The most common setup for a 2014 GMC Acadia’s headlights is halogen bulbs: low beams use H11 and high beams use 9005. If your Acadia is equipped with HID (xenon) headlights, the bulbs are different and typically require specific xenon bulbs with ballasts, not standard halogen bulbs.
To understand exactly which bulbs your particular vehicle needs, you should first determine whether your headlights are halogen or HID. The following information covers both possibilities and how to verify which one you have, so you can buy the correct replacements.
Halogen headlight bulbs
For most 2014 Acadias with standard halogen headlights, the bulb types are as follows:
- Low beam: H11
- High beam: 9005 (also labeled HB5)
These are the typical bulb sizes for halogen-equipped headlamps on the 2014 Acadia. If your vehicle has fog lights, those often use different bulbs, such as H11 as well, but this note focuses on the main headlights.
High-intensity discharge (HID) or xenon headlights
Some 2014 Acadia models are equipped with HID xenon headlights. In that case, the bulbs are not H11 or 9005; they are xenon bulbs that come with a ballast. The exact bulb type can be D1S, D2S, or D3S depending on the trim and production date. Because HID systems rely on a ballast, you’ll typically replace the entire bulb assembly and ballast as needed, rather than swapping a simple halogen bulb.
If you’re unsure whether your Acadia uses HID bulbs, check for a ballast unit in the headlight housing area, consult the owner’s manual, or contact a GM dealer with your VIN to confirm the exact bulb specification for your build.
How to verify which bulbs your Acadia uses
Use these quick checks to confirm the correct bulb type before purchasing replacements:
- Inspect the bulb already in the headlight: remove the connector and look at the bulb base markings (if safe to do so). Halogen bulbs will show H11 or 9005; HID bulbs will be xenon types like D1S/D2S/D3S and often sit with a ballast module nearby.
- Check the owner’s manual or the label on the headlight housing for the recommended bulb specification.
- Look up your vehicle by VIN on the GM parts site or contact a dealership to confirm the exact bulb type for your trim and production date.
Verifying the correct bulb type helps avoid purchasing the wrong replacement and ensures proper fit and function.
Summary
Most 2014 GMC Acadias with halogen headlights use H11 for low beams and 9005 for high beams. If your Acadia has HID headlights, the bulbs are xenon types (D1S, D2S, or D3S) and require the appropriate ballast. Always verify your specific vehicle configuration via the owner’s manual, a seen ballast label, or a dealership to ensure you buy the correct bulbs.