Buy Ford Focus Headlight Assembly

Overview

Overview

Ford Focus headlights-also called headlamps, front lights, or lighting assemblies-do more than brighten the road. They come in several styles (halogen, HID xenon, and modern LED units) and change from one Focus generation to the next. Knowing the exact bulb type, adjustment steps, and common problems like moisture inside the lens helps drivers stay safe, pass inspections, and avoid glare for on-coming traffic. Key rules such as U.S. FMVSS 108 set brightness and beam-pattern limits, while features like Ford's Adaptive Front-Lighting System and 2025 Matrix LED lamps keep beams focused where you need them. (Federal Register, eCFR, Ford Media Center, Ford UK)

Anatomy & Variants

Anatomy & Variants

A Focus headlight assembly contains a housing, reflector or projector bowl, a bulb or LED module, wiring, a rear dust cap, and vents to let heat escape. Halogen units use an H1 or H7 filament bulb for high and low beams on earlier generations, while many 2012-18 cars switched to an H11 low beam with an H1 high beam. (Ford Service Content)
Higher trims added Bi-Xenon HID projectors that move a shutter so one bulb supplies both beams. For 2015-up European models, Ford introduced an Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) that pivots the HID beam through seven preset angles as speed and steering change. (Ford Media Center)
In 2025, the Focus adopted fixed Matrix LED headlamps that carve out shaded areas to reduce glare yet keep full brightness elsewhere. (Ford UK)

Fitment Guide

Fitment Guide

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Bulb Types

Bulb Types

• Halogen: Most common, draws ~55 watts and outputs roughly 1,250 lumens. Cheap and easy to swap. (Ford Service Content)
• HID/Xenon: Produces a white-blue arc light around 3,000 lumens with lower power draw. Requires a ballast. (Ultra Bright Lightz)
• LED modules: Use many tiny diodes. Brighter than halogen, switch on instantly, and often last the life of the car. Factory LEDs meet DOT rules; aftermarket retrofits must still obey FMVSS 108 candela limits. (Federal Register)

Regulations

Regulations

All replacement lamps sold in the U.S. must meet FMVSS 108, which spells out beam cut-off angles, intensity, and the need for both low and high beams. (, eCFR)
European Focus drivers also follow ECE R112/R123 for halogen and HID units and ECE R149 for LEDs. Adaptive headlights must self-level and include a headlamp washer above 2,000 lumens to remain legal. (Ford UK)

Common Issues

Common Issues

Condensation: A mist on the inner lens is normal when humid air hits a cool housing and usually clears in 24-48 hours while driving with lights on. (Ford Owners Club - Ford Forums, The Irish Sun)
Flicker or intermittent shut-off: Often caused by a failing halogen filament or a weak HID ballast; Ford issued technical bulletins for headlamps that went dark on some 2013-15 vehicles. (NHTSA)
Beam mis-aim: Rough roads or a bumper tap can tilt the reflector, reducing visibility and dazzling on-coming drivers. Regular checks are key. (Ford Service Content)

Adjustment

Adjustment

1. Park 25 ft (7.6 m) from a flat wall on level ground.
2. Mark a horizontal line at bulb-center height and a vertical line for vehicle center.
3. Turn on low beams; rotate the vertical adjustment screw until the beam cut-off sits about 3 in (7.5 cm) below the tape. (Ford Service Content)
4. Use the manual leveling dial (if equipped) to lower beams when the car is heavily loaded. (Ford Service Content)

Installation Steps

Installation Steps

1. Remove the top retaining screws and gently slide the assembly forward. (Ford Service Content)
2. Twist off the rear dust cap.
3. Disconnect the wiring plug.
4. Release the metal spring clip and pull out the bulb-avoid touching the glass.
5. Fit the new bulb with matching wattage and alignment tabs.
6. Re-seat the housing, tighten screws, then re-aim lights.

Upgrades

Upgrades

• Projector retrofits: Swapping a projector into a reflector shell can sharpen the cut-off but must be paired with DOT-approved bulbs to stay legal.
• LED conversions: Offer cooler color (6,000 K) and long life, yet must not exceed glare thresholds; always look for bulbs labeled "DOT compliant." (Ultra Bright Lightz)
• Adaptive & Matrix kits: Factory systems integrate with the car's CAN-bus and usually require re-programming; aftermarket plug-ins rarely match OEM precision. (Ford Media Center)

Maintenance

Maintenance

• Clean the polycarbonate lens with mild soap; harsh chemicals can cloud the UV coating.
• Use dielectric grease on bulb sockets to fight corrosion.
• Test the Headlamp Exit Delay feature so lights stay on up to three minutes after shutdown, handy in dark driveways. (Ford Service Content)
• Check for recall notices any time you service exterior lighting by entering your VIN on the NHTSA site. (NHTSA)

Safety & Testing

Safety & Testing

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found many 2016 models across brands had sub-par headlight scores, underscoring the value of precise aim and modern optics. (IIHS)
While recent Focus crash tests focus on structure, proper headlamp performance supports night-time driver vision and pedestrian detection. (IIHS)

Additional Resources

Additional Resources

• Ford interactive owner-manual pages for bulb charts and leveling steps. (Ford Service Content, Ford Service Content)
• Federal Register digest of FMVSS 108 amendments. (Federal Register)
• NHTSA recall lookup for lighting-related service actions. (NHTSA)
• IIHS technical brief on headlight ratings. (IIHS)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb size fits a 2014 Focus low beam?
A: Most 2012-18 cars use an H11 for the dipped (low) beam and an H1 for the main (high) beam. Always confirm in the owner's manual. (Ford Service Content)

Q: Can I upgrade to LED bulbs without changing the housing?
A: Yes, but only DOT-compliant retrofit kits keep the beam pattern legal and glare-free; non-compliant LEDs may fail inspection. (Federal Register, Ultra Bright Lightz)

Q: Why do my headlights fog up after rain?
A: Small water droplets form when humid air inside the vented housing meets a cool lens; they normally clear within 48 hours of driving. (Ford Owners Club - Ford Forums, The Irish Sun)

Q: How often should I check headlight aim?
A: Inspect every 12 months or after any front-end impact or suspension work. Improper aim can blind others and fail safety tests. (Ford Service Content)

Q: Does the Focus have automatic leveling?
A: HID and LED versions include self-leveling motors, but halogen models rely on a manual dial beside the steering wheel. (Ford Service Content)

Q: Are there any recalls for Focus headlights?
A: No large-scale headlight recalls exist, but Ford posts limited service bulletins for flickering bulbs; always verify with NHTSA's VIN tool. (NHTSA, NHTSA)

Q: What is the Headlamp Exit Delay?
A: It keeps the lights on up to three minutes after you switch off the ignition, acting like a follow-me-home feature. (Ford Service Content)

Q: How bright are halogen vs. HID vs. LED?
A: Standard halogen puts out around 1,250 lumens; HID about 3,000 lumens; factory LEDs vary but can exceed 3,000 lumens with lower power draw. (Ultra Bright Lightz)

Q: Will a cracked lens fail inspection?
A: Yes-cracks can scatter light and let moisture in, so most states and many EU countries require replacement for roadworthiness. (Federal Register)

Q: Can I run daytime running lights through the headlights?
A: U.S. Focus models use low-beam filaments at reduced voltage for DRL; European cars often use separate LED strips. Check local rules. (Ford Service Content)

Delivering the right bulb, correct adjustment, and routine care keeps your Ford Focus headlights shining bright, legal, and safe on every drive.