GMC Sierra Headlight Bulb Size

Additional Notes

• The 9005 bulb is the most frequently specified high beam bulb across the GMC Sierra lineup, covering the 1999-2014 model years in various trim configurations, as well as the 3500 HD in 2017-2020. It follows the ANSI standard used in the US and Canada, operates at 12V and 65W, and uses a P20d base.
• The H11 bulb holds a similarly dominant position in the low beam specifications, appearing across the 2007-2024 model years in various configurations. It is an ECE-standard single-filament halogen bulb rated at 12V and 55W, with a PGJ19-2 base, and carries approval for use in the US despite its European origins.
• The D5S is a low-voltage compact HID xenon bulb rated at 12V and 25W with a PK32d-7 base. In the GMC Sierra (1500), it is specified for HID headlamp configurations in the 2016-2018 model years. In the 3500 HD, it appears in both LED and HID headlamp configurations for the 2017-2020 model years.
• The H9 bulb, an ECE-standard single-filament halogen type with a PGJ19-5 base rated at 12V and 65W, is specified exclusively for the high beam position in the 2022-2024 halogen headlamp configurations. Its PGJ19-5 base is physically distinct from the bases used by other halogen bulbs in these specifications, making it non-interchangeable with them.
• The 9012 bulb is an ANSI-standard enhanced halogen type with a PX22d base, rated at 12V and 55W. It is specified for both the high beam and low beam positions in the 2015 Sierra and in the 2014 Sierra 1500. Although its wattage matches the H11 and 9006, its PX22d base differs from those bulbs, and it is not a direct substitute for either.
• The 9006 bulb, an ANSI-standard single-filament halogen type with a P22d base rated at 12V and 55W, is specified for the low beam position in the 1999-2006 Sierra. Starting with the 2007 model year, the low beam specification shifts to the H11, which shares the same wattage but uses a different PGJ19-2 base, making the two bulbs physically incompatible despite their similar electrical ratings.
• In the 2014 Sierra, the high beam and low beam specifications differ by trim level. The 1500 uses the 9012 for both positions, while the 3500 HD uses the 9005 for the high beam and the H11 for the low beam. These bulbs have distinct base types and are not interchangeable across those positions or trims.
• For the 2017-2020 Sierra 3500 HD, the headlamp system type determines the bulb specification. Halogen configurations use the 9005 for the high beam and the H11 for the low beam, while LED or HID configurations use the D5S for both positions. The D5S is a discharge bulb requiring a compatible ballast, and it is not a drop-in replacement for the halogen bulbs specified in the same model years.
• The D5S operates at 25W, which is significantly lower than the 65W rating of the 9005 and the 55W ratings of the H11 and 9006. This difference reflects the higher luminous efficiency of HID discharge technology relative to conventional halogen filament bulbs, rather than a reduction in light output.
• The 9005 and 9006 share a similar physical appearance but use different bases, P20d and P22d respectively, and are rated at different wattages, 65W and 55W. They are not interchangeable, and their simultaneous presence in the Sierra specifications across different positions and years reflects distinct optical and electrical requirements for high beam versus low beam applications.