Diode Dynamics C Light Install on my Subaru WRX STI | DIY

[@earlj3638]

Thanks for sharing. I’ve been considering doing this upgrade for my 2015, and it’s nice to see you can remove the bumper by yourself. That was probably the biggest thing holding me back.

[@jonnythunder76]

thankyou so much for making this video! I loved the detail and this boosted my confidence in wanting to try to save a few hundred bucks and do the job myself. Keep making videos they are unique and I like that you present everything without alot of filler like the rest of the community. Overall great job my dude

[@Autofreakgarage]

Glad to have helped!

[@jonnythunder76]

I'd be interested in seeing if you have problems with trunk rattle? I've been chasing mine down one by one and laying in some vibrofoam to take out alot. Did the door cards and now the wind noise is alot less and the exhaust note is clear and less drony inside the car

[@Autofreakgarage]

No trunk rattles. In fact, I don’t have any at all. My m3 had more rattles than my STI.

[@jonnythunder76]

@@Autofreakgarage makes me a bit more sad I didn't get an STI. But I do enjoy getting more fuel economy while stationed in Germany. Gas is outrageous here especially around any of the race tracks

[@10MMsocketfinder]

Dope DIY video. Those rims are so dope bro, but then again so is the car. I would love to have those rims on my Forester XT.

[@paul_17sti]

I’m also looking forward to do this on my 2017 sti. Thanks for the install video.

[@SEXYPINOY22]

Same here bro.

[@paul_17sti]

Filipino?

[@SEXYPINOY22]

Yes sir

[@SEXYPINOY22]

PaulQ. Yes sir. I also have a 2017 sti

[@paul_17sti]

Same here. Nice ☝️

[@Arachnikadia]

Thanks for the video. Bought my kit but never installed cause I was intimidated by the process.

[@seththomas3084]

I'm running diode dynamics sl1 headlight lowbeam leds and fogs. Nice pure white look. C lights look great!

[@bogdanyevseyenkov]

ooh this is cool i have a 2019 sti limited and i didn’t think it’s possible to do an aftermarket c light thanks for the video!

[@TheJasbmx]

Nice upgrade like the way you try to keep your car stock looking but make it your own style. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@knattnac]

Looks great, when you reseal the headlight, do you have to put it in the oven for 3 mins just to warm and soften the seal so the cover can be installed?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Yes

[@Qazxswer68]

Thanks so much for making this video. I have the same parts as you and now just waiting to pick up some morimoto projectors before I dive into this adventure. It's disappointing to learn that the smoked corners aren't going to work out. Good thing I still have some VHT nite shade laying around.

[@TacoTheVenturesome]

Recently retrofitted some ‘15-‘17 sti headlights on my ‘21 wrx, along with installing a DRL harness. I noticed that the oem c light was only really visible at night but thought maybe I had gotten a bad pair of lights. Turns out they’re just that dim like you explained in the vid. I’ll be installing the diode dynamics c light soon.

[@Autofreakgarage]

Yes I definitely think you’ll be happier with the dd c lights. Way brighter and cleaner look.

[@wyattwrx]

I have a 2019 limited wrx, with the responsive headlights. Can I install the c lights? What you recommend?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Diode dynamics

[@yeel7384]

Nice video! Couple of questions : 1. Can the DRL fog lamp on wrx 2015 be rewired to run via c light? 2. Any condensation issue happen after installing the c light?

[@Autofreakgarage]

The fog lights are powered by the headlights. They would need to be rewired to an independent switch or tapped into a different power source. No condensation issues. If you use proper sealant like I used in the video, you won't have any issues.

[@f_ngan89]

Looks great. Thanks for the tutorial no bs.

[@KAnE3o1]

They look nice! Are the DRL white LEDS really noticeable during really sunny days like the 2018+ OEM STi version? Thanks

[@Autofreakgarage]

Yes they are visible in direct sunlight. Very bright.

[@ruthseyemedia]

Love the c light install! I was also wondering what wheels and specs you have on this model?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Enkei rs05rr 18x9.5

[@jadensianghio7134]

Great install! Does the C light automatically light up when the hazards are on?? Or did u do something else?

