Ford Fiesta & Light: 14 Questions Answered (For Newbies)

Many city dwellers favor the Ford Fiesta because it conserves fuel, and it is easy to park in tight spaces.

This article highlights basic information about the lighting system of Ford Fiestas.

Which Light Bulb Sizes and Types Do Ford Fiestas Use?

Before you replace the light bulb on your Ford Fiesta, you should know if the replacement bulb is suitable for your vehicle.

Here is a breakdown of the bulb sizes for Ford Fiesta model years:

Low Beam Headlight

When Ford commenced production of the Fiesta in 1986, the company used 6014 light bulbs for its low beam headlights.

The Ford Fiesta kept using these bulb sizes for its low beam headlights until 2010.

In 2011, Ford switched to H11B bulbs for the Fiesta’s low beam headlights.

High Beam Headlights

The appropriate bulb size for high beam headlights on Ford Fiesta models manufactured between 1986 and 2010 is 6014.

Model years 2011, 2012, and 2013 Ford Fiestas come with 9005 lightbulbs for their headlights.

All Fiestas produced after 2013 use H1 bulbs for their high beam headlights.

Taillight

Since the Fiesta vehicle’s inception, it has only used three sizes of light bulbs for its taillights.

Between 1978 and 1983, the company installed 97 light bulbs on their tail lights. In 1984, Ford Fiesta switched to the 380 light bulb and used this bulb size until 2010.

2011 saw the Ford Fiesta changing the size of its tail light bulbs to 3157. Fiesta still uses the 3157 light bulb size on its taillights to this day.

Check here for the best prices of Ford Fiesta light bulbs on Amazon.

How to Turn Off Daytime Running Lights on Ford Fiesta

Do you want to save fuel while driving your Ford Fiesta? Then, consider disabling your daytime running lights.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you switch off your daytime running lights:

1. Press the five-way control switch on the left side of your steering wheel. A menu will appear on your vehicle’s information display.
2. Select ‘Settings’, then click on ‘vehicle lighting’.
3. Click on the ‘daytime running lights’ option and turn the feature off.

Ford Fiesta Light Symbols Indicators Explained

Do you want to know what each of the light indicators on your vehicle means? This section will show you the interpretation of your Ford Fiesta’s light symbols.

Eco-System Indicator Light

If the eco-system indicator light appears, it means that you need to shift up a gear to conserve the fuel in your vehicle. This light helps drivers check their fuel usage.

Driving at extremely high speed deactivates the eco-system indicator.

So, if you want to avoid consuming excess fuel while driving your Fiesta, you should watch your speed.

Battery Warning Light

This light blinks whenever you use your vehicle’s battery without charging it.

The battery warning light also indicates that your battery is problematic.

If you notice this light flashing while driving, disable any unnecessary equipment and take your car to a Ford dealer.

Brake Warning Light

The brake warning light flashes when you apply your parking brake without turning off the ignition. This light will disappear once you switch off the ignition.

If your brake warning light blinks while driving, it may signify that you have not released your parking brake.

Another reason why your brake warning may appear when you are on the move is insufficient brake fluid.

Engine Temperature Light

The engine temperature light appears whenever you start your vehicle.

In some cases, this light may blink while driving to tell you that your engine is overheating.

When this happens, stop the car and turn off the engine. Wait for about 20 minutes to let the engine cool down. Check your coolant levels and refill them if they are low.

If your Fiesta overheats when your coolant level is normal, it means that your car has a malfunction. Call your mechanic to come and fix the car.

Make sure to also read our article about where the Ford Fiesta is made. 

How Do You Adjust the Light on a Ford Fiesta?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to adjust a Ford Fiesta’s lights:

1. Park your Fiesta on a flat surface, with the front facing a light-colored wall or screen
2. Ensure that your tires are inflated and that the vehicle is empty of passengers or luggage.
3. Use a rule to measure the distance between the low and high beams to the ground.
4. Make a mark that covers each measured distance on the wall.
5. Now, direct the beams in front of the wall. If the beams are lower than the mark on the wall, you need to adjust them.
6. Open your hood.
7. Look for the optic screw and rotate it until you are satisfied with your low beam and high beam headlight brightness and height.

Do Ford Fiestas Have Automatic Headlamps?

Only Fiesta ST and Fiesta Titanium cars produced between 2013 and 2021 have automatic headlights.

How Do I Turn Off the Lights on a Fiesta?

To switch off headlights on your Fiesta, find the lighting control nob on your dashboard and turn it off.

You can find your lighting control nob on the left side of the steering wheel in your Ford Fiesta.

How Do I Turn off the Ford Fiesta Trunk Light?

To turn off the trunk light on your Fiesta, just close the vehicle’s trunk and latch it.

If the trunk light stays on while the latch is closed, the light switch might be faulty.

Also check out our article about how long the Ford Fiesta lasts. 

How Does Auto Light Sensitivity Work?

The auto light sensitivity system activates your automatic headlights when driving in a place with little light.

The auto light sensitivity system rarely triggers the headlights when it can still detect light around a driver.

If you want to use your automatic headlights when it is only slightly dark, you may have to activate them manually.

What Can Cause Drive Light to Blink

Your drive light is the light beside your headlights on your Fiesta.

This light only flashes when it works on low voltage.

If you experience blinking headlights, check this article.

Can I Use Headlight Covers on My Fiesta?

Headlight covers work with Ford Fiesta headlights.

You can even find designated Fiesta headlight covers on online stores.

However, some states do not allow the use of headlight covers. So, check that your state permits headlight covers before getting them for your car.

Please also read our article about the Ford Fiesta in snow and winter driving. 

The Dome/ Interior Light is Not Working

If your dome light has stopped working, it might be because of the following:

1. Your dome light bulb is faulty, and you need to get a new bulb.
2. The fuse that controls your dome light is faulty. Locate this fuse on the top right of your engine bay and replace it.

Ford Fiesta Light Sensors Explained

The purpose of a light sensor is to activate automatic headlamps when you are driving at night.

Ford Fiesta does not allow its users to control the light sensors manually.

Turning a flashlight towards your light sensors might damage them.

Do Ford Fiestas Have LED Lights?

Only 2019 and 2020 Ford Fiestas have LED lights.

That said, you can swap your halogen headlights with an LED light if your Fiesta doesn’t have one.

The Lights Come on But the Car Won’t Start

If you observe that your lights are working when your Fiesta isn’t starting, you might have a weak battery.

Your headlights can also stay on when the car has stopped working if you have a blown fuse.

Unlike an engine, a car’s headlights can function on low power.

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