2020 LED Upgrades - Links Added

[cpainter3]

Wow... when you said expensive... you were not kidding!!!! $350 for the turns are reverse... ouch.

No kidding! At those prices, someone should personally drive them to your house and install them for you

 

[mikegrad77]

Can someone post a link on how to remove the 2020 rear light housings? I removed the two bolts and pulled out the trim plastic, but I couldn’t seem to get the light out after that. I dont want to break anything!

 

[blwnsmoke]

Can someone post a link on how to remove the 2020 rear light housings? I removed the two bolts and pulled out the trim plastic, but I couldn’t seem to get the light out after that. I dont want to break anything!

There are no bolts to remove. You pop the little plastic hole cover off on each side from the top of it. Use an 11mm socket to remove the piece holding the tail light in, remove the rubber gasket between the headlight and the trunk, then pull the headlight outward from the side of the vehicle.

It is all in the manual with pictures.

 

[cpainter3]

Can someone post a link on how to remove the 2020 rear light housings? I removed the two bolts and pulled out the trim plastic, but I couldn’t seem to get the light out after that. I dont want to break anything!

In addition to the manual, did you see my notes in the post above? The key is the locator pin that resists popping out (but it will). Good luck!

Links to the LED Bulbs I Used
. . .
The owners manual instructions (page 330) are pretty clear about removing the taillight housing. I'll just add: (1) you need an 11mm socket to remove the holddown bolt (behind the access cover on the interior trim panel - use a small flat-blade screwdriver to pop it off from the top), (2) a T-27 Torx screwdriver or socket driver is needed to remove the trim/securing plate on the tailgate jamb, and (3) there is a locator pin on the forward end of the housing that has to pop out of the socket on the body side, but it will come out with a little wiggling using fingers only. Don't pry or use any tools for that step. There is also a locating tab and slot on the bottom of the housing (above the bumper) and a rubber gasket on the tailgate jamb side that will need to be pressed back in place, but none of this is difficult. I decided to leave the taillight/stop lamp socket engaged in the housing (you could remove it, but I decided to keep it simple), so I carefully balanced the housing with my leg and one arm, and swapped out with the other arm and both hands. If anybody needs any additional input, I'm happy to help to the extent I know.

 

[mikegrad77]

Thanks, i somehow completely missed that one! Ill give it a try again tomorrow.

 

[Jbcain]

Can someone make a video or comment to wether or not there's a discernable difference in actually pressing the brake pedal to activate the brake lights vs them just on as a running lamp? That's usually the biggest issue with make the tail/brake lamp an LED

 

[RyExplorin]

@Jbcain, what are trying to get/have answered by the discernable difference?

Can someone make a video or comment to wether or not there's a discernable difference in actually pressing the brake pedal to activate the brake lights vs them just on as a running lamp? That's usually the biggest issue with make the tail/brake lamp an LED

 

[peterk9]

I'm guessing it is the difference in brightness.

Peter

 

[dstewart51]

I can tell you just looking in the rear view while backing up at night, the brake lights are way brighter than the running lights.

 

[RayoVac]

Can someone make a video or comment to wether or not there's a discernable difference in actually pressing the brake pedal to activate the brake lights vs them just on as a running lamp? That's usually the biggest issue with make the tail/brake lamp an LED

Also note, we are not replacing the brake lights. They are already a illuminous stirip of LED. So they work running/brake just the way Ford designed. We only needed to replace the turn signal, reverse and plate bulbs to go full LED.

 

[Jbcain]

Also note, we are not replacing the brake lights. They are already a illuminous stirip of LED. So they work running/brake just the way Ford designed. We only needed to replace the turn signal, reverse and plate bulbs to go full LED.

That answers that, thank you !

 

[cpainter3]

Also note, we are not replacing the brake lights. They are already a illuminous stirip of LED. So they work running/brake just the way Ford designed. We only needed to replace the turn signal, reverse and plate bulbs to go full LED.

Yep, and just to emphasize, these three (turn, backup, license) are the only lights on the 2020 (all trims) that are not LED as built.

 

[ROD MARSH]

Links to the LED Bulbs I Used

Here are Amazon links to the bulbs I used for my upgrades. All were a straight swap with no issues and completed in about half an hour. I agree with blwnsmoke that quality is important. I look at the Amazon reviews and try to infer a consensus conclusion. Some negative reviews are based on the customer saying the bulbs won't fit in the housing of their vehicle; that's not applicable for usage in this vehicle. NOTE: if you use the Amazon product finder for the 2020 Explore, it will tell you that none of these are the correct bulb. That is wrong. It's possible they haven't updated their finder for the 2020, plus I have found it's not always 100% accurate as to other cars I've owned. These will fit.

License Plate Lamps
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NCGFNB0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These are a straight swap for T10, 168, 194, and W5W (W5W is the spec for the Explorer). If you look at the illustration in the link, you will see that they are flat and project on only side, which is ideal for lighting license plates and trunk/cargo interiors. They are pure (6000K) white.Full disclosure: these bulbs are bright. See the photo included in the link. They light up the whole lower portion of the liftgate. I think this is great as it really defines the view of the vehicle from behind, especially out on the interstates at night. The lamp housings are tucked up out of the way (use a small flat-blade screwdriver to carefully push back the locking tab under the valance panel and pop out the housing), and should not cause problems for following drivers (other than they can't claim they didn't see you). As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I've used these same bulbs on my Fusion for several years now with no issues.

