2016 Explorer Total LED Swap

[Capt343]

Alright, so here is another annoying thread about LED swaps, but this time it's for the 2016 Explorer. I'm hoping this can serve as a "How-To" thread later on, but I'm going to start off with some questions.

First off - Bulb type:

For the most part, I've noticed that the bulbs haven't really changed since 2011, however I've noticed some differences. Rather than ask "Which replacement bulbs to I need?", I'll post what I've been looking at, and if someone can let me know if my train of thought is correct, I would appreciate it! Also, if you have links to any bulbs that you prefer over the ones I've listed, I'll be more than happy to check them out. I'd like to stay away from eBay and Chinese made stuff as much as possible. Links will take you to superbrightleds.com and their respective bulb type.

EXTERIOR:

Front Turn Signals*: 3157 LED Bulb

Rear Turn Signals*: 7440 LED Bulb

Puddle Lights**: DE3175 LED Bulb - 30mm Festoon

Reverse Lights: 7440 LED Bulb

License Plate Lights: 194 LED Bulb

* I would like to look into a relay for the turn signals instead of a resistor kit. I know I saw a post about where the relay should go, but I can't find it. Any information as to what relay I need and where it would go would be greatly appreciated!

** I am aware that the Puddle Lights are a more extensive mod, and that there is a website that will just swap them out, but I prefer to keep the factory housing.

INTERIOR:

Vanity*: 74 LED Bulb or 74 LED Bulbhttps://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...md-led-miniature-wedge-retrofit-car/228/1067/
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...md-led-miniature-wedge-retrofit-car/228/1067/
Driver/Passenger Map Light: 194 LED Bulb
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...tower-miniature-wedge-retrofit-car/1728/4112/
Glove Box Light: 194 LED Bulb

2nd Row Overhead Light** (Two Button): ??

3rd Row/Cargo Overhead Light** (One Button): ??

Driver's Side Cargo Area Light: 578 LED Bulb - 44mm Festoon

* I've provided two different bulbs of the same connection type for two reasons: One, I want to know if these are the correct type of bulbs. I have been told that the vanity lights are a T5 bulb, but have noticed that T5 and 74 seem to be interchangeable. Correct or incorrect? Two, which of these two bulbs, if they are the correct bulbs, would be better to install?

** Again, I know that these are extensive mods that require you to take apart the light itself. I know I can send them in to get swapped. Any additional information/tips/threads would be appreciated!


Next - CAN Bus:

Simple question: Does the 2016 Explorer have a CAN Bus system? I don't think it does, but cannot find evidence/confirmation to support either answer.


Lastly - Lack of information:

I've noticed that there is a lack of information on not only the '16 Explorer, but a lot of '16 vehicles. Sylvania doesn't even have a drop down menu for 2016 on their light bulb database website. This is mainly why I am posting a separate thread instead of posting in an existing one aimed towards prior model years. I'm hoping this can turn into something useful for other '16 Explorer owners, and even for the general Explorer/Ranger/Ford public. I totally understand the frustration in redundant threads in forums such as these, but It's hard to find answers when you have to dig through 10+ pages of posts to find relevant information that may only be semi-useful.

With that being said, please let me know if you have any information regarding this, and I will be happy to explore all viable options and report back.

Thanks!!

On an unrelated side note - the 2016 Explorer apparently doesn't come with a cover for the cabin fuse box, or a fuse puller. Yet, the manual mentions the fuse puller... Odd. Anyone have any ideas about that?

 

[shb5007]

Any updates on this? Thanks.

 

[1995E]

On an unrelated side note - the 2016 Explorer apparently doesn't come with a cover for the cabin fuse box, or a fuse puller. Yet, the manual mentions the fuse puller... Odd. Anyone have any ideas about that?

There is a fuse box cover and the fuse puller is in the fuse box cover.

 

[peterk9]

There is a fuse box cover and the fuse puller is in the fuse box cover.

Might not be the same on a 2016. A few things changed in the model year. A member was looking for a way to remove the cover on the front courtesy/map lights because it was a different design. Not sure if he ever received a reply.

