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How to: Explorer LED Interior swap + Puddle Lamps DIY

Discussion in 'Modified 2011- 2019 Explorers - Tuning & Mods' started by CDN_Explorer, August 29, 2011.

^^Searches ExplorerForum.com^^
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  1. DadMode

    DadMode New Member

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    Thank you both!! Drive Bright was one I had looked at awhile back and could not find the link for the life of me. I need to send in my rear dome to them as well to complete the 6K conversion! Much appreciated. :) :)

    ** EDIT **

    Received the Drive Bright puddle lamps in on Saturday (super fast shipping!). I am very happy with the overall change, the brightness is incredible. The fitment was not perfect, however it was "close enough." Both of the lamps fit a little snugger than OE (not necessarily a bad thing) so it took a little work to get them flush. Definitely a huge improvement over the ones I have ordered from other sources that just fell right out. I will be doing the dome light swap with them here very shortly.
     
    Last edited: December 26, 2017
    DadMode, December 20, 2017 Top of Page
    #481

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  3. random155

    random155 New Member

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    Year, Model & Trim Level:
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    2018 LED interior lights

    Im interested in putting LED lights in the interior of my XLT. Has anyone does this and have the types of bulbs used? Also would love to put them in the approach lights that shine down under the side view mirrors. Thanks in advance!!!!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: January 16, 2018
    random155, January 16, 2018 Top of Page
    #482
    • Like Like x 1
  4. peterk9

    peterk9 Staff Member Moderator Elite Explorer

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    As previously requested, please complete your registration by adding the 'Required' "Trim Level" (Base, XLT, etc.) to your profile so it appears in the margin. That can be useful info to have at times. Thank you.
    The Forum has a handy 'Search' feature that can be used to find previously discussed topics.
    How to: Explorer LED Interior swap + Puddle Lamps DIY Check out post #479 for the Puddle Lights.
    Good luck.

    Peter
     
    peterk9, January 16, 2018 Top of Page
    #483
  5. random155

    random155 New Member

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    Thanks so much. I'll update and search. Me just being lazy I suppose. Didn't think much info on the models
     
    random155, January 16, 2018 Top of Page
    #484
  6. SouthernExploder

    SouthernExploder Member

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    I put red LEDs in our car with beige interior. It looks great! I read that the third row light is soldered in so I didn't even bother looking/trying. The side light in the trunk area requires a different bulb which I haven't bothered to order. I also replaced the license plate bulbs with ultra-bright red LEDs. Looks awesome!
     
    SouthernExploder, January 16, 2018 Top of Page
    #485
  7. EXSport 17

    EXSport 17 New Member

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    EXSport 17, February 21, 2018 Top of Page
    #486
  8. peterk9

    peterk9 Staff Member Moderator Elite Explorer

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    Welcome to the Forum.:wave:
    I'd be interested in seeing if you receive a reply. This member who was quite active hasn't been here since August. Hope everything is okay.

    Peter
     
    peterk9, February 21, 2018 Top of Page
    #487
  9. EXSport 17

    EXSport 17 New Member

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    Ahh ok, thx Peter. Any ideas which leds work, since license plate lights are angled I believe to the right for some odd reason. Thx again
     
    EXSport 17, February 21, 2018 Top of Page
    #488
  10. peterk9

    peterk9 Staff Member Moderator Elite Explorer

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    No idea really. Leaving mine stock as it's a lease. I believe there are other threads as well that talk about installing LED bulbs.
     
    peterk9, February 21, 2018 Top of Page
    #489
  11. EXSport 17

    EXSport 17 New Member

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    Got it. Thx
     
    EXSport 17, February 21, 2018 Top of Page
    #490
  12. RedDen

    RedDen Active Member

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    I got Philips in mine for two years now, so far so good
     
    RedDen, March 1, 2018 Top of Page
    #491
  13. EXSport 17

    EXSport 17 New Member

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    Thx but I bought some sylvania zevo’s, so far looks good, not as good as vleds I have on my other suv.
     
    EXSport 17, March 1, 2018 Top of Page
    #492
  14. Gilbert M Vega

    Gilbert M Vega Elite Explorer

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    Does anyone know if the puddle lights on a 2018 XSport are incandescent or led? I pulled one out and it is a sealed unit. Light output doesn't look like led but want to make sure before I spend the money. Thanks.
     
    Gilbert M Vega, March 9, 2018 Top of Page
    #493
  15. mrnavy2

    mrnavy2 Member

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    To me on my 18Ex looks like they are incandescent. I plan to also change mine.
    There is a way to open them up. put it in the microwave for about 5 or 10 seconds it will melt the glue and then u can open itbuo and replace the bulb. I just have not done my yet on my 18. I did it on my 13Ex, and it was very easy to do.
     
    mrnavy2, March 9, 2018 Top of Page
    #494
  16. peterk9

    peterk9 Staff Member Moderator Elite Explorer

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    I don't believe the puddle lights are LED. Why not just get the LED ones mentioned in this link? According to the video at the bottom of the link, it is a very easy install. Puddle lights

    Peter
     
    peterk9, March 9, 2018 Top of Page
    #495
  17. mrnavy2

    mrnavy2 Member

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    I know they are easy to install. I have the LED BULB and can replace them myself yes, very easy to install. I did it on my 13Ex I will probably do it this weekend.
    I purchased a package of LED BULBS from a place in China. I got like 20 different size LED BULBS from them for like 5.00. in my 13 I replaced the bulbs to LED in the Maps Lights, License plate lights and my Puddle lights for only 5 dollars. I was happy with the price and the ease to replace those to LED.
    Now i also plan to replace the backup lights to LED if they are not LED yet. I need to check those out.
     
    mrnavy2, March 9, 2018 Top of Page
    #496
  18. peterk9

    peterk9 Staff Member Moderator Elite Explorer

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    Reverse lamps are not LED. W21W , 21 Watt
     
    peterk9, March 9, 2018 Top of Page
    #497
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  19. jhu8

    jhu8 Active Member

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    Looking to swap out the interior lights for LED and I can't find the bulb type for the 2ND row passenger bulb. The sites I've looked at didn't have it listed. Sylvania bulb search didn't have it listed on their site either. I know the third row requires a much more in depth switch but from some videos I've watched, the 2ND row looks easy to swap. Just wanted to verify before I order them. Thanks.
     
    jhu8, April 22, 2018 Top of Page
    #498
  20. Ryant35

    Ryant35 New Member

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    The 2nd row is the same as the 3rd, it's an LED on a circuit board. There is a company that will solder new LEDs for you if you ship them the light.
     
    Ryant35, April 22, 2018 Top of Page
    #499
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  21. jhu8

    jhu8 Active Member

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    Oh really? I watched this and it seemed pretty straight forward. I know this is for a 2015 but everything looked the same externally on my 2017. Did they really switch it all up that much?
     
    jhu8, April 23, 2018 Top of Page
    #500
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