Buy Ford Ford Headlight Assembly

Key Points

Quick Overview

The Ford Flex's headlight-also called a headlamp, front light, or driving lamp-is a combined low- and high-beam unit that uses an H13 (9008) dual-filament bulb on every model year (2009-2019) . Proper aim, clear lenses, and the right bulb type keep night driving safe, while upgrades like LED assemblies can boost brightness and cut energy use . Most repairs are DIY-friendly with common tools; average bulb-only service runs about $330-$420 at a shop , but many owners change the lamp at home for the price of the part.

Fit & Compatibility

What Fits

• Years & trims: All Flex builds (2009-2019) share the same headlight shell, so swapping between years is straightforward.
• Bulb spec: Factory halogen bulb is H13 (9008) dual-beam .
• Connector & wattage: Three-prong P26.4t base, 12 V, 55/60 W.
• Sealed vs. serviceable: The lens is serviceable-remove three top retainers and slide the lamp forward for bulb or full assembly service .

Bulb Choices

Halogen

Stock halogens give warm yellow-white light (~3,200 K) and last about 500 hrs.

LED Assemblies

Factory-style LED housings cut power draw up to 75 percent and can last 25 times longer than incandescent lamps . U.S. law lets automakers use LEDs built into the housing, but retrofit LED bulbs are not street-legal if the lamp was originally halogen .

HID (xenon)

Not offered by Ford on the Flex. Aftermarket kits often dazzle other drivers and may fail inspection because of glare limits .

Signs of Trouble

• Dim or yellow light: Bulb at end of life or lens haze.
• One beam out: Check ground wire first-corrosion here is the top cause of a single-side outage .
• Water in lens: Flex's vent ports can clog; dry with a hair-dryer and microfiber cloth .
• Flicker while driving: Loose connector or failing filament.

DIY Replacement

1. Open the hood, pull the three black retainers above the lamp, and slide the assembly forward .
2. Twist the bulb counter-clockwise; unplug.
3. Avoid touching glass; install new bulb.
4. Re-seat housing and pins; test both beams.
   Average driveway time: ~20 minutes.

Aim & Adjustment

• Park 25 ft (7.6 m) from a flat wall on level ground .
• Mark beam centers with tape.
• Use Phillips screw on back of lamp; turn clockwise to raise, counter-clockwise to lower .
• Final hotspot should land just below and slightly right of tape on low beam. Correct aim cuts glare and meets federal safety goals .

Safety & Law

• FMVSS 108: Sets brightness, color, and glare rules for U.S. headlights .
• IIHS Testing: 2019 Flex earned "Acceptable" or "Marginal" depending on trim, proving that bulb quality and aim matter .
• Driver vision: Poor headlamps raise crash risk, and glare over 2 seconds can double that risk .

Upgrade Benefits

• Brighter LEDs cut energy draw, freeing alternator load and saving fuel .
• Clear lenses restore up to 80 percent lost light after haze polish .
• Projector swap focuses beam, reduces scatter, and may earn better safety-test scores .

Cost & Warranty

• Shop bulb change: $331-$416 for parts + labor .
• Mobile mechanic: About $167 nationwide average .
• DIY cost: $15-$40 for a quality halogen.
  Most aftermarket assemblies carry a one-year defect warranty; keep receipts.

Care & Maintenance

• Inspect beams and lens clarity at every oil change (about 5,000 mi) .
• Wash lenses with car-safe soap; avoid harsh chemicals that can pit plastic.
• Vent moisture: remove rear caps and dry with low-heat hair-dryer .
• Re-aim after heavy cargo or front-end work.

Environmental Facts

• Switching from halogen to LED can save about 40 watts per vehicle, cutting CO₂ over the car's life .
• Burned-out bulbs qualify as "universal waste lamps" and must be recycled under EPA rules .

Related Parts

• Fog lamps: H11 bulb; aim slightly lower than main beam.
• Daytime running lights: Integrated into the same housing on 2013-2019 models.
• Front turn signals: 3157 amber bulb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb does a 2014 Flex use?
A: Every model year, including 2014, uses an H13 (9008) dual-beam bulb .

Q: Can I put LED bulbs in the stock halogen housing?
A: U.S. law limits retrofit LED bulbs; you must use a full LED housing that meets FMVSS 108 to stay street-legal .

Q: How do I fix water inside the lamp?
A: Remove the rear cap, blow warm air with a hair-dryer for a few minutes, and check that vent tubes are clear .

Q: Why are my lights still dim after a new bulb?
A: Cloudy lenses block light. A polish kit or lens replacement often restores brightness .

Q: Does headlight aim really matter?
A: Yes. Mis-aimed lamps can blind oncoming drivers and lower your own visibility; correct aim is required at inspections .

Q: How long should a halogen bulb last?
A: Around 500 hours; frequent high-beam use or vibration can shorten life .

Q: What does it cost to replace the whole assembly?
A: DIY aftermarket housings start near $200 each. Professional install averages $400-$600 including labor, depending on region .

Q: Are brighter lights always better?
A: Not if they produce glare. Studies show too much upward scatter can hurt driver comfort and safety .

Q: Is there any recall on Ford Flex headlights?
A: As of May 2025, no NHTSA recall covers Flex headlamps directly; regular maintenance prevents most issues.

Q: Can headlight upgrades improve crash ratings?
A: IIHS data link good beam patterns to higher overall safety scores .