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What kind of headlight bulb is in the MK4 Ford Mondeo?

The MK4 Ford Mondeo does not use a single bulb type; it varies by year and trim. Most lower-spec models rely on standard halogen bulbs for the low beam, with a separate high beam, while higher-spec or regional variants offered optional Bi-Xenon HID headlights using xenon bulbs. Always verify the exact bulb type on your vehicle by checking the owner's manual, the bulb itself, or the headlamp unit.

Understanding the possible configurations for the MK4 Mondeo helps drivers prepare for maintenance and bulb replacements. The generation, produced from roughly 2007 to 2014 and updated with a mid-cycle facelift, offered multiple headlight setups depending on market and option packages. Below is a guide to the common configurations you’re likely to encounter and how to identify them on your car.

Halogen headlight systems (most common on base trims)

Before listing the typical halogen configurations, note that halogen setups dominate the standard headlights on many MK4 Mondeos. The exact bulb counts and types can differ by market, but the general patterns are well established.

Low beam bulb: typically H7

High beam bulb: commonly H1, though some configurations may use H7 for both high and low in certain markets

Fog lights (where fitted): typically H11

In halogen-equipped Mondeos, the low beam and high beam use separate bulbs within the headlamp assembly, and the fog lights (if present) are a separate circuit. If your car is a base or mid-spec model, these are the configurations you’re most likely to see.

Bi-Xenon HID headlight options

Some MK4 Mondeos were fitted with optional Bi-Xenon HID headlights, which use a different bulb family and require a ballast. The bulb type varies by the exact headlamp unit and year, but two common HID bulb formats show up in this generation.

Bulb type for HID systems: D2S or D3S bulbs (paired with an HID ballast)

Functionality: Bi-Xenon headlights may provide both low and high beam through the same projector with a mechanical or electronic hi/lo mechanism

Because HID implementations depend on supplier and regional specs, not every MK4 Mondeo has HID headlights. If your vehicle has HID, you’ll typically see a separate ballast pack mounted near the headlight and a different bulb base than halogen setups.

How to identify your specific bulb type

To determine the exact bulb type for your car, use these practical checks:

Check the owner’s manual or the service booklet for a bulb specification chart matching your trim and year

Inspect the headlight bulbs directly by removing the access cover (do this only with the ignition off and headlights cool); read the bulb base inscription

Look for a ballast box near the headlight area—presence indicates HID (D2S/D3S) rather than standard halogen

If you’re unsure, consult a dealer or a trusted workshop with your VIN, as the same Mk4 Mondeo may have different headlamp options even within the same market depending on the production year and equipment level.

Summary

The MK4 Mondeo’s headlight bulb configuration is not universal. Halogen setups with H7 low beams (and H1 or H7 high beams, plus H11 fogs where equipped) are common on standard trims, while Bi-Xenon HID headlights use D2S or D3S bulbs with a ballast on higher-spec models. To confirm your exact bulb type, check the owner’s manual, inspect the bulb or ballast, or contact a Ford service center with your vehicle’s VIN. If you replace bulbs yourself, ensure you get the correct type for your specific headlight assembly to maintain proper alignment and performance.

Are H11 and H7 bulbs the same?

No, H7 and H11 bulbs are not the same and cannot be used interchangeably because they have different base designs, socket types, and dimensions. The primary differences are their base configuration and the type of application they are designed for; H7 bulbs are often used for both low and high beams, while H11 bulbs are typically for low beams or fog lights.
Key differences between H7 and H11 bulbs

Feature	H7	H11
Base/Socket Design	PX26d base with two bare prongs	PGJ19-2 base with two encased prongs
Application	Low and high beams	Low beams and fog lights
Dimensions	Larger diameter (~26 mm)	Smaller diameter (~19 mm)
Interchangeability	Not interchangeable with H11	Not interchangeable with H7

Check your owner's manual: This is the most reliable source for the correct bulb type for your vehicle.
Examine the existing bulb: Take out the old bulb and look for the bulb number printed on its base.
Use an online bulb finder: Many automotive parts websites have tools that can look up the correct bulb for your specific vehicle.

Which is better, H4 or H7?

The main difference is that H4 bulbs are dual-filament bulbs that provide both high and low beams from a single unit, while H7 bulbs are single-filament bulbs that are used in modern vehicles with separate bulbs for high and low beams. H4 bulbs are common in older vehicles and motorcycles, while H7 bulbs are frequently used in modern European car headlights.

This video explains how H4 and H7 bulbs work: 0:56BYJU'S Exam Prep GATE & ESE: EE,EC,IN,CSYouTube · Aug 16, 2023

Feature	H4 Bulb	H7 Bulb
Filament	Dual-filament (one for low, one for high beam)	Single-filament (either high or low beam)
Beam Function	Combines both low and high beams in one bulb	Requires a separate bulb for the other beam function
Typical Application	Older vehicles, motorcycles	Modern vehicles, often used in European cars
Base/Connection	P43t base with a two-pronged socket	PX26d base with a three-pronged socket
Power	60/55W	55W

Functionality: An H4 bulb contains two filaments inside a single glass bulb, so one bulb can serve both the high and low beam functions. An H7 bulb has only one filament; therefore, a vehicle using H7 bulbs for both low and high beams will have two H7 bulbs per headlight assembly.
Vehicle Design: Because of their single-filament design, H7 systems require two separate bulbs for the two beam functions and have been a popular choice for modern headlights that have separate housings and reflectors for each beam.
Performance: The H7 system can sometimes offer better performance because when the high beam is activated, the low beam is not switched off, but the second, high beam bulb is switched on as well, illuminating a larger area.
Base and Connection: H4 bulbs have a P43t base and a two-pronged socket, while H7 bulbs use a PX26d base and have a three-pronged socket. This means the bulbs are not interchangeable.

Is H7 a high or low beam bulb?

Yes, H7 bulbs can be used for both high and low beams, but they are a single-filament bulb and require a separate bulb for each function. This means if your car uses H7 bulbs, it will have one H7 bulb for the low beam and another, separate H7 bulb for the high beam, as opposed to a dual-filament bulb (like an H4) that does both in a single unit.
This video shows how to replace H7 bulbs for high and low beams: 48sVagabond BuildsYouTube · Jan 13, 2025

Single-filament design: An H7 is a single-filament bulb, meaning it only has one filament and can only perform one function: either high beam or low beam.
Separate bulbs: To have both high and low beams, a vehicle using H7 bulbs must have two separate H7 bulbs in each headlight assembly: one for the low beam and one for the high beam.
Vehicle-specific: While H7 bulbs are common for both functions, it's essential to check your car's owner's manual to confirm if your vehicle uses H7s for both, or if it uses a different type of bulb for one or both beams, such as a dual-filament bulb like an H4.

What low beam bulb is in the FORD MONDEO 2011?

Which low beam bulbs are suitable for the Ford MONDEO 2011? The FORD MONDEO 2011 uses a D1S; H1; H11; H7; H8; HB4 light bulb.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.