[@Autofreakgarage]

The c light is the turn signal so it functions just like the stock turn signal. So yes, It turns amber when the hazards are on.

[@BMont-ed9ct]

Hey Chris, I'm trying to install these C-lights on my 2020 STI... every vídeo I've seen is for wrx headlights which is quite different from the STI headlights (much more wiring) do you know of any videos showing the wiring process for the 2020 STI headlights? Your brother from PA!

[@Autofreakgarage]

Hey man. Can’t think of any off the top of my head. Most people with 2018+ headlights don’t do the c light upgrade since the c light is the drl from the factory. I would try hitting up Lightwerkz with your questions as they will be able to give you a better idea.

[@BMont-ed9ct]

@@Autofreakgarage thanks anyway! Hope all is well!

[@marekrutkowski2326]

Looks great. What bulbs are you using in the projector and DRL/high beam?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Low beams are stock led. High beams are 9006 LED’s from subieled.

[@marekrutkowski2326]

@@Autofreakgarage Thanks. I've got a '17 base without the stock led housing so looking for a reliable setup, especially for the DRL/high beam reflector.

[@trvpluiss]

yeah i feel like i’d mess up doing this 😔 gonna have to look for someone to pay

[@antonyleung2687]

Hey, just installed mine yesterday, was wondering if you knew if the t taps that were included with the kit were water proof because I heard that they have been known to cause problems. Not to sure but wanted to see if you had any opinions on it. Thanks

[@Autofreakgarage]

I always wrap any connection on either heat shrink or electrical tape. Never had any issues.

[@antonyleung2687]

Scoobyfreak86 i only used the included t taps, do you think any problems will arise from it such as from weather?

[@matthewlynn1286]

Do you think if you used a heat gun on the smoked reflector to try and see if you could get the necessary bend out of it?

[@Autofreakgarage]

It’s hard plastic. They might mold a bit, but I’m afraid over time the tabs would break driving and then would have to open the headlights back up. Not worth the headache and stress. I’m happier I went with the OEM pieces.

[@zachknee9858]

Know of any retrofits for the adaptive headlights on the base 2020 sti? The OEM projector looks pretty similar in size to a mini d2s 5.0 or G5-R. Curious if even possible.

[@Autofreakgarage]

You would need to do some extensive work to retro in different projectors on the adaptive LED’s. Your best bet is to start with base wrx headlights and modify from there.

[@anthonylu9943]

Damn Chris, looking nice and buff haha

[@Autofreakgarage]

Haha trying to stay on top of them gainz. Been hard through quarantine since I lost a lot. Just trying to maintain until gyms are able to open back up.

[@stevelubs]

What did you use to clean the inside of the lens? I always thought cleaning the inside was a huge no no

[@Autofreakgarage]

Just normal window cleaner. You don’t want to use anything abrasive. It’s totally fine to clean. You just need to make sure all the streaks are gone.

[@calebprosper]

Hey I’ve been wondering what wire are you taping into to get power for the turn signal function.

[@Autofreakgarage]

Check at the 20:36 mark. I go over what wire. It also has the wiring diagram included in the c light kit.

[@jpd3070]

I've had these c lights for a while & a driver went bad and I drove around for a bit without it working. DD replaced the driver for free as always, in fact sent me two, but I didn't get a chance to replace it for a while. Any way after I did, the c-light did work BUT only as a DRL if I had the light stick on off. When on auto or on it would not run as a DRL or light up at all, though on auto or off the switchback/hazard feature worked no issues. I also took the extra driver they provided & swapped that in, same results. I did check all my connections. Any insights?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Definitely a strange issue. Usually issues like that lies with connection and grounding points. Do you have the drl harness connected properly?

[@jpd3070]

@@Autofreakgarage I believe I do, but if even after swapping drivers this is still occuring than that seems to be the only possible explanation, right? Waiting for my shipment of Motul to get here next week so while I'm changing my oil I'll triple check. Thanks.

[@pinktacotuesday4573]

what smoked reflectors did you buy? I was going to get some now im thinking twice haha

[@Autofreakgarage]

They were from subispeed. Don’t even bother with them. It’s a waste.

[@pinktacotuesday4573]

@@Autofreakgarage bummer thanks for the heads up!!! your lights came out good i can't wait to start mine!

