How to Replace Light Bulbs on a 2026 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide (FLHT)

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide FLHT · 2026 · Light Bulbs

Light Bulb Replacement Guide: 2026 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide FLHT

This guide covers every exterior light bulb position on the 2026 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide (FLHT), including the headlight (low/high beam), front and rear turn signals, tail/brake light, running lights, and license plate light. The Electra Glide is the foundational full-dress touring model and shares its lighting platform with the broader 2026 Touring lineup.

Quick Reference Bulb Table

Difficulty & Time Estimate

• Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate (1 out of 5)
• Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes depending on positions replaced
• Best Done: In a well-lit area with the bike on a stand or level surface

Complete Tool List

OEM Part Numbers & Aftermarket Alternatives

Step-by-Step Instructions

Headlight (H13) — Low and High Beam

The 2026 Electra Glide uses a 7-inch H13 (9008) halogen dual-filament headlight housed in the classic batwing fairing.

Step 1: Turn the ignition OFF and allow the headlight to cool for at least 10 minutes.

Step 2: Using a T-25 Torx driver, remove the three screws that secure the headlight trim ring to the batwing fairing. Carefully remove and set aside.

Step 3: Pull the trim ring off the fairing and set it on a clean, soft surface.

Step 4: Disconnect the electrical connector from the base of the H13 bulb by pressing the release tab and pulling straight off.

Step 5: Release the three-point wire retainer clip holding the bulb in place. Press the retainer inward and slide it away from the bulb tabs.

Step 6: Pull the old H13 bulb straight out of the reflector housing. Do not grip the glass — handle by the metal base only.

Step 7: Open the new H13 bulb and handle by the base using nitrile gloves. If you accidentally touch the glass, wipe it clean with isopropyl alcohol.

Step 8: Insert the new bulb into the reflector housing. Align the three tabs (note the wider positioning tab for correct orientation). Push firmly until fully seated.

Step 9: Reinstall the wire retainer clip. It should snap securely over the bulb mounting tabs.

Step 10: Reconnect the electrical connector, pushing firmly until it clicks into place.

Step 11: Before reinstalling the trim ring, test the headlight with the ignition ON. Cycle between low and high beam to confirm both filaments function.

Step 12: Position the trim ring and reinstall the three T-25 screws. Tighten evenly — snug but not forced.

Step 13: Verify headlight beam alignment (see Tips section below).

Front Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: Turn the handlebars to the left or right to access each front turn signal mounted on the lower fork leg.

Step 2: Pull the rubber access grommet at the rear of each turn signal housing back to expose the bulb socket.

Step 3: Turn the socket counterclockwise approximately a quarter-turn and pull it straight out of the housing.

Step 4: Remove the old 1157NA amber bulb by pressing it gently into the socket and turning counterclockwise to unlock the bayonet base.

Step 5: Install the new 1157NA amber bulb. Push into the socket and turn clockwise until it locks securely.

Step 6: Test by activating the turn signal with the ignition on and observing the amber flash.

Step 7: Reinsert the socket into the housing and turn clockwise to lock.

Step 8: Reseat the rubber grommet completely to seal against moisture.

Rear Turn Signals (1157NA) — Amber

Step 1: Access the rear turn signals from behind the rear fender rails.

Step 2: Pull back the rubber access grommet on each turn signal housing.

Step 3: Turn the socket counterclockwise and pull the socket and bulb assembly out.

Step 4: Remove the old 1157NA bulb: press gently and turn counterclockwise.

Step 5: Install the new 1157NA amber bulb: push in and turn clockwise to lock.

Step 6: Test before reassembly.

Step 7: Reinsert the socket and turn clockwise.

Step 8: Fully reseat the rubber access grommet.

Tail / Brake Light (1157) — Dual Contact

Step 1: Locate the tail light housing on the rear fender extension.

Step 2: Remove the T-25 Torx screws (typically two) that secure the housing to the fender bracket.

Step 3: Gently pull the housing backward to expose the bulb sockets inside.

Step 4: Identify the 1157 tail/brake socket (center position).

