Buy Fiat 500 Headlight Bulbs

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Quick Summary

The Fiat 500 uses small but mighty headlamp bulbs-mainly H7 halogen (2007-2014 European builds) and 9012/HIR2 halogen for many 2012-on North-American cars. (iFixit, AutoZone.com) These 12-volt Òheadlight,Ó Òheadlamp,Ó or Òlight-bulbÓ units throw about 1,000-1,500 lumens each on low-beam and last 400 to 1,500 hours, depending on brand and how often they double as daytime-running-lights. (NHTSA, Reddit) LED upgrade kits promise whiter light and longer life, but U.S. rules (FMVSS 108) still ban plug-in LED bulbs in housings designed for halogen unless the whole lamp is certified. (NHTSA) Europe follows ECE R37 for filament bulbs and R128/R112 for LED or adaptive systems. (Svetila.com | EN) Replacing the bulb is a tight-space job-Fiat forums joke it Òtakes pianist fingersÓ-yet a step-by-step guide shows it can be done in minutes with no tools. (iFixit, The FIAT Forum

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Bulb Basics

Halogen H7 55-watt low-beam bulbs power most 2007-2014 hatchbacks and Cabrios worldwide. (iFixit) North-American facelift models instead use a single 9012 dual-filament bulb that handles both low and high beam. (AutoZone.com) Factory output meets roughly 1,067 lumens on dipped beam at the design voltage, which is the federal limit for replaceable sources. (NHTSA) Aftermarket HID (D3S) or LED capsules can exceed 3,000 lumens but must sit inside purpose-built projectors to stay legal and glare-free. (XenonPro, NHTSA)

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Fitment Guide

• 2007-2014 Europe/ROW: Low = H7; High = H1; DRL = W21/5W. (powerbulbs.com)
• 2012-2019 North America: Low/High = 9012 (HIR2) single bulb. (AutoZone.com)
• Abarth & 500e: Same as parent year unless aftermarket headlights were ordered.
  Tip: Match the exact socket; forcing another size can melt wiring or blow fuses. (fiat500usaforum.com)

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Lifespan & Failure Signs

A standard halogen lasts about 400-1,500 hours; brighter ÒperformanceÓ versions burn out sooner. (Reddit) Watch for dim yellow output, pinkish flash, or uneven beam-early warnings a filament is collapsing. Flicker on bumps often means a loose connector, not the bulb itself. (The FIAT Forum)

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Safety & Law

• U.S. FMVSS 108: sets photometric zones and bans plug-in LEDs in halogen housings. (NHTSA)
• ECE R37 & R112: govern filament and adaptive beams across Europe. (Svetila.com | EN)
• Excessive glare from high-kelvin LEDs is drawing new regulation because it slows driver reaction time at night. (TIME)
  For details, check the NHTSA headlight overview and the full text of ECE R37 (both open in new tabs).

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Upgrade Choices

Halogen Plus - Up-to-150 % brighter Òlong-throwÓ bulbs stay road-legal if wattage and socket match. (powerbulbs.com)
LED Conversions - Whiter (5,800-6,500 K) light improves sign contrast but only legal in lamps specifically marked for LEDs. (naoevo.com, NHTSA)
Color Temperature - Neutral 4,300 K slices fog best; 6,000-6,500 K looks modern but scatters in rain. (Uledsupply, XenonPro)
Always re-aim headlights after any swap to avoid blinding others. (Reddit)

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DIY Steps

1. Open hood and pop off the rear rubber cap behind the lamp. (iFixit)
2. Pinch the white plastic holder, wiggle, and pull straight back.
3. Remove the H7/9012 by its metal base-never the glass-to prevent hot-spot failure.
4. Click the new bulb in with the locating tab up; wear gloves or wipe glass with isopropyl alcohol.
5. Refit cap, switch on lights, and check beam height against a wall.

A full walk-through with photos lives on the iFixit guide.

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Care & Troubleshooting

• Keep lenses clear. Cloudy plastic can cut light by 40 %. A headlight-restoration kit once a year helps. (powerbulbs.com)
• Dry the housing. Moisture causes early burn-out; replace torn rear caps. (The FIAT Forum)
• Change in pairs. Bulbs age together; a new one beside an old one creates uneven light and color. (Reddit)
• Aim low-beams at 2 inches drop per 25 feet per FMVSS test spec to stay within glare limits. (static.nhtsa.gov)

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Q: What headlight bulb fits my 2013 Fiat 500 in the U.S.?
A: Most 2012-on American cars use a single 9012 (HIR2) halogen for both beams. (AutoZone.com)

Q: Do earlier European models use the same bulb?
A: No. European 2007-2014 cars run separate H7 low-beam and H1 high-beam bulbs. (powerbulbs.com)

Q: How bright can I legally go?
A: U.S. low-beam replaceable sources must stay near 1,067 lumens; housing output is capped by beam-pattern rules, not raw wattage. (NHTSA)

Q: Are plug-in LED kits street-legal?
A: Only if the lamp housing itself is certified for LED by FMVSS 108 or E-mark-most drop-in kits are for Òoff-roadÓ use in the U.S. (NHTSA)

Q: Which color temperature is safest in rain and fog?
A: Neutral-white 4,300 K penetrates mist better than bluish 6,000 K while still looking bright. (Uledsupply)

Q: How long do stock bulbs last?
A: Typical halogens last 400-1,500 hours; brighter premium bulbs trade life for output. (Reddit)

Q: Why shouldn't I touch the glass?
A: Skin oil creates hot spots that can shatter the quartz envelope; always handle by the metal base or clean with alcohol. (iFixit)

Q: Do I have to remove the wheel liner?
A: No-on most Fiat 500 trims you can reach the holder from the engine bay, but turning the steering wheel inwards gives extra room. (The FIAT Forum)

Q: How do I aim the new bulb?
A: Park 25 ft (7.6 m) from a wall, measure from bulb center to ground, mark that height minus 2 in (5 cm) on the wall, and adjust so the top cut-off meets the mark. (static.nhtsa.gov)

Q: Can brighter bulbs hurt other drivers' eyes?
A: Yes-LED glare can slow reaction time, which is why lawmakers are studying new brightness caps. (TIME)

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Extra Resources

• NHTSA Headlight Safety - U.S. regulations and aiming tips.
• Fiat USA Owner's Manuals - Year-specific wiring and bulb charts.
• AAA Night-Driving Guide - Vision and glare advice.
• ECE Regulation 37 Text - European filament-bulb rulebook.
• Car Care Council - Maintenance schedules and DIY videos.

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