What bulbs does a 2016 F-150 take?
In the typical 2016 Ford F-150 equipped with halogen headlights, the main bulbs are H13 for the headlights, H11 for fog lights, and standard 3157-series bulbs for turn signals and taillights, with 921 for back-up lights. Higher trims or optional equipment (such as HID or LED headlights) can change the exact bulb types, so always verify with your vehicle’s documentation or a parts professional for your specific build.
Headlights and fog lights
The following list covers the most common configurations you’ll encounter in a 2016 F-150. If your truck has different headlight technology, the bulbs will differ.
- Headlights (low and high beam): H13 dual-filament halogen bulbs (also known as HB2).
- Fog lights: H11 halogen bulbs.
Note: Some 2016 F-150s offered optional HID or LED headlamps on higher trims. Those setups use ballast or LED modules rather than standard halogen bulbs and require different replacement parts.
Exterior signal, taillights, and brake lights
The following are the typical bulb types used for signaling and visibility on most 2016 F-150 models.
- Front turn signal/parking light: 3157 (amber in most markets).
- Rear tail lights and brake lights: 3157 or 3157A, depending on the exact assembly and trim.
- Rear backup light: 921 (also known as T1 21/2 W).
Some regional or special-order variants may use closely related sizes (such as 3156) in specific housings, so always confirm by inspecting the current bulb or the service manual for your VIN.
License plate and interior lighting
Additional bulbs you may need to replace during routine maintenance include:
- License plate light: 194 wedge bulb (some markets use a W5W variant).
- Interior dome/map lights: typically 194 wedge bulbs or other small festoon/wedge types depending on the exact interior lamp housing.
When replacing interior lights, verify the exact base style on the existing bulb if you’re unsure, since Ford used a mix of wedge and festoon designs across trims.
How to confirm the exact bulb type for your truck
Because bulb configurations can vary by trim, equipment, and production date, use these steps to confirm the precise parts you need:
- Consult your vehicle’s owner's manual or Ford’s official parts catalog for your specific VIN.
- Remove the current bulb and read the markings on the base (e.g., H13, H11, 3157, 921) to match the correct replacement.
- Ask a dealership parts counter or an automotiveParts retailer to cross-check the bulb type against your VIN.
Accurate identification helps ensure correct fit, brightness, and electrical compatibility, especially when options like HID or LED headlights are installed.
Summary
The 2016 Ford F-150 commonly uses H13 halogen headlights and H11 fog lights, with 3157 family bulbs for front and rear turn signals/taillights and 921 for reverse lights. License plate and interior lights typically rely on small wedge bulbs such as 194. Because bulb configurations can vary by trim and optional equipment, always verify with the owner’s manual or a parts professional for your exact vehicle to avoid incorrect replacements.
Notes for readers
This guide reflects typical configurations found on many 2016 F-150 models. If your truck has optional equipment or a different trim, the bulb types may differ. For the most precise information, refer to your VIN-specific documentation or contact a Ford dealer.
