{"id":666,"date":"2021-12-10T21:51:31","date_gmt":"2021-12-10T21:51:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/?p=666"},"modified":"2021-12-10T21:51:32","modified_gmt":"2021-12-10T21:51:32","slug":"9003-headlight-bulb-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/headlights\/9003-headlight-bulb-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"9003 Headlight Bulb Guide – How is it different than H4?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The 9003 bulb is a double-filament headlight bulb. It\u2019s suitable for use as a high and low beam instead of having two separate bulbs. Some vehicles also use 9003 bulbs as fog lights. You will also find these bulbs on many motorcycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

You can access your car\u2019s headlight bulbs by opening the engine compartment and removing the headlight assembly from the inside<\/a>. You\u2019ll find the fog light underneath the headlight assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll have to remove the old bulb and connect the new one. It\u2019s important to insert the new bulb properly so that the tabs connect to the correct wires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sockets compatible with 9003 bulbs use three wires. There is a black ground wire, a red wire to power the high beam filament, and a yellow wire for the low beam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a standard socket, the low beam tab will go in the top, the high beam tab on the left, and the ground tap on the right. However, you can come across sockets with different configurations. Check out this diagram to identify the type of socket you have<\/a> and to wire your new bulb properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can easily recognize 9003 bulbs because they have a double-filament and three tabs or prongs that come out of a straight base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>How to Choose the Right Headlight Bulb for Your Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You will need to determine if your car requires single or dual filament bulbs. Single filament bulbs include H7, H11, 9005, and 9006 models. If your vehicle has a dual-beam system, you will probably need a 9003, H4, H13, 9004, or 9007 bulb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The replacement bulb also has to correspond to the socket in your vehicle. Some bulbs have an L-shaped base, while others go straight into the socket. Pay attention to the angle and location of the socket to determine which bulbs will fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to find a replacement bulb is to check your owner\u2019s manual or to look up what kind of bulb your vehicle needs online. You should easily find a model number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, keep in mind that some bulbs are interchangeable. For instance, H4, 9003, and HB2 bulbs are almost identical. A vehicle that takes 9004 bulbs will also be compatible with 9007 models. You can also usually switch 9006 bulbs for HB4 bulbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s best to purchase the bulb model that your vehicle\u2019s manufacturer recommends to ensure the best fit possible, but a compatible bulb can do if it\u2019s the only thing you can find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/td>9003<\/strong><\/td>H4<\/strong><\/td>H11<\/strong><\/td>9006<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Fitting<\/strong><\/td>Three tabs<\/td>Three tabs<\/td>L-shaped base<\/td>L-shaped base<\/td><\/tr>
Filament<\/strong><\/td>Dual<\/td>Dual<\/td>Single<\/td>Single<\/td><\/tr>
Use<\/strong><\/td>Dual beam<\/td>Dual beam<\/td>Low beam<\/td>High beam<\/td><\/tr>
What cars do they fit?<\/strong><\/td>Any car with DOT HB2 assembly<\/td>Most European vehicles<\/td>Wide range of modern cars and SUVs with a single-beam system<\/td>Several Acura, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, GMC, and Honda models<\/td><\/tr>
Price range<\/strong><\/td>$5 to $25<\/td>$15 to $20<\/td>$10 to $50 (for a two-pack)<\/td>$20 to $40 (usually sold as two-packs)<\/td><\/tr>
Model examples<\/strong><\/td>Sylvania 9003 XtraVision Sylvania 9003 Ultra Sylvania 9003 ZXE Gold Halogen Philips 9003 CrystalVision Ultra<\/td>Hella H4 Headlight Bulb Auxito H4 LED Headlight Bulb<\/td>Sylvania H11 XtraVision Sylvania H11 SilverStar Ultra High Performance Bulb Philips H11 Standard Headlight  <\/td>Philips 9006 Vision Upgrade Headlight Bulb Sylvania Low Beam Halogen Headlamp Sylvania 9006 SilverStar Ultra Halogen Headlight Philips 9006 Standard Headlight  <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>How to Install a 9003 Headlight Bulb<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Installing a 9003 headlight bulb is easy. You should watch this video<\/a> to see the step-by-step process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few tips to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n