LED conversion question
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
LED conversion question
Hi all, new to the forum, hope this isnt a stupid question
Just bought a basically new 17 f250 Lariat. I am coming from a 16 F150 Lariat. My f150 had Led headlights but came with halogen fogs ( looked horrible ). I found and ordered some LED replacements for the fogs that matched the headlights. Plug and play, no problems looked great.
so this truck, the 17 f250 is halogen all the way around. I’m seeing all sorts of conversion and mods , wiring splicing, etc to convert the halogens to LEDs. Why is this so different than what I did with my f150s fog lights? Why all the need for kits and splicing wires?
The 3k price I’m seeing for OEM LEDs is absurd to me. I really miss the look of those LEDs, what’s the cheapest best way to do this?
Just bought a basically new 17 f250 Lariat. I am coming from a 16 F150 Lariat. My f150 had Led headlights but came with halogen fogs ( looked horrible ). I found and ordered some LED replacements for the fogs that matched the headlights. Plug and play, no problems looked great.
so this truck, the 17 f250 is halogen all the way around. I’m seeing all sorts of conversion and mods , wiring splicing, etc to convert the halogens to LEDs. Why is this so different than what I did with my f150s fog lights? Why all the need for kits and splicing wires?
The 3k price I’m seeing for OEM LEDs is absurd to me. I really miss the look of those LEDs, what’s the cheapest best way to do this?
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
There is no cheap way, there are alternatives like Morimoto. There is a good thread on here to convert to full LEd headlights and tails but the price is high versus just ordering on the truck. Personally, I like my LEds so much I would recommend the Ford parts over anything else. Your also going to need Forscan to adjust the settings in the BCM to recognize the different lights.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,118
Likes: 650
From: NH
The LED fog lights on the Super Duty are also plug and play. The headlights and taillights use different electrical connector plugs for halogen vs LED, which is why the splicing occurs. Converting an F150 would be the same.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
And the reason you need Forscan is because the LEDs use less power and have far lower resistance so the control circuits require different BCM settings. Any after market systems using LEDs must use circuitry fixes to address these issues such as resisters. This is why there are radio noise issues and other control circuit issues. Cheaper aftermarket not the way to go. There are some threads where aftermarket H13 LED bulbs can be used but you need 4 of them in the headlights and because the projector isn’t designed for it light apscatter and poor cutoffs will babe issues. Some of the better lights can be clocked and spaligned but still, the reflectors are not ideal or certified for on road use.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,938
Likes: 1,355
From: NY/Canada border
There is a lower cost way that many of us on the forum have done. Many of us have gone to Beamtech LED replacement headlight bulbs. Good results and all 4 bulbs for around $80.
I've had mine in since around Christmas 2017. No issues. I've been flashed by others at most 3 times in all these months. If there's a problem with that issue the lights can be adjusted downward a bit. I've also used Alla and Beamtech in the fogs so that I didn't have LED headlights and yellowish halogen fogs. So far, so good.
I've also used various other brands in other spots and converted every light on the truck to LED. FORScan adjustments did have to be made when the turn signals were installed. From the exterior they flashed at a normal rate but the cluster indicator showed a hyperflash.
I've had mine in since around Christmas 2017. No issues. I've been flashed by others at most 3 times in all these months. If there's a problem with that issue the lights can be adjusted downward a bit. I've also used Alla and Beamtech in the fogs so that I didn't have LED headlights and yellowish halogen fogs. So far, so good.
I've also used various other brands in other spots and converted every light on the truck to LED. FORScan adjustments did have to be made when the turn signals were installed. From the exterior they flashed at a normal rate but the cluster indicator showed a hyperflash.
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2018
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There is a lower cost way that many of us on the forum have done. Many of us have gone to Beamtech LED replacement headlight bulbs. Good results and all 4 bulbs for around $80.
I've had mine in since around Christmas 2017. No issues. I've been flashed by others at most 3 times in all these months. If there's a problem with that issue the lights can be adjusted downward a bit. I've also used Alla and Beamtech in the fogs so that I didn't have LED headlights and yellowish halogen fogs. So far, so good.
I've also used various other brands in other spots and converted every light on the truck to LED. FORScan adjustments did have to be made when the turn signals were installed. From the exterior they flashed at a normal rate but the cluster indicator showed a hyperflash.
https://www.amazon.com/BEAMTECH-Head...amtech+h13+led
I've had mine in since around Christmas 2017. No issues. I've been flashed by others at most 3 times in all these months. If there's a problem with that issue the lights can be adjusted downward a bit. I've also used Alla and Beamtech in the fogs so that I didn't have LED headlights and yellowish halogen fogs. So far, so good.
I've also used various other brands in other spots and converted every light on the truck to LED. FORScan adjustments did have to be made when the turn signals were installed. From the exterior they flashed at a normal rate but the cluster indicator showed a hyperflash.
https://www.amazon.com/BEAMTECH-Head...amtech+h13+led
so no wire splicing or modifications when you installed them?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,938
Likes: 1,355
From: NY/Canada border
Remove old bulbs, plug in new. They aren't the easiest to get at. Some have removed the grille, some of us did not. On my 2017 gasser I removed the filler neck to the washer tank on the driver side to access. Passenger side I managed to get my hand in enough to access.
