2015-2017 Ford Expedition LED Headlight Upgrade

Upgrading the projector beam bulbs for the 2015-2017 Ford Expedition to LED.

[@silentstormstudios]

I've been trying to cure the dim projector low beams of my 2017 Limited. I switched to LED bulbs, but it was only marginally better. Come to find out the likely issue is that the reflective coating in the project goes dull over time, thereby vastly reducing the output. The reflective coating inside the projector is very thin (only a few microns) and degrades over time from the heat of the halogen bulbs. No matter what LED bulbs I install, I'm going have that issue unless I replace the actual projector units themselves. I decided to replace the headlight housings with the downgraded reflector-style headlights that were also offered on the Expedition. They are a bit less expensive than buying new projector headlight housings, and hopefully won't suffer the same degradation over time.

[@ogiegloa]

Thanks for the helpful video. I just purchased a 2017 Expedition Limited and taking delivery next week. I’ll be switching out the headlights and I appreciate the video which will help me! Nice job with yours! Would love to convert them all over like yours…

[@theaveragejoesgarage5418]

Glad you found it useful. Thanks for the comment.

[@cheesecurd8557]

Thank you! Great video and information on install and part/vendor. Bought a 2015 Limited and from day one have loved everything about it but the headlights. The stock halogens have very low output in any condition, especially rain. They do not match when compared to the LED fog lights and my OCD could not take it another day!

[@theaveragejoesgarage5418]

Your Welcome!

[@barretthinesly1317]

Can you list the actual brand and bulbs you used, don’t want to order wrong ones, but definitely want to upgrade my limited to leds

[@theaveragejoesgarage5418]

They were from Diode Dynamics. I believe they are H11/9005. They are the SL1 model line.

[@joshuachurchwell7323]

Looks good man. Just about to do my lowbeams to try and match the fog lights better. Just wanted to find a video with some tips before starting. I don't know why they didn't do the headlights LED from the factory. Thanks for the help.

[@theaveragejoesgarage5418]

Yeah, no clue why they wouldn't just make them LED from the factory. My only guess is they knew the model was changing and didn't want to invest in an older design. Seems strange since they converted to the LED fogs from factory. What can I say, FORD.

[@dan6269]

Can you give me a make and model for DTRL please.

[@MS-mq4hf]

Hello! Thanks for the video. I have a 2016 Limited. What we don't like is the big horizonal light cut off line of the beam. Is that normal? My other cars horizontal cut off isn't so dramatic. Did your LED upgrade soften that horizonal "edge" between light and darkness? Any thoughts or insights would be much appreciated.

[@theaveragejoesgarage5418]

The light cuttoff is normal. It's actually supposed to be that way specifically to avoid blinding other drivers. You can adjust the projectors and dial it in on the light housing. As it is a product of the projector/housing design, the bulbs had no effect on it in my case.

[@t-minhcurry3691]

Thank you!!

[@theaveragejoesgarage5418]

You're welcome!

[@case-1846]

Thinking of putting these in my 17' expedition. How were they for output on the road? I was thinking of doing high beams as well.

[@theaveragejoesgarage5418]

Honestly, they are great. Haven't had a problem since I installed them. They are brighter than the halogens they replaced and look good with the projector setup. Woth it in my opinion.

[@rasmussenmortuary8771]

I am having trouble seeing how to remove the headlight itself. Could you describe where all to take apart to remove it?

[@theaveragejoesgarage5418]

Really, the hardest part is popping out the headlight from the friction mounts. There are 2 bolts once you pop the hood directly above the headlight assembly that secure the headlight mounting tabs. After that, it should slide forward with care.

[@wtjra70]

Any update? Do you still recommend these bulbs?

[@theaveragejoesgarage5418]

I do. They have worked without issue since I installed them. No complaints.

[@cluginbill]

Did you only do the low beams?

[@theaveragejoesgarage5418]

Yeah, never got around to the highs. Now my wife drives it all the time and I kind of gave up.