How to: Explorer LED Interior swap + Puddle Lamps DIY

[WOLFexplorer]

So I replaced all leds in vehicle. Came out good. I did the puddle lights, all interior leds using the resistors and 3rd row cargo led.

For the 3rd row cargo light, I scraped off the yellow spot(takes 10 seconds) on led and then it did not work anymore. I then soldered on the new led to the sides(tabs) that stick out and it worked and i was able to place the reflector shield on normally. So if you want, you dont have to scrape off all the white like it said in previous posts.

This forum really help me ALOT for this led mod, thanks everybody who figured all this stuff out

 

[mhikeboy]

Your second and third rows are the same as my third row. Your only solution that people have found is to scrape off the led in those modules and solder in another brighter LED. I have done this already on mine. Check the threads starting around page 7 or 8 for detailed information.

Hi Txaggie,

The only issue is that our 2nd row dome has 2 leds unlike the 3rd row dome. wanted to know if we need to replace the 2 leds and if so, will it get enough power? thanks

 

[filzam]

As far as I can tell no one has been able replace the 2nd row dome leds (for those who dont have a sunroof) using the 194-type leds directly without issues; even with resistors it doesnt behave like the original setup where you can control the lights separately. Only way you can do it it seems is by getting a replacement smd like the original w/ resistor and soldering directly to the board.

 

[txaggie]

Hi Txaggie,

The only issue is that our 2nd row dome has 2 leds unlike the 3rd row dome. wanted to know if we need to replace the 2 leds and if so, will it get enough power? thanks

Wow, didn't know there was a difference. I do not have an answer, I'll sit down now. Yikes.

 

[mhikeboy]

As far as I can tell no one has been able replace the 2nd row dome leds (for those who dont have a sunroof) using the 194-type leds directly without issues; even with resistors it doesnt behave like the original setup where you can control the lights separately. Only way you can do it it seems is by getting a replacement smd like the original w/ resistor and soldering directly to the board.

Hi filzan, I also noticed that the smds are somewhat covered with a yellow film. I was thinking that maybe the led itself is white and just covered with a yellow film? and if so, maybe if I can carefully peel off the yellow film without damaging it, it might work? dunno really, I already burned my 2nd and 3rd row domes trying to get a solution and replacements were not cheap. If i will try and do it again, I want to be sure first... hehe.

 

[filzam]

I dont think that will make a difference. The lite emitted is yellow. To get a white color you need a different led. Superbrightleds sells single leds you can solder to the board.

 

[Mll]

3rd row

Hi, any luck replacing the 3rd row bulb to LED's?

Mike just to be clear when you say 3rd row overhead interior light you're speaking about the one in the middle of the headliner just above the 3rd row seats correct?

Im trying to find a brighter bulb too because the lighting sucks back there and in the dark you can't read the switch pack that controls the PowerFold 3rd row seats.

That switch pack should be backlit, it's a very poor design. Apparently thats fixed for 13MY but Im not holding my breath.

A brighter 3rd row headliner lamp would be of great benefit.

 

[CobraJohn]

When I replaced the visor lights, I found it easier to remove the stock bulbs by first removing the two screws and taking the mirror off the visor and then removing the white bulb holder from the back of the mirror, then I grabbed the bulb with slip joint pliers and the bulb comes right out.

 

[CobraJohn]

Just replaced my puddle lights with LED's. The mod of cutting the perimeter with a Dremel disk was so easy......took just a minute to cut it, separate the two pieces, exchange bulb and seal with silicone.

Great LED upgrade.....super easy with a Dremel.

One thing I had to do was reverse the two wire leads to make the LED's work.

 

[Str8fire]

It makes sense that replacing the regular bulbs with LED's should require some kind of load change since the LED's are diodes who's resistance changes with the voltage therefore I was going to try Canbus LED's with load-resistors, however I found a link where a guy had added resistors to his LED's and fixed his issue. I tried it and now my 3rd row dome light works normally! He had the same AGT LED's that I was using so it worked out wonderfully.

