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

The Ford Transit is a full-size cargo van available in standard and long wheelbase models and low, medium, and high-roof body styles.

No American-brand work van matches the Transit in both space and style.

The Transit is fortified with a state of the heart lighting system well suited for a cargo van. This article answers all your questions about the Ford Transit’s lighting system.

Which Light Bulbs Sizes and Types Do Ford Transit Use?

Here are the types and sizes of light bulbs on the Ford Transit:

Headlights

The 2010 to 2013 Ford Transit uses H13 bulbs for both dual high and low beam headlights. From 2014 to 2017, the Transit’s headlight uses H9/H11bulb.

The 2018 to 2020 Transit uses forward High Beam and Low Beam H11/H9 LED lights.

Taillights

The Transit’s back-up reverse taillight for 2010 to 2013 uses bulb number 921. From 2014 to 2017, the Transit taillight uses 3057/3057K bulbs.

For the 2018 to 2020 model years, the Transit uses 7443 LED lights.

Check here for the best deals when shopping for Ford Transit light bulbs on Amazon.

How to Turn Off Daytime Running Lights on a Ford Transit

Some models of the Ford Transit are not equipped to disable the daytime running lights because they are considered a security feature.

In other models, you can disable the daytime running lights via the car’s main menu and information display.

• Scroll to “Settings” using the “Arrow” and “OK” keys on the left side of the steering wheel.
• Select “Vehicle” and then “Lighting”. Scroll down to “Daytime Lights” and uncheck this option using the “OK” button to turn it off.
• Move the headlight control knob from “Auto” or “On” position to “Off”.

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

Ford Transit Light Indicator Symbols Explained

Here are some of the Transit’s light indicator symbols that alert drivers about emergencies and faults in the vehicle.

• ABS Light: ABS stands for Anti-lock braking system. If the ABS yellow/amber indicator light comes on whilst driving, this shows a malfunction with the system. ABS is very effective for heavy braking conditions and can help to control a vehicle by preventing it from skidding. If there is a fault with the ABS system, the normal brakes will continue to function as usual and will not be affected.
• Powertrain Dashboard Indicator: This is a cog with an exclamation mark inside. It shows a malfunction with the powertrain, which can be a sensor or software fault. This indicator symbol may illuminate red or yellow/amber on the Transit.
• Low Engine Oil Pressure Indicator: This symbol will illuminate to show low oil pressure within the engine. If this symbol illuminates whilst driving, pull over immediately and turn off the engine. Check oil levels-if oil levels are accurate, do not continue your journey and contact a Ford dealer to have it checked.
• Engine Temperature Indicator: This symbol comes up when the engine is overheating. At the sight of this light, stop the Transit as safely as possible and turn off the engine. After the engine cools down for about 20 minutes, check the coolant levels. If it is low, top-up and check if the engine overheats. If the engine overheats, do not continue the journey as this can cause engine components to seize, which might lead to severe damages.
• Service Required Indicator Dashboard Light: This indicator light shows a spanner illuminated in orange/yellow to indicate that an engine service is required. In other models, the symbols may vary, and you may see a spanner contained inside a vehicle.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System: This shows a yellow indicator light which indicates that the pressure in one or more tires has dropped below the recommended threshold. Before the light comes up, there must have been around 25% or more deflation. If you are driving, pullover as soon as possible to check your tires. Older versions of the Ford Transit may not be equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system.

How Do You Adjust the Light on a Ford Transit?

To adjust the light on your Transit, all you need is a one meter rule, a pencil or colored tape and a screwdriver. To adjust the lights on your Transit, go through the following steps:

• Park your Transit on a flat terrain well positioned in front of a white or light-colored wall.
• Park your Transit 25 feet from the wall.
• Tires must be well inflated.
• Your automobile must not be ballasted so as not to alter the centering.
• Make sure the headlights position is at 0 in the passenger compartment.
• Measure the distance between the bulb of the low beam or the high beam with the ground on each side of the Transit and transfer it to the wall.
• Make a landmark with a colored tape.
• If the light beam exceeds the mark, you need to adjust it to the right position.
• Open the hood, at the right corner of the headlights; you will see the headlight adjustment screw.
• Use a Philips head screwdriver to turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the high and low beams.

The light beams of your Ford Transit should be just below the mark to illuminate the road properly.

Also read our article about how long the Ford Transit lasts.

Does Ford Transit Have Automatic Headlamps?

The Transit has an automatic headlight. Note that older model years may not have automatic headlights.

How Do I Turn Off the Lights on a Ford Transit?

To turn off the lights of a Ford Transit, look to the left side of the instrument panel. You’ll come across what’s known as a multi-position headlamp switch. To switch off the headlamps, simply turn the switch to the off position.

How Do I Turn Off the Ford Transit Cargo Light?

To turn off the cargo light of the Transit, open the cargo door that has the lock sensor on it.

Leave the other door closed. Press the lock button twice and the light will go off. Then open the second door.

How Does the Auto Light Sensitivity Work?

When the surrounding light condition is low or dark, the automatic light sensor triggers the light of the Transit to come on. The system uses light sensors that measure ambient light outside of the vehicle to activate the lamps.

What Can Cause the Drive Light to Blink?

A malfunction in the transmission control system can make the drive light blink.

You may need to get a Ford dealer to check your Transit if this issue persists.

Make sure to also read our article about the Ford Transit and keys.

Can I Use Headlight Covers On a Ford Transit?

You can use headlight covers for your Transit. Headlight cover specifically designed for the Transit has a simplified installation process.

Be sure you are not breaking transport laws as some states and municipalities prohibit the use of headlight covers because they reduce visibility.

The Dome/Interior Light Isn’t Working

The dome light of the Transit might not be working because of these three reasons:

• Faulty Dimmer Switch: Check to confirm if the dimmer switch is too low and set the switch to the middle setting for the door.
• Blown Fuse: Check the fuse that controls the dome lights. If it is blown, replace it. The Transit uses non-standard fuses, so look for the appropriate fuse for replacement.
• Faulty Dome Light Bulb: If you come to find both the dimmer switch and fuses are not the issue, try to replace the bulb in your dome light.

Ford Transit Light Sensors Explained

The sensor for the automatic headlamps is in the area behind the inside rear-view mirror.

The sensor detects changes in the ambient light and triggers the headlight to come on when the surrounding is dark.

Also, it triggers the light to go off when the surrounding is bright. It passes this information to the lighting system, making the auto light to function accurately.

Do Ford Transit Have LED Lights?

The Transit featured LED lights from its 2016 model years. Previous models may be able to add the equipment, but it does not come standard on all trim levels.

The Lights Come On But the Car Won’t Start

If the battery voltage is good and the lights come on, but the starter only clicks and won’t start, there could be corrosion on a connection preventing enough current to flow to turn the starter motor.

If you can measure the voltage at the terminal under the hood while you are trying to start and it drops significantly, this could mean there is a resistance between the battery and the starter.

A faulty starter or ignition may also cause this problem.

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