Step 5: Turn the socket counterclockwise and remove it.

Step 6: Remove the old 1157 bulb: push in and turn counterclockwise.

Step 7: Install the new 1157 dual-contact bulb: push in and turn clockwise.

Step 8: Reinsert the socket into the housing and turn clockwise.

Step 9: Test all three functions: dim tail (ignition ON), bright brake (brake applied), and turn signal flash.

Step 10: Reinstall the housing and tighten the T-25 screws.

Front Running Lights (1157)

The Electra Glide uses the front turn signal 1157 bulbs for running light as well, operating on the dim filament when the ignition is on and the bright filament during turn signal activation. No separate running light bulbs on standard configurations.

License Plate Light (194 / W5W / T10)

Step 1: Locate the license plate light adjacent to the rear fender license plate bracket.

Step 2: Reach behind the fender to find the wedge-based socket.

Step 3: Pull the socket straight out from the housing (no twist).

Step 4: Pull the old 194 bulb straight out.

Step 5: Push the new 194 bulb into the socket, ensuring contact alignment.

Step 6: Reinsert the socket into the housing.

Step 7: Verify illumination with the ignition on.

Auxiliary Lamps (H11) — If Equipped

Step 1: Locate the auxiliary lamp housing(s) on the lower engine guard or nacelle mounting points.

Step 2: Remove the rear rubber dust cover by twisting counterclockwise.

Step 3: Disconnect the electrical connector.

Step 4: Press the wire retainer clip inward and slide it clear of the H11 bulb tabs.

Step 5: Pull the old H11 bulb out of the housing.

Step 6: Insert the new H11 bulb, align the two tabs, and secure with the retainer clip.

Step 7: Reconnect the wiring and replace the dust cover. Test with ignition ON.

Tips, Warnings & Common Mistakes

Headlight Alignment After Replacement

1. Park the Electra Glide upright on level ground, 25 feet from a flat wall.
2. Measure the distance from ground to center of the headlight.
3. Draw a horizontal reference line on the wall at the measured height and a second line 2 inches below.
4. With low beam active, the top of the bright zone should be at or below the lower line.
5. Adjust using the screws on the headlight housing sides/rear. Loosen, aim, tighten.

The Electra Glide's batwing fairing provides excellent access to headlight adjustment screws — one advantage over shark-nose models.

LED vs. Halogen — Pros and Cons

LED Turn Signal Note: The 2026 Electra Glide monitors turn signal circuit load. LED bulbs draw less current and can cause rapid flashing (hyper-flash). Use load equalizers or upgrade the flasher relay (H-D part 68888-05).

Legal Notes

• All lighting must comply with DOT/FMVSS 108 standards.
• Turn signals must emit amber light in all states.
• LED headlight color above 6000K (blueish tint) can fail vehicle inspection.
• The 2026 Touring platform uses CAN bus — verify CAN-bus compatibility for LED products.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Verification Notes for 2026 Model Year

The 2026 Electra Glide received the updated Touring frame. Verify the following against your owner's manual:

To verify all specifications, check your 2026 Electra Glide owner's manual included with the motorcycle, or access it through the Harley-Davidson mobile app.

This guide was prepared using Harley-Davidson OEM service manual specifications and established industry bulb cross-references for the FLHT touring platform. Always verify against your specific owner's manual before performing maintenance.

Parts for this job

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Stock Style Tail Lamp Replacement Lens Clear$7.02Tail Lamp Lens Plastic Clear Top$10.6412 Volt Bulb$12.02Spring Fork Spotlamp Bulb 12 Volt$12.02Tail Lamp Stock Type Red Plastic Lens$12.80Spring Fork Spotlamp Bulb 6 Volt$12.80Tail Lamp Lens Plastic Red$12.80*UPDATE Tail Lamp Lens Stock Clear$12.94*UPDATE Tail Lamp Plastic Clear Lens$12.94Tail Lamp Lens Red with Blue Dot$17.126 Volt Bulb$19.31Tail Lamp Blue Dot Red Plastic Lens$21.44