Here's the link: http://www.cobaltss.net/forums/how-guide-43/194-ebay-led-load-resistors-237103/

I may try and replace the yellowish LED in the OEM 3rd row light with a bright white one just as Chieftomahawk did, then everything will match. Nice job by the way.

You think the Canbus LEDs would do the job?? I was thinking of getting some.. The ones from Car ID are awesome quality..

 

[Str8fire]

Just replaced my puddle lights with LED's. The mod of cutting the perimeter with a Dremel disk was so easy......took just a minute to cut it, separate the two pieces, exchange bulb and seal with silicone.

Great LED upgrade.....super easy with a Dremel.

One thing I had to do was reverse the two wire leads to make the LED's work.

Which bulbs did you use??

 

[CobraJohn]

My apologies.....I don't know. I ordered them 6 or 8 months ago and just got around to putting them in, but don't recall the product number. As best as I can recall the bulb was a long tube (Festoon?) All the LEDs were on one side.

 

[CobraJohn]

Tonight I tackled my 3rd row ceiling light. I followed the previous post and it worked okay after I reversed the polarity. I also Dremeled open the reflector to make the reinstall easier.

Has anyone came up with a 2nd row (non-moon roof) solution?

Will ordering an additional 3rd row housing and circuit work on the 2nd row?

 

[mhikeboy]

Tonight I tackled my 3rd row ceiling light. I followed the previous post and it worked okay after I reversed the polarity. I also Dremeled open the reflector to make the reinstall easier.

Has anyone came up with a 2nd row (non-moon roof) solution?

Will ordering an additional 3rd row housing and circuit work on the 2nd row?

I also thought of buying another 3rd row dome to use for the second row, but when i tried fitting the 3rd row to the 2nd, the connector is on the opposite side. I would suggest that you first try to fit your existing 3rd row to your 2nd row and see if you could do something with the connectors. Hope this helps
NOTE: till now, im stuck with no solutions for my 2nd row domes, hope someone would come up with a solution soon

 

[CobraJohn]

I pulled my completed 3rd row LED housing and it plugged right into the 2nd row plug, just faces the other direction.

With the increased brightness of my 5 LED BULB
it is great for lighting up the middle area of the vehicle.

Yes, you lose independent map lighting, however having a good LED there is better than the incandescent directional bulbs.

I got my additional 3rd row fixture for my 2nd row for $58 from my Ford dealer.

Well worth it

 

[mhikeboy]

Hi Cobrajohn, Did you put resistors on both of them? does all the domes behave as they should be? (ie on when doors are opened, closed when doors are locked, can be toggled thru the dash switch etc) could you post pics of it?
Would you be willing to try and see if you could make your 2nd row work with changing just 1 LED, now that you have it only as spare?

 

[eazy88]

I got all my LED's ordered up and hopefully I can share some pics/info with you guys next week. But i have to ask, are most of you getting the 3rd row light issue? or are there lots that have zero issues at all?

 

[CobraJohn]

Hi Cobrajohn, Did you put resistors on both of them? does all the domes behave as they should be? (ie on when doors are opened, closed when doors are locked, can be toggled thru the dash switch etc) could you post pics of it?
Would you be willing to try and see if you could make your 2nd row work with changing just 1 LED, now that you have it only as spare?

1. I do not have any resistors installed.

2. All domes behave as they should. When I key on, all interior lighting turns off in a few seconds. When I leave the car, all interior lights turn off after about 30 seconds. When I turn on interior lighting via the switch to the left of the steering wheel, all lights come on and then all switch off.

3. Trying to sell my original 2 light 2nd row light to offset my new second 2nd row single LED light.

 

[285ferrari]

I got all my LED's ordered up and hopefully I can share some pics/info with you guys next week. But i have to ask, are most of you getting the 3rd row light issue? or are there lots that have zero issues at all?

Do you have a list of all the bulbs or a kit that a vendor sells?

 

[285ferrari]

Anyone willing to do the 3rd row light for me? I would rather not have to buy a solder gun, etc for this one time. I will pay you for your time, I can send the 3rd row housing to you and pay return shipping also.