations)
- LED reverse light modules in modern trims
Check the service information for your exact year to determine whether you’ll be swapping a bulb or an LED module.
License plate lights
License plate illumination is often provided by small wedge bulbs located near the rear bumper. Depending on the year, these are commonly W5W (also called 194) wedges, though some trims use dedicated clearance/plate bulbs that look similar.
- Wedge-style bulbs (W5W/194) in many generations
If your Charger’s license plate lights aren’t illuminating, verify the bulb type in the manual and replace with the appropriate wedge bulb or check for LEDs in newer trims.
Interior lighting and instrument cluster
Interior lighting includes cabin courtesy lights, map lights, trunk/cargo area lights, and instrument cluster backlighting. The exact bulb types vary by trim and whether LED illumination is used for the dash and display elements. Some interiors use replaceable bulbs, while others rely on LED modules that aren’t user-serviceable.
Dome, map and courtesy lights
These lights illuminate the cabin when doors are opened or when activated by switches. They are typically mounted in the headliner or overhead console and may use small wedge bulbs or festoon bulbs; newer Chargers may use LED modules for longer life.
- Wedge-type bulbs (e.g., W5W/194) or festoon bulbs in older models
- LED cabin lights in newer trims
Replacement depends on the exact interior lighting design; LED units may not have a user-replaceable bulb.
Glove box, trunk and cargo area lights
Glove box and cargo area lighting is provided by small bulbs or LED modules. Common halogen options for older chargers include wedge bulbs; newer models more often use LED lighting or integrated modules.
- Wedge bulbs or festoon bulbs in older configurations
- LED modules in modern trims
If you hear ballast or LED-related issues, refer to your manual for the correct replacement approach.
Instrument cluster and dashboard backlighting
The instrument cluster backlighting and dashboard indicators are often LED-based in modern Chargers. In some generations, incandescents or small LEDs were used behind gauges. Replacement is typically not a user-replaceable bulb in LED-equipped clusters.
- LED backlighting or gauge lights in newer trims
- Incandescent bulbs in older configurations
For dashboards with LED backlighting, bulbs aren’t normally user-replaceable; service may require module replacement.
Ambient lighting and other interior accents
Some Charger trims offer ambient interior lighting as subtle LED accents or color-changing strips. These are usually LED modules rather than replaceable bulbs.
- LED ambient lighting strips or modules
Consult the owner’s manual or dealer for exact options and replacement steps for ambient lighting.
How to identify and replace bulbs
Identifying the correct bulb type for your Dodge Charger starts with your model year and trim. If the light is LED-based, you may not replace a bulb at all; instead, you replace the entire assembly or module. For halogen or incandescent lights, you’ll typically locate the bulb type on the base of the bulb or in the manual and purchase the corresponding replacement. Always disconnect the battery before replacing any exterior bulbs and handle bulbs with clean hands to avoid oil contamination.
Summary
Across the Charger lineup, exterior lights may be LED or HID assemblies or traditional halogen bulbs, with some functions integrated into sealed units. Interior lighting ranges from replaceable wedge or festoon bulbs to LED modules. Because bulb types vary by model year and trim, the most reliable source is your owner’s manual or an official parts diagram for your exact vehicle. If you’re unsure, consult a dealer or qualified technician to verify the correct bulbs and replacement procedure for your Dodge Charger.
What are the two bulbs in a headlight?
Vehicles that use single filament bulbs in the headlights have two separate bulbs. One bulb functions as the low beam or dipped beam headlight, and the other can be turned on to create the brighter high beams or main beams. Many vehicles use single filament bulbs.
What light bulbs are in a headlight?
When considering headlight bulbs, there are three common types: halogen, HID, and LED. Halogens use technology that's been around for more than half a century, and their dependable performance has helped make them the standard among car manufacturers.
What bulbs do Dodge Chargers take?
- Dodge Charger Bulb Size.
- LED Headlight Bulbs H11/H8/H9, 9005/HB3, 9006/HB4, 9012/HIR2, D1S/D1R, D3S/D3R.
- HID Headlight Bulbs D1S/D1R, D3S/D3R.
- Fog Light Bulbs 2504/PSX24W, H10/9145.
- Backup / Reverse Lights 3156/3157, T15/921/912.
- Brake / Tail Lights 3156/3157.
- Turn Signal Lights 3156/3157, 7440/7443.
How much is a headlight bulb for a Dodge Charger?
between $371 and $396
The average cost for a Dodge Charger Headlight Bulb Replacement is between $371 and $396. Labor costs are estimated between $55 and $80 while parts are typically priced around $316.
