What bulbs are in a Ford Transit Custom?
Most Transit Custom models use halogen bulbs for the bulk of exterior lighting, with LED headlights available on newer or higher-spec variants. The exact bulb types depend on year and market, so verify in your owner's manual or Ford parts catalog.
The Transit Custom uses a mix of bulb types across its lighting system, including low- and high-beam headlights, fog lights, indicators, tail and brake lights, license plate illumination, and interior cabin lights. Variants and generations can change bulb codes or replaceable modules, especially where LED headlights are fitted. This guide outlines the common bulb types you’re likely to encounter and how to identify them, with notes on differences between generations and regions.
Exterior lighting: common bulb types
The following bulb types cover the light units you’ll find on most Transit Custom variants. Some trims or markets may use LED assemblies or alternative bulb codes; verify on your vehicle.
- Dipped beam (low beam) headlight bulb: typically H7 (halogen) on older trims. Some newer or higher-spec variants may use LED modules or different single- or dual-filament configurations in certain markets. If you have LED headlights, there may be no replaceable bulb in the main unit.
- High beam bulb: commonly H1 or, in some configurations, H4 (dual filament) depending on the unit and market.
- Front fog lights: often H11; some markets use H8 or other variants for fogs.
- Front turn indicators: amber bulbs, commonly PY21W (or equivalent 21W wedge).
- Tail lights and brake lights: rear combination bulbs typically P21W for tail/stop; some versions use a dual-filament bulb (e.g., P21W with a separate brake filament) inside the rear cluster.
- License plate lights: W5W wedge or festoon-style bulbs, depending on housing.
Note: Exact bulb codes vary by year, trim and market. If in doubt, check the light unit for markings, consult the owner's manual, or search Ford’s parts catalog for your VIN.
Headlights: generation differences and options
Here we distinguish between the traditional halogen setup used on most early Transit Custom models and the LED option available on later models or higher trims. The exact codes depend on the production year and market.
Halogen standard vs LED option
The standard halogen setup uses replaceable bulbs (H7 for low beam, H1 for high beam, H11 for fogs). Some higher-spec or recent models offer LED headlights, which do not use a simple replaceable bulb; the entire headlight assembly or LED module may be replaced instead. Confirm via VIN and documentation.
Concluding paragraph: For most owners, the bulb types listed above will cover the common configurations, but LED-equipped variants should be treated as a different category with non-replaceable bulbs in the main unit.
Interior and cargo lighting: typical bulb types
Inside the cabin and cargo area, common bulbs are wedge types or festoon bulbs sized for Ford interiors. The exact bulb codes vary by trim and era.
- Dome/cargo area interior lights: W5W (or 194/168 wedge) or festoon variants.
- Reading/map lights: W5W or small wedge bulbs such as 194/193 styles depending on assembly.
- Cargo area/boot light: festoon or W5W, depending on kit.
- Vanity mirror lights: T10 wedge or similar small bulbs.
Always replace with the correct bulb type, as interior lights can differ by interior trim and optional equipment.
How to confirm the exact bulb type for your Transit Custom
- Check your owner’s manual or the light’s packaging for the exact bulb code used in your trim and year.
- Inspect the bulb or socket; many bulbs have the code printed on the base (e.g., H7, H11, PY21W).
- Use the Ford parts catalog or a reputable retailer by entering your VIN or model/year to get the exact bulb specification.
- If your headlights appear white or bluish and the unit is LED, there may be no replaceable bulb; you would replace the entire headlight assembly or LED module.
- When replacing, buy genuine Ford or certified equivalents to ensure correct fitment and performance.
Following these steps helps ensure you’re using the correct bulbs for your specific Transit Custom variant.
Summary
The Ford Transit Custom typically uses halogen bulbs for most exterior lighting, with LED headlights offered on certain trims or generations. Common bulb codes include H7 for low beam, H1 for high beam, H11 for fogs, PY21W for indicators, P21W for tail/stop, and W5W or festoon variants for license plate and interior lights. Exact specifications depend on year, market, and whether LED headlights are fitted. Always verify with the owner’s manual or Ford’s parts catalog and replace bulbs with the correct type for your vehicle.