Peter

 

[thefranchise713]

The 16 doesn't have a fuse box cover or puller for the fuse box located at the BCM near the driver's wheel. The one under the hood, of course, is covered.

There is no fuse puller in either case.

 

[J_C]

How to install marginal quality bulbs that aren't as bright as stock in most cases but cost too much for what they are? I don't see the point.

For example the 7440 reverse and turn signal bulbs, a standard incan version is around 465 lumens. Example:
http://www.autozone.com/electrical-...vania-back-up-light-mini-bulb/319047_0_18269/

The LED 7440 bulb you linked is only 290 lumens. This is true of *most* LED bulbs in areas besides headlights because the LED bulb can't run nearly as hot without damage due to passive cooling and limited area for heatsinking. The problem is made even worse when bulbs use low efficiency generic LEDs (for the purposes of comparison I'm calling Epistar generic as they're still much lower in efficiency than say Cree) and resistor current limiting.


Same for 3157 turn signals, LED version is 240 lumens, incan version is 402 lumens.
http://www.autozone.com/electrical-...gnal-light-mini-bulb/89681_459947_18269_4024/

LED DE3175 Map light 62 lumens vs incan 120 lumens:
http://www.autozone.com/electrical-...sylvania-hood-light-under-mini-bulb/4861_0_0/
This type of bulb is worth further mention. They designed it better than some, with only 4 LEDs on it, but other festoon style LED bulbs with more LEDs have been reported to get so hot that they literally melt their solder and fail.


LED 578 cargo bulb, 40 lm vs 113lm for incan version:
http://www.autozone.com/electrical-...bulb/sylvania-map-light-mini-bulb/964978_0_0/

Note that all these are even "Long life" incan bulbs, while you can get brighter incan bulbs that only last 1/2 as long if not shorter.

The LED 194 map and glove box bulbs are an exception, they are about 4X brighter at 106 lumens vs 25 lumens for the incandescent version.
http://www.autozone.com/electrical-...ve-compartment-light-mini-bulb/514208_0_1556/

Lastly,

I'd like to stay away from eBay and Chinese made stuff

As far as I know, all the site you linked to is doing is buying bulk from a chinese manufacturer, importing generic Chinese stuff to their US warehouse. The upside of that is you get it a lot faster. The downside is the Chinese gov. subsidizes shipping from Chinese sellers while superbright,leds.com still has to pay full USPS rates, and by cutting out the middleman you can get the same products for less than 1/2 the cost off an eBay seller.

For example their 3157 bulb is $15 ea https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...on-27-smd-led-tower-wedge-retrofit/2620/5706/
Same exact bulb from another US importer is only $6.90 for a 2 pack http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-3157-315...DRL-Daytime-Running-Light-Bulbs-/222080269133 -OR- $2.25 for a 2 pack shipped direct from China http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-T25-3157...up-Turn-Signal-Light-Bulb-White-/272258427587

Main thing about dealing with sellers on eBay is only use those with very good feedback.

 

[Capt343]

Holy Cow. Only got one update about this thread. I had no idea there were like four more responses. Let's a-go!

Might not be the same on a 2016. A few things changed in the model year. A member was looking for a way to remove the cover on the front courtesy/map lights because it was a different design. Not sure if he ever received a reply.

Peter

The 16 doesn't have a fuse box cover or puller for the fuse box located at the BCM near the driver's wheel. The one under the hood, of course, is covered.

There is no fuse puller in either case.

This is correct, I've called around to several dealers, have been to a few and asked, and all have said that the 2016 Explorer does NOT come with a cover for the cabin fuse box, nor does it come with a fuse puller.

How to install marginal quality bulbs that aren't as bright as stock in most cases but cost too much for what they are? I don't see the point.

For example the 7440 reverse and turn signal bulbs, a standard incan version is around 465 lumens. Example:
http://www.autozone.com/electrical-...vania-back-up-light-mini-bulb/319047_0_18269/

The LED 7440 bulb you linked is only 290 lumens. This is true of *most* LED bulbs in areas besides headlights because the LED bulb can't run nearly as hot without damage due to passive cooling and limited area for heatsinking. The problem is made even worse when bulbs use low efficiency generic LEDs (for the purposes of comparison I'm calling Epistar generic as they're still much lower in efficiency than say Cree) and resistor current limiting.