Turn Indicator Lamps
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J5TJV5P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Turn signal bulbs can get very complicated very quickly if you've ever had any experience with this. In short, these bulbs are a direct fit. The owners manual lists "3757NAK, PY27/7W." These are a type 3157 equivalent bulb and will fit without modification. I'm not gonna get bogged down here in technical differences but in short, a 3157 bulb will fit in a 3757 socket (though not vice versa).

Since this is a turn signal application, swapping an LED bulb for incandescent requires a resistor to avoid the dreaded "hyperflash" condition. The good news is that these bulbs include a resistor prewired into the assembly. If you have any experience with converting turn signals to LEDs, you know what an advantage this is. The bulb is integrated into its own "universal" rubber socket that snaps into the Explorer housing like it was custom designed. The other end of the wiring has a 3157 plug end that fits into the Explorer turn signal socket. You could seal that connection with electrical tape; I left it alone as it plugged in snugly and everything seems well protected from the elements on the backside. There is enough room on the backside of the housing to tuck in the resistor and pigtail wiring. I used some electrical tape to hold it in place for reassembly.

Since the purpose of a turn signal is to communicate your intention to other drivers, I think the extra brightness really drives that point home, especially during the day.

Reversing Lamps
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077NYN5QJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The manual lists W21W (similar to other Fords, and previous Explorer models apparently). 7440, 7441, 7443 and 7444 bulbs are equivalents for the W21W and these fit nicely. They are a projector style and pure (6000K) white. They really add to the view as seen in the rearview camera. I have used a similar style (but not this brand) in my Fusion for several years and they work great. And again, another benefit of the extra brightness is communicating to pedestrians and other vehicles that you are in reverse gear, again especially during the day.

The owners manual instructions (page 330) are pretty clear about removing the taillight housing. I'll just add: (1) you need an 11mm socket to remove the holddown bolt (behind the access cover on the interior trim panel - use a small flat-blade screwdriver to pop it off from the top), (2) a T-27 Torx screwdriver or socket driver is needed to remove the trim/securing plate on the tailgate jamb, and (3) there is a locator pin on the forward end of the housing that has to pop out of the socket on the body side, but it will come out with a little wiggling using fingers only. Don't pry or use any tools for that step. There is also a locating tab and slot on the bottom of the housing (above the bumper) and a rubber gasket on the tailgate jamb side that will need to be pressed back in place, but none of this is difficult. I decided to leave the taillight/stop lamp socket engaged in the housing (you could remove it, but I decided to keep it simple), so I carefully balanced the housing with my leg and one arm, and swapped out with the other arm and both hands. If anybody needs any additional input, I'm happy to help to the extent I know.

Ok I have the bulbs for Reverse and I have the bulb for the Tag, So you're using the same bulb for the signal and the Brake bulb?

 

[Exit32]

Ok I have the bulbs for Reverse and I have the bulb for the Tag, So you're using the same bulb for the signal and the Brake bulb?

Brake lights on 2020 Explorers are LEDs from the factory. No need to upgrade brake lights to LED because they're already LEDs.

The only factory-supplied incandescent lights on the 2020 Explorer are the rear turn signals, the backup lights, and the license-plate lighting.

 

[cpainter3]

Brake lights on 2020 Explorers are LEDs from the factory. No need to upgrade brake lights to LED because they're already LEDs.

The only factory-supplied incandescent lights on the 2020 Explorer are the rear turn signals, the backup lights, and the license-plate lighting.

Agreed. The turn signal has an amber bulb since it’s a turn indicator only. The kit I linked has a wired-in resistor to prevent hyper-flashing.

Also, *UPDATE*
3 months and 4,000 miles after the changeout and everything working perfectly.

 

[ROD MARSH]

Agreed. The turn signal has an amber bulb since it’s a turn indicator only. The kit I linked has a wired-in resistor to prevent hyper-flashing.

Also, *UPDATE*
3 months and 4,000 miles after the changeout and everything working perfectly.

Thanks Guys, I understand now I appreciate you!!

 

[ROD MARSH]

EDIT: See Post #10 below for links to the bulbs I used and additional comments

According to the owners manual, the 2020 Explorer has all-LED lighting in the front, sides and interior. In fact, there are only 3 incandescents listed: license plate, rear turn signals and backup lamps.

I did LED upgrades on my two previous vehicles and I'm a big fan of LEDs. The challenge can be finding quality bulbs of. Also, Superbrightleds.com and Bulbamerica.com don't list any 2020 models in their bulb finder dropdown filters. So I turned to Amazon with owners manual in hand. I found likely candidates for all 3 locations. I was all but certain about the license plate lamps as the housings and bulbs are identical to my 2014 Fusion.

