Which headlights does my Ram 1500 have? Quad halogen, projector or LED
A 2013 to 2018 Ram 1500 (and a 2019 to 2024 Classic) has one of two halogen lamps: the quad-reflector lamp on lower trims or the halogen projector lamp on higher trims, each in a chrome or black bezel. Stellantis described the 2013 lamp as a "bi-functional halogen projector design with 15 amber LEDs" for the park and turn function. A 2019 and later DT has one of the "three headlamp variations" Stellantis listed at launch: "Halogen, full LED and full LED with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)". Switch on the low beams and look: a projector shows a sharp horizontal cut-off, a reflector a soft one, and an LED lights instantly and white.
What did Stellantis fit, by generation?
For 2013 the press kit lists "improved quad projection headlamps and LED front turn signals and taillamps", specified as a "bi-functional halogen projector design with 15 amber LEDs for park/turn/position lamp". For 2019 the DT launch release says "three headlamp variations are available: Halogen, full LED and full LED with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)".
Sources: Stellantis Media, 2013 Ram 1500 press kit, 23 August 2012; 2019 Ram 1500 launch release, 15 January 2018. Checked 9 September 2026.Headlight types by year and trim
| Trucks | Type | Bezel | Trims (typical) | Tell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 to 2012 DS | Halogen reflector | Chrome or black | All | Rounder housing; does not fit 2013 on |
| 2013 to 2024 DS / Classic | Quad halogen reflector | Chrome | Tradesman, Express, SLT, Big Horn | Four visible reflector bowls, soft beam edge |
| 2013 to 2024 DS / Classic | Bi-functional halogen projector | Chrome | Laramie, Longhorn, Limited | Round projector lens, sharp cut-off |
| 2013 to 2024 DS / Classic | Bi-functional halogen projector | Black | Sport, R/T, Rebel, Express blackout, Warlock | Projector lens in a black housing |
| 2019 to 2024 DT | Halogen | Chrome or black | Tradesman, Big Horn | Slim DT housing, halogen colour, no LED running light bar |
| 2019 to 2024 DT | Full LED | Chrome or black | Laramie, Rebel, Sport, Longhorn, Limited | White instant-on beam, hooked LED daytime running light |
| 2019 to 2024 DT | Full LED with AFS | Chrome or black | Limited, optioned Laramie and Longhorn | Beam swivels with steering at night |
| 2025 to 2026 DT | Halogen or LED, revised housing | Varies | All | New front-end shape; not the 2019 to 2024 lamp |
The trim assignments are what we see on the trucks we dismantle and on Canadian-market build combinations; options moved between trims across years, so treat them as typical, not absolute, and confirm with a photo of your lamp.
How do I tell a projector from a reflector on my own truck?
Two ways. Look into the lamp: a projector has a round glass lens like a magnifying glass in the low-beam position; a reflector has a bare bulb sitting in a chromed bowl. Or shine the low beams on a garage door: a projector throws a sharp horizontal line across the top of the beam; a reflector fades out. If the beam is bright white and came on instantly with no warm-up, it is LED.
Can I upgrade my lamps?
- DS reflector to DS projector: the common upgrade. The projector lamp fits the same opening; check the bulb type and connector, which we do for you.
- DS chrome to black bezel: same lamp family, different look. Sold in pairs when we have them.
- DT halogen to DT full LED: physically fits, but the LED lamp has a different connector and the truck has to be configured for it. We tell you what the job needs.
- DS to LED: the factory never made one. Aftermarket LED assemblies exist; we do not sell them.
Why is the bezel colour on the tag?
Because a black-bezel lamp on a chrome-bezel truck looks like a mismatch from across the street, and because Sport and Rebel buyers ask for the black ones specifically. Every lamp we tag names the type, the bezel and the side.
Sources
- Stellantis Media, 2013 Ram 1500 press kit, 23 August 2012. media.stellantisnorthamerica.com. Checked 9 September 2026.
- Stellantis Media, All-new 2019 Ram 1500, 15 January 2018. media.stellantisnorthamerica.com. Checked 9 September 2026.