Be sure to face the LED chips in the bulb to the 3 and 9 o'clock positions for correct orientation.
Be sure to face the LED chips in the bulb to the 3 and 9 o'clock positions for correct orientation.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
Remove old bulbs, plug in new. They aren't the easiest to get at. Some have removed the grille, some of us did not. On my 2017 gasser I removed the filler neck to the washer tank on the driver side to access. Passenger side I managed to get my hand in enough to access.
Be sure to face the LED chips in the bulb to the 3 and 9 o'clock positions for correct orientation.
Be sure to face the LED chips in the bulb to the 3 and 9 o'clock positions for correct orientation.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,650
Likes: 243
From: GA
Hi all, new to the forum, hope this isnt a stupid question
Just bought a basically new 17 f250 Lariat. I am coming from a 16 F150 Lariat. My f150 had Led headlights but came with halogen fogs ( looked horrible ). I found and ordered some LED replacements for the fogs that matched the headlights. Plug and play, no problems looked great.
so this truck, the 17 f250 is halogen all the way around. I’m seeing all sorts of conversion and mods , wiring splicing, etc to convert the halogens to LEDs. Why is this so different than what I did with my f150s fog lights? Why all the need for kits and splicing wires?
The 3k price I’m seeing for OEM LEDs is absurd to me. I really miss the look of those LEDs, what’s the cheapest best way to do this?
Just bought a basically new 17 f250 Lariat. I am coming from a 16 F150 Lariat. My f150 had Led headlights but came with halogen fogs ( looked horrible ). I found and ordered some LED replacements for the fogs that matched the headlights. Plug and play, no problems looked great.
so this truck, the 17 f250 is halogen all the way around. I’m seeing all sorts of conversion and mods , wiring splicing, etc to convert the halogens to LEDs. Why is this so different than what I did with my f150s fog lights? Why all the need for kits and splicing wires?
The 3k price I’m seeing for OEM LEDs is absurd to me. I really miss the look of those LEDs, what’s the cheapest best way to do this?
Good luck to you.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 5
From: Dallas
There is a lower cost way that many of us on the forum have done. Many of us have gone to Beamtech LED replacement headlight bulbs. Good results and all 4 bulbs for around $80.
I've had mine in since around Christmas 2017. No issues. I've been flashed by others at most 3 times in all these months. If there's a problem with that issue the lights can be adjusted downward a bit. I've also used Alla and Beamtech in the fogs so that I didn't have LED headlights and yellowish halogen fogs. So far, so good.
I've also used various other brands in other spots and converted every light on the truck to LED. FORScan adjustments did have to be made when the turn signals were installed. From the exterior they flashed at a normal rate but the cluster indicator showed a hyperflash.
https://www.amazon.com/BEAMTECH-Headlight-8000Lumens-Extremely-Conversion/dp/B06XHCQ8KY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539256623&sr=8-3&keywords=beamtech+h13+led
I've had mine in since around Christmas 2017. No issues. I've been flashed by others at most 3 times in all these months. If there's a problem with that issue the lights can be adjusted downward a bit. I've also used Alla and Beamtech in the fogs so that I didn't have LED headlights and yellowish halogen fogs. So far, so good.
I've also used various other brands in other spots and converted every light on the truck to LED. FORScan adjustments did have to be made when the turn signals were installed. From the exterior they flashed at a normal rate but the cluster indicator showed a hyperflash.
https://www.amazon.com/BEAMTECH-Headlight-8000Lumens-Extremely-Conversion/dp/B06XHCQ8KY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539256623&sr=8-3&keywords=beamtech+h13+led
Oh and i almost bought the expensive bulbs from one of the vendors and i'm glad i didn't spend $300 on bulbs when these work great.
Last edited by brainofjjj; Oct 11, 2018 at 08:10 AM. Reason: words
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,938
Likes: 1,355
From: NY/Canada border
It`s hard to beat the OEM LED headlights but I can see how the cost would scare you away but as you have read, there are other options. Also as troverman said, THE OEM SD LED fog lights are a direct replacement for the halogen fog lights so that would be my first choice and the Morimoto XB`s would be my second choice.
Good luck to you.
Good luck to you.
But for this go round, they weren't on the truck as it sat on the lot so I thought I'd try the Beamtech when I saw them on Amazon. For the money I'm happy with them. It also allowed me to spend money on other things for the truck.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,118
Likes: 650
From: NH
And the reason you need Forscan is because the LEDs use less power and have far lower resistance so the control circuits require different BCM settings. Any after market systems using LEDs must use circuitry fixes to address these issues such as resisters. This is why there are radio noise issues and other control circuit issues. Cheaper aftermarket not the way to go. There are some threads where aftermarket H13 LED bulbs can be used but you need 4 of them in the headlights and because the projector isn’t designed for it light apscatter and poor cutoffs will babe issues. Some of the better lights can be clocked and spaligned but still, the reflectors are not ideal or certified for on road use.
The bottom line is you cannot beat the OEM lights for appearance or performance or quality. But unfortunately, they cost a lot of money.
