2016 Honda Fit Headlight Bulb Type: What You Need to Know

A 2016 Honda Fit uses an H11 halogen bulb for the low beam and a 9005 (HB3) halogen bulb for the high beam. These are standard across U.S. trims for that model year. The low beam is typically a projector-style housing, while the high beam sits in a separate reflector; the daytime running light function often uses the high-beam circuit at reduced intensity.

Official Bulb Types for the 2016 Honda Fit

Here are the factory-specified headlight bulb types you’ll need to replace the low and high beams on a 2016 Honda Fit. These are the most widely supported sizes in parts catalogs and owner documentation.

• Low beam: H11 (12V, typically 55W) halogen
• High beam: 9005, also labeled HB3 (12V, typically 60W) halogen

Both sides use the same bulb types, and most aftermarket options list these sizes explicitly for the 2015–2017 Fit generation. Always verify on the bulb base or in your owner’s manual before purchasing.

Trims, Options, and Notable Exceptions

Across the 2016 lineup (LX, EX, EX-L), Honda equipped the Fit with halogen headlights from the factory in North America; there was no OEM LED headlamp option for that year. If your vehicle has fog lights (often on higher trims or as an accessory), those typically use H11 bulbs as well, but they are separate from the headlamps.

Replacement Tips and Safety Notes

Replacing headlight bulbs on the Fit is straightforward for most home mechanics. The following steps outline a common approach; consult your owner’s manual for model-specific diagrams and any torque specs for fasteners you remove to gain access.

1. Turn off the engine and lights, and let the housing cool.
2. Open the hood and locate the bulb socket at the back of the headlamp assembly (outboard for high beam, inboard/projector for low beam).
3. Twist the bulb socket counterclockwise to release, then pull straight out.
4. Unplug the old bulb from the connector. Do not pull on the wires.
5. Without touching the glass, plug in the new bulb and seat it in the housing.
6. Twist clockwise to lock, then test the lights before closing the hood.

Avoid touching the glass of halogen bulbs—skin oils can shorten lifespan. Do not substitute higher-wattage or different-base bulbs (e.g., H9 in place of H11) without confirming compatibility; excess heat can damage the housing. If considering LED conversions, check local regulations and beam pattern performance, as many drop-in LEDs are not road-legal or may cause glare.

Why the Sizes Matter

Using the correct H11 and 9005 (HB3) bulbs ensures proper fit, beam focus, and electrical load. The low-beam projector is designed for H11’s filament position; swapping to an incompatible bulb can degrade visibility and increase glare to oncoming traffic. The DRL function typically leverages the 9005 circuit at lower power, so a mismatched high-beam bulb can also affect daytime visibility or trigger warnings.

Summary

The 2016 Honda Fit takes H11 bulbs for the low beams and 9005 (HB3) bulbs for the high beams, with halogen lighting standard across trims. Confirm the sizes in your owner’s manual before purchase, avoid touching bulb glass during installation, and be cautious with aftermarket LED or higher-wattage alternatives to maintain safety and compliance.

Is a H11 bulb high or low beam?

An H11 bulb is primarily a low beam and fog light bulb, not a high beam bulb. H11 bulbs provide a focused beam pattern for visibility without dazzling oncoming drivers. While H11 bulbs are not designed for high-beam sockets, some vehicles may use H11 bulbs for both low and high beams, though high-beam specific bulbs like the 9005 (HB3) or H9 offer higher brightness for high-beam use.
 
Key characteristics of H11 bulbs: 

• Purpose: Low-beam headlights and fog lights.
• Beam Pattern: Creates a wide, balanced beam for improved visibility.
• Brightness: Produces around 1350-1450 lumens (for halogen).
• Wattage (Halogen): Typically 55 watts.

Why H11s are for low beams:

• Their design provides a focused, controlled beam to avoid blinding other drivers. 
• They are often used in conjunction with a different, brighter bulb for high beams. 

High beam alternatives:

• For high beams, bulbs like the 9005 (HB3) or H9 offer higher brightness levels. 
• While H11s are not high beams, some vehicles can be equipped with H11 bulbs for both functions, so always check your vehicle’s manual. 

What kind of headlight does a 2016 Honda Fit have?

H4, 9003, dual beam.

What does a 7443 bulb fit?

A 7443 bulb is compatible with sockets designed for 7443 and 7440 bulbs, though a 7440 bulb will not work in a 7443 socket. However, compatibility isn’t guaranteed and can be affected by factors like the specific vehicle’s socket design (standard or CK) or the presence of a lighting control module, requiring a check of the owner’s manual before purchasing. Common compatible bulb numbers include 7443LL, 7440, 992, T20, W21W, and WY21W, though some are single-filament and will only work in the 7440 function of a dual-filament 7443 socket. 
Key Considerations for 7443 Compatibility

• Dual vs. Single Filament: The 7443 is a dual-filament bulb that serves two functions, such as parking and brake lights or turn and parking lights. A 7440 is a single-filament bulb. 
• Socket Compatibility: While the 7443 and 7440 have the same physical size, their electrical functions differ. A 7443 bulb can work in a 7440 socket, but a 7440 bulb cannot function in a 7443 socket. 
• Socket Type (Standard vs. CK): Some vehicles use CK sockets, which are a different design that can affect compatibility. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the correct socket type before purchasing. 
• CANBUS and Control Modules: Some vehicles have CANBUS (Controller Area Network Bus) systems that monitor bulb function. If your car has a lighting control module that uses the same bulb for multiple functions (like a turn signal and brake light), a standard LED bulb may not work correctly. 
• Cross-Reference Numbers: Look for bulbs with cross-reference numbers such as 7443LL, 7440, 992, T20, W21W, and WY21W, but always verify they are dual-filament if your application requires it. 

How to Ensure Compatibility

1. 1. Check Your Owner’s Manual: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the best source for identifying the correct bulb type and specifications. 
2. 2. Inspect the Socket: Examine your vehicle’s bulb socket to confirm its design. 
3. 3. Understand Your Application: Determine if the socket uses a single- or dual-filament bulb and how many functions it controls. 
4. 4. Consider Adapters: If you’re installing LED bulbs and encounter issues like hyperflashing or error messages, you may need to use aftermarket resistors or adapters. 

What kind of bulb does a Honda Fit headlight take?

Honda Fit (2019-2020) Bulb Size Chart

Headlights (High Beam and Low Beam)	H4 (9003 HB2)
Luggage Compartment Light	T10 (194 168)
Map Light	T10 (194 168)
Parking Light	7443 (7440)
Reverse Light (Back-Up Light)	7443 (7440)