miksu
Member
- Joined
- June 14, 2015
- Messages
- 22
- Reaction score
- 4
- Location
- Finland
- City, State
- Espoo, Finland
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2016 Explorer XLT AWD
Since it's been tried and done, I decided to write this short how-to. Installed Sealight LEDs into my Explorer 2004 XLT. Because I'm based in Finland, where car inspector can be picky, it was important to have DOT compliant LED-units, requirement that Sealights fill nicely. I also replaced beams same time, as they had some moisture inside.
Sealight units use are X1 and X3. These do have fans, driver electronic boxes and connectors that fit directly to car driving light harness.
You need Dremel or something like to enlarge holes on car body behind the beams. This likely applies to many other led-units as well, since they tend to be longer than halogen bulbs. It's definitely good idea to paint new cut outs to prevent rust. Spray paint should do the trick.
Time needed about one hour.
1. Detach cables from original bulbs
2. Remove beams by lifting release tabs, two per beam. They might be stuck, use pliers etc. as needed
3. Air filter box removal is likely to be needed, as it helps cutting the passenger side. Simply remove cover, the filter element and IIRC few bolts. No special tools or skills needed.
3. Make cut outs as needed, use Dremel or other suitable tool. Remember to clean debris, use file for edges as needed
4. Paint cut outs
5. Install air filter box
6. Install your new fancy bright lights into beams
7. Attach cables, place cables and electronic boxes so that they don't block base fan
8. Install beams back to your car.
Very good update and easy to do. There's nothing that really can go wrong, just be careful when enlarging cut outs on car body.
New LED lights beat old halogens easily. Haven't had proper winter an darkness yet, but my rough estimate is low beam range is easily doubled.
Sealight units use are X1 and X3. These do have fans, driver electronic boxes and connectors that fit directly to car driving light harness.
You need Dremel or something like to enlarge holes on car body behind the beams. This likely applies to many other led-units as well, since they tend to be longer than halogen bulbs. It's definitely good idea to paint new cut outs to prevent rust. Spray paint should do the trick.
Time needed about one hour.
1. Detach cables from original bulbs
2. Remove beams by lifting release tabs, two per beam. They might be stuck, use pliers etc. as needed
3. Air filter box removal is likely to be needed, as it helps cutting the passenger side. Simply remove cover, the filter element and IIRC few bolts. No special tools or skills needed.
3. Make cut outs as needed, use Dremel or other suitable tool. Remember to clean debris, use file for edges as needed
4. Paint cut outs
5. Install air filter box
6. Install your new fancy bright lights into beams
7. Attach cables, place cables and electronic boxes so that they don't block base fan
8. Install beams back to your car.
Very good update and easy to do. There's nothing that really can go wrong, just be careful when enlarging cut outs on car body.
New LED lights beat old halogens easily. Haven't had proper winter an darkness yet, but my rough estimate is low beam range is easily doubled.