Here are the results (in all pics below, the LEDs are on the left[driver's side], stock incandescents on the right):
License plate lamps:
View attachment 172051
Turn signals:
View attachment 172053
Backup lamps:
View attachment 172054
The improvement in light from all three is much more dramatic when seen with the naked eye, I'm very pleased.

Thanks Again I installed them in my Truck yesterday and Man they make a world of difference, And those signal lights are blinding if you just look at them, I'm happy

 

[LurchII]

Changed my license and reverse bulbs last night. Very straight forward, and simple. Just remember their position sensitive, you may need to rotate them 180 degrees. Check them before you button things up.

I purchased my LED’s from my local “Auto Zone” each would have been $20.00ish for two bulbs out the door, for a total of $40.00 plus tax. Mine cost $0.59, had reward card, and double cash back.

Both bulbs are Sylvania, License plate number is (168), look for a package labeled “super bright LED”. Backup is (7440) white package.

Remember to check that they work before closing up your work.

Jeff

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum Jeff.

Peter

 

[Ronxlt]

Links to the LED Bulbs I Used

Here are Amazon links to the bulbs I used for my upgrades. All were a straight swap with no issues and completed in about half an hour. I agree with blwnsmoke that quality is important. I look at the Amazon reviews and try to infer a consensus conclusion. Some negative reviews are based on the customer saying the bulbs won't fit in the housing of their vehicle; that's not applicable for usage in this vehicle. NOTE: if you use the Amazon product finder for the 2020 Explore, it will tell you that none of these are the correct bulb. That is wrong. It's possible they haven't updated their finder for the 2020, plus I have found it's not always 100% accurate as to other cars I've owned. These will fit.

License Plate Lamps
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NCGFNB0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These are a straight swap for T10, 168, 194, and W5W (W5W is the spec for the Explorer). If you look at the illustration in the link, you will see that they are flat and project on only side, which is ideal for lighting license plates and trunk/cargo interiors. They are pure (6000K) white.Full disclosure: these bulbs are bright. See the photo included in the link. They light up the whole lower portion of the liftgate. I think this is great as it really defines the view of the vehicle from behind, especially out on the interstates at night. The lamp housings are tucked up out of the way (use a small flat-blade screwdriver to carefully push back the locking tab under the valance panel and pop out the housing), and should not cause problems for following drivers (other than they can't claim they didn't see you). As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I've used these same bulbs on my Fusion for several years now with no issues.

Turn Indicator Lamps
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J5TJV5P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Turn signal bulbs can get very complicated very quickly if you've ever had any experience with this. In short, these bulbs are a direct fit. The owners manual lists "3757NAK, PY27/7W." These are a type 3157 equivalent bulb and will fit without modification. I'm not gonna get bogged down here in technical differences but in short, a 3157 bulb will fit in a 3757 socket (though not vice versa).

Since this is a turn signal application, swapping an LED bulb for incandescent requires a resistor to avoid the dreaded "hyperflash" condition. The good news is that these bulbs include a resistor prewired into the assembly. If you have any experience with converting turn signals to LEDs, you know what an advantage this is. The bulb is integrated into its own "universal" rubber socket that snaps into the Explorer housing like it was custom designed. The other end of the wiring has a 3157 plug end that fits into the Explorer turn signal socket. You could seal that connection with electrical tape; I left it alone as it plugged in snugly and everything seems well protected from the elements on the backside. There is enough room on the backside of the housing to tuck in the resistor and pigtail wiring. I used some electrical tape to hold it in place for reassembly.

Since the purpose of a turn signal is to communicate your intention to other drivers, I think the extra brightness really drives that point home, especially during the day.

Reversing Lamps
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077NYN5QJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The manual lists W21W (similar to other Fords, and previous Explorer models apparently). 7440, 7441, 7443 and 7444 bulbs are equivalents for the W21W and these fit nicely. They are a projector style and pure (6000K) white. They really add to the view as seen in the rearview camera. I have used a similar style (but not this brand) in my Fusion for several years and they work great. And again, another benefit of the extra brightness is communicating to pedestrians and other vehicles that you are in reverse gear, again especially during the day.

The owners manual instructions (page 330) are pretty clear about removing the taillight housing. I'll just add: (1) you need an 11mm socket to remove the holddown bolt (behind the access cover on the interior trim panel - use a small flat-blade screwdriver to pop it off from the top), (2) a T-27 Torx screwdriver or socket driver is needed to remove the trim/securing plate on the tailgate jamb, and (3) there is a locator pin on the forward end of the housing that has to pop out of the socket on the body side, but it will come out with a little wiggling using fingers only. Don't pry or use any tools for that step. There is also a locating tab and slot on the bottom of the housing (above the bumper) and a rubber gasket on the tailgate jamb side that will need to be pressed back in place, but none of this is difficult. I decided to leave the taillight/stop lamp socket engaged in the housing (you could remove it, but I decided to keep it simple), so I carefully balanced the housing with my leg and one arm, and swapped out with the other arm and both hands. If anybody needs any additional input, I'm happy to help to the extent I know.

Thank you for the links to the bulbs. I just switched all of mine out using the bulbs you used. Everything looks great.