[@Outlier117]

Hey when you blacked out your side markers do you still have the bulb in there or did you take it out?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Still connected

[@Outlier117]

@@Autofreakgarage thanks bro I got mine apart in the living room waiting on the side markers to dry 😂 Great tutorial btw!

[@Ace62595]

What headlights would you recommend for base model wrx that has stock halogen? And what brand of c lights. I shouldn’t paint my chrome black? Thank you

[@Autofreakgarage]

OEM led headlights with diode dynamic c lights.

[@Ace62595]

@@Autofreakgarage I don’t have the LED right now. I thought you said the stock LEDs where trash?

[@Autofreakgarage]

They are if you originally had them. But coming from the wrx halogens, it’s a nice upgrade and an OEM piece. You can also retro a good projector into yours, but for a simple plug and play, OEM LED is the easiest solution.

[@FelixTay69]

Hi there, can you please also share the link for the bottom DRL strip that you are using on your bumper? Thanks

[@Autofreakgarage]

www.subispeed.com/part/5wrxdrl-2-bundle-parent-subispeed-facelift-jdm-style-drl-bezel#.YEEdKGQ8IlQ

[@FelixTay69]

@@Autofreakgarage Ah thanks, I dont need the whole bezels though, just the DRL. Cuz i have the same setup as your car. 2015 style bumper with signal

[@Autofreakgarage]

They are full replacement bezels. Yo can’t just get the drl light.

[@FelixTay69]

@@Autofreakgarage Ahh i see, thanks for the reply. Thought I could get something similar like yours that can replaces out the JDM weak DRL i have here.

[@ear3800]

Do you still have the oem c light plastic ? I could purchase it

[@Autofreakgarage]

I do not have them as I gave them to the buyer of these headlights when I sold them.

[@xil3ntkha0s]

Those smoked reflectors would've added another +10 WHP. Too bad they weren't designed very well.

[@Autofreakgarage]

Definitely haha. I know terrible design. I may revisit them on the future if I can find a good set.

[@xil3ntkha0s]

@@Autofreakgarage Hopefully you'll make a video if you find a good set. My plan is to do this install and upgrade the low beam projectors for that nice cutoff/color flicker at the same time since I'll be opening up the lights anyway.

[@nick-sargent]

I just did this to my 2020 STI on wendsday... did you have any issues with condensation? If so, how did u fix it? Thanks

[@Autofreakgarage]

Did you put new sealant down?

[@minusmartin]

reseal with new sealant always, and plug up the back hole where the c light connection goes through with some sealant as well. haven’t had issues with mine.

[@xil3ntkha0s]

Did you tap into the led bars on your fog bezels?

[@Autofreakgarage]

The drl lights are wired by an add a fuse. The fog lights are untouched.

[@xil3ntkha0s]

@@Autofreakgarage looks like the DD and morimoto c lights are different lol I hate the wiring part the most

[@normanfelton2907]

Hey do that car you got come in a automatic transmission...

[@Autofreakgarage]

The STI only comes in manual. The wrx comes in manual and cvt which is automatic.

[@RapperLilJ24]

Are your bottom plugs not plugged in?

[@Autofreakgarage]

They are plugged in

[@Otaner142]

Will this headlights work for a 2021 WRX premium ?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Yes

[@Otaner142]

@@Autofreakgarage Cool ! Now i can actually buy the car lmao!!!

[@AnthonJackman]

Can this be done to a 2020 base model as well or no?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Yes

[@AnthonJackman]

Scoobyfreak86 awesome thank you!

[@antonp555]

Love it

[@breezedadon8882]

Sup bro i didnt know u were from Jersey 💪💪💪

[@tevenn]

Paint brand and name ?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Of the car? Subaru. Lapis blue pearl.

[@tevenn]

spray paint lol

[@Autofreakgarage]

Ahh. Rustoleum gloss black

[@GA08GT478]

👍🏾

[@DannyAlcaraz]

Ayy, early squad

[@Jay-sn7wu]

Oh u fancy

[@NODSTERR]

Solder those connections boss, they will come loose overtime.

[@Autofreakgarage]

I used heat-shrink on the connection points. They aren’t going anywhere.