Same for 3157 turn signals, LED version is 240 lumens, incan version is 402 lumens.
http://www.autozone.com/electrical-...gnal-light-mini-bulb/89681_459947_18269_4024/

LED DE3175 Map light 62 lumens vs incan 120 lumens:
http://www.autozone.com/electrical-...sylvania-hood-light-under-mini-bulb/4861_0_0/
This type of bulb is worth further mention. They designed it better than some, with only 4 LEDs on it, but other festoon style LED bulbs with more LEDs have been reported to get so hot that they literally melt their solder and fail.


LED 578 cargo bulb, 40 lm vs 113lm for incan version:
http://www.autozone.com/electrical-...bulb/sylvania-map-light-mini-bulb/964978_0_0/

Note that all these are even "Long life" incan bulbs, while you can get brighter incan bulbs that only last 1/2 as long if not shorter.

The LED 194 map and glove box bulbs are an exception, they are about 4X brighter at 106 lumens vs 25 lumens for the incandescent version.
http://www.autozone.com/electrical-...ve-compartment-light-mini-bulb/514208_0_1556/

Lastly,
As far as I know, all the site you linked to is doing is buying bulk from a chinese manufacturer, importing generic Chinese stuff to their US warehouse. The upside of that is you get it a lot faster. The downside is the Chinese gov. subsidizes shipping from Chinese sellers while superbright,leds.com still has to pay full USPS rates, and by cutting out the middleman you can get the same products for less than 1/2 the cost off an eBay seller.

For example their 3157 bulb is $15 ea https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...on-27-smd-led-tower-wedge-retrofit/2620/5706/
Same exact bulb from another US importer is only $6.90 for a 2 pack http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-3157-315...DRL-Daytime-Running-Light-Bulbs-/222080269133 -OR- $2.25 for a 2 pack shipped direct from China http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-T25-3157...up-Turn-Signal-Light-Bulb-White-/272258427587

Main thing about dealing with sellers on eBay is only use those with very good feedback.

Thank you for this response. I was linking more so to get the correct bulb number than anything. I am in no way going to rush this because I have had issues with some LED bulbs in the past with quality. I will admit that I did not look into how these LEDs compared to the OEM/Incan bulbs in terms of brightness.

I kinda put this project on hold because I may be outfitting my vehicle with red lights and sirens to run as a POV for my fire department. If I do, I may just swap all the bulbs with Feniex Canons and run them as dual function emergency/turn signals, reverse lights, etc. The neat thing is they have dual color and dual function, so I can get R/A for the turns, and R/W for the reverse and fog lamps and use them as they are inteded, as well as make them flash a warning pattern in Red.

 

[davidmma]

Has anyone found the led bulb for the middle and 3rd row.

 

[J_C]

^ Never checked mine, pull the bulbs and post specs stamped on them, measure them and provide pictures... they can't be too hard to find.

If I were to guess based on past vehicles, they're probably festoon type bulbs of some particular length, like "maybe" 42mm, but whatever their length is, you need to look at the available space side to side around the bulb because a replacement with a larger circuit board should cool better, all else being equal (which things seldom are but anyway...) but too large and it may not fit without altering the housing.

On the other hand, you'd be better off rolling your own and ditching the incan bulb contacts, mounting on an aluminum plate in the housing for enough heat dissipation to make it at least as bright as the incan it replaces, and running them from a LED driver that'll give you the target current over the 12.6V to 14.4V range the vehicle will have with engine off vs engine (alternator) on. LED replacements that are the same bulb form factor tend to either be dimmer or overheat to near or even actual self destruction.

 

[95stang50]

Where is everyone getting the LED bulbs for reverse and license plate lights? Also what are the part #s for 2017 explorer limited

 

[peterk9]

Where is everyone getting the LED bulbs for reverse and license plate lights? Also what are the part #s for 2017 explorer limited

Welcome to the Forum.
Using the 'Search' feature (upper right) I found this thread and merged yours with it.
Please complete your registration by adding the trim level (Limited) to your profile so it appears in the margin. Thanks.

