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2015-2020 Ford F-150 Headlight Assembly Replacement

A cracked lens, heavy condensation that won't...

iFixit Library 2015-2017 Ford F150 Easy 45 minutes - 1 hour Guide 245706

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Guide overview

Before you begin

A cracked lens, heavy condensation that won't clear, or a dead DRL strip means the whole headlight assembly has to come out. On the 2015–2020 F-150 this is a driveway job — a handful of bolts and clips, no bumper removal, about an hour. The replacement assembly used here is a standard aftermarket unit — we sourced ours from Parts District's headlight assembly collection (these assemblies commonly fit 2015–2020 F-150s — always confirm against your truck's exact trim and engine — you can look up your exact vehicle on Parts District's Shop by Vehicle page — and the product's fitment data before buying). 2015–2020 F-150s came with halogen or LED headlights depending on trim — the assemblies and connectors differ, so match your truck's lighting type. After installation, check the beam aim before night driving — misaligned headlights blind oncoming drivers.

Step 1

Park safely and disconnect the battery

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Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and open the hood. Disconnect the negative battery terminal — you're about to handle electrical connectors, and 30 seconds here is cheap insurance.

Step 2

Remove the radiator shroud

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Along the top of the radiator shroud there's a row of plastic panel clips. Pop them out with the trim tool, lift the shroud up and set it aside where it won't get stepped on.

Step 3

Loosen the grille

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Remove the 10mm bolts across the top of the grille. You don't need to take the whole grille off — just free it enough to reach the headlight's upper mounts.

Step 4

Free the lower headlight valance

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In the front wheel well, remove the two 7mm bolts holding the lower headlight valance, then pull the valance outward to unclip it from the body.

Step 5

Remove the upper headlamp bolts

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Take out the upper headlamp bolts and the push pin at the top of the headlight housing. Keep the hardware together — a magnetic tray earns its keep here.

Step 6

Remove the lower headlamp bolts

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Remove the lower headlamp bolts. If your truck has them, release the air-duct clips from the bottom of the headlamp assembly.

Step 7

Slide the assembly forward

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Pull the headlight assembly straight forward — it slides off its mounting pins. Some resistance is normal; wiggle gently rather than forcing it. Forcing a stuck housing is how mounting tabs break.

Step 8

Disconnect the electrical connectors

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Squeeze the release tabs and disconnect the wiring: the marker-lamp connector on halogen trucks, plus the main headlight connector. The assembly is free now — set it lens-up somewhere safe.

Step 9

Transfer the bulbs (if needed)

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If your replacement housing came without bulbs, twist each bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it straight out of the old housing, then seat it in the new one. Never touch a halogen bulb's glass with bare fingers — skin oil creates hot spots that shorten its life. Gloves on.

Step 10

Install the new assembly (reverse order)

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Connect the electrical connectors first — listen for the click on each. Slide the assembly back onto its mounting pins, then reinstall: lower headlamp bolts, upper bolts + push pin, valance (clip it in, then the 7mm bolts), grille bolts, radiator shroud (clips), and finally the negative battery terminal.

Step 11

Test everything before you drive

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Turn the truck on and check: low beam, high beam, DRL, turn signal, and marker light. Do this now, not at 10 pm on the highway.

Step 12

Check the beam aim

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Park on level ground facing a wall about 25 feet away. The top of the low-beam pattern should sit at or slightly below the height of the headlight centers — if it's throwing light into oncoming drivers' eyes, adjust using the screws on the housing.
If your truck has automatic headlight leveling, have the aim verified professionally, since the system can need recalibration after the swap. If unsure, consult a professional mechanic.