Peter

 

[cwescapexlt4x4]

Where is everyone getting the LED bulbs for reverse and license plate lights? Also what are the part #s for 2017 explorer limited

Amazon (for me) - your owners manual will tell you the OEM bulb # and you can use that in your search for the LED replacements

 

[peterk9]

Amazon (for me) - your owners manual will tell you the OEM bulb # and you can use that in your search for the LED replacements

Thanks for mentioning the Manual. Meant to put that in my post.

Peter

 

[brianp6621]

So still nothing on the 2nd row and cargo area? I got the 3rd row cargo light out of the headliner but couldn't figure out how to disconnect or open there housing.

 

[JETZ]

I'm all for LED's getting rid of that 'candle glow' especially in the interior (map light) as an example., and why Ford is so behind the times in still using them.

But what I don't get is replacing the lights for the licence plate.
What does that do? YOU can't see your plates (when you're driving)? You don't want to get stopped by the cops for having factory OEM bulbs? Little humor of course, but what is the point of installing LED licence plate lights? ...and since they are so bright, they are annoying, like when you're stuck at long light, and the car in front has malfunctioning tail lights, with the backup lights on, or a broken lens. I don't get it! Lol

frank

Where is everyone getting the LED bulbs for reverse and license plate lights? Also what are the part #s for 2017 explorer limited

 

[mwittman77]

I'm all for LED's getting rid of that 'candle glow' especially in the interior (map light) as an example., and why Ford is so behind the times in still using them.

But what I don't get is replacing the lights for the licence plate.
What does that do? YOU can't see your plates (when you're driving)? You don't want to get stopped by the cops for having factory OEM bulbs? Little humor of course, but what is the point of installing LED licence plate lights? ...and since they are so bright, they are annoying, like when you're stuck at long light, and the car in front has malfunctioning tail lights, with the backup lights on, or a broken lens. I don't get it! Lol

frank

Because there is an aesthetic look to having a cool led glow versus the warm incandescent bulb. It matches the rest of the exterior lighting that way too. Kills me as mentioned before that Ford is mixing leds and incandescents even in the same spaces. This is one of the projects on my list for my '17 Sport as well.

 

[peterk9]

I'm all for LED's getting rid of that 'candle glow' especially in the interior (map light) as an example., and why Ford is so behind the times in still using them.

Hey Frank. The only reason I can see for leaving the map lights with incandescent bulbs is that it actually takes your eyes several minutes to adjust to the dark so the brighter the light the longer the adjustment period. Just a guess. Having all the interior lights as LED I would think would make driving at night a little harder on the driver if someone wanted to do some reading etc. in the 2nd or 3rd rows. I'll stick with the present setup until Ford comes around and enables individual lights to be turned off again.

Peter

 

[DeLeSaAZ]

^ Agree. Pics not of a Gen 5, but for $12.43 a pair including shipping a very worthwhile upgrade. JMO.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sylvania-ZEVO-Two-1-Packs-194LED-LED-Bulb-Courtesy-Side-Marker-Glove-Box-px-/122087256606?

Same applies to interior courtesy/map lights. This pic shows only ONE 194 bulb lit in each housing.

That's a great before/after example.

 

[Titleist1]

I'm not sure if the '16 glove box bulb is tucked in the upper corner like on the '17. My fat fingers couldn't fit in there to grab the bulb to pull it for an LED replacement. So I took a ball mark fixing fork used on golf greens and widened the fork slightly to go just between the bulb & base and easily popped it out.

 

[peterk9]

I'm not sure if the '16 glove box bulb is tucked in the upper corner like on the '17. My fat fingers couldn't fit in there to grab the bulb to pull it for an LED replacement. So I took a ball mark fixing fork used on golf greens and widened the fork slightly to go just between the bulb & base and easily popped it out.

Welcome to the Forum.
Ingenuity is always welcome here.

Peter