How to change Jeep CJ to LED - Complete Guide - Headlight Parking Side Blinker Taillight CJ5 CJ7

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Note: On some/most 84 and later CJ's, the turn signal flasher relay is not in the fuse box. The fuse box will have an empty spot for it that is not wired up. The flasher is located in the wiring harness hanging by or behind the parking brake. It should have a yellow input wire and a red output wire.

[@prettywomenclassiccars]

Thanks much appreciated

[@AR_420]

THANK YOU!!! I was thinking I was going crazy! There was no pin on the right side for the other flasher to plug in. Started to search youtube videos for help. There you came to the rescue! Appreciate your time, effort, and knowledge. This has helped me tremendously! 😊😊😊😊😊

[@v2iper]

You did the best video I have seen in a while. Lived your hand demo. Great voice…thank you I’m ready to switch

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Thanks, I appreciate it! Glad you found it helpful!

[@edg5102]

I replaced all the rear bulbs on my CJ with LEDs, no problem. Changed the front ones, no blinky. Found this vid, got those UP 90652 flashers, blinker time! Had to use that polarity revering adapter for both, glad it was there. Thank you!

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

That’s great news! Glad I could help!

[@AR_420]

Same here! So glad for this video!😊

[@HaydenRich]

Thanks for your help got all my lights converted to LEDs. Had to do a cleaning of the fuse box ( used lemon juice and salt, letting it soak over night and tightened the connectors on the back ) and a complete wiring check, everything works great now!

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

That’s great to hear! Glad it helped!

[@keithsuchodolsky39]

what particular model did you get for your headlights?

[@rue_la5472]

Thanks. I did the upgrade on my 77 CJ5. Headlights are H4 housing, all markers switched to LEDS. I used the LED Partsman taillights (cut the old harness, soldered and shrink-wrapped to the new lights, drilled the holes and grounded to the housing bolt). My signal relay needed the reverse polarity base. I swapped the hazard relay as well. Grounded them both under a hex bolt on the fuse box. Everything works well.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

That is great to hear, thanks for the update, I appreciate it! I have another CJ video planned for this weekend. Conversion from lap belts to three point retractable shoulder belts.

[@8__D]

You’re a big help, thank you For all those with a painless harness, the manual I had told me to wire the parking lights to be off when the headlights come on. For some reason this causes the side markers to be very dim and to not worked at all when the hazards are on. I ended up buying painless’s GM style headlight switch and wiring the parking lights to stay on when the headlights are on, this for some reason caused the side markers lights to always be bright no matter the headlight switch position

[@jimcopeland4011]

On the painless harness, where did you put the electronic flasher? Did you use the polarity reversal adapter?

[@8__D]

@@jimcopeland4011 they plug into the fuse block. I did not have to use the polarity adapter

[@jimcopeland4011]

I have an 84 CJ7, and my flashers were working fine. I had replaced my wiring harness with the painless wiring harness prior to doing the LED upgrade. Figured I could do it exactly as you did, but after replacing all the exterior lights shown in this video, and installing the electronic flasher, now the lights turn on but don't flash. Any thoughts?

[@its_gio_chavez]

I have an 1982 CJ7 so I replaced the headlight with led Halos and the tail lights to led like yours so is It ok If I just replace my park/signals or do I also need to replace my side markers?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

You don’t need to replace the side markers. And if you don’t replace the side marks, you may or may not need the electronic flasher. I recommend seeing how to turn signals behave with the stock flasher first.

[@its_gio_chavez]

@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial ok I will thanks

[@jimmathis5015]

WILL IT WORK ON A 1975 CJ5

[@jimcopeland4011]

This is incredibly detailed and helpful. Thank you! Also-- I love the paint job on your Jeep. Is there a video where I can see the whole body? The paint on mine needs a redo. I would probably use different colors, but I love the pattern that you have.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Glad it helped! Here is a video with a pretty good all around view. The colors are just “Rustoleum black truck bed liner” and “safety red” paint. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZTboZinYtenp7M

[@craigday1334]

If i wanted to splice into the taillight connector with the 3 wires how do i know which is which

[@johnvoelker226]

Great video, so I followed the links that you gave us and bought all the same bulbs you did and everything works as it should except for one issue. On the driver side when I turn the parking lights on I have no side marker light and the halo lights up Amber and it should be lighting up white like the other side. When I put the incandescent bulb back in everything works as it should of course the parking light is very dim because the old bulb is in. Do you have any idea what the problem could be I’ve traced everything back and I have everything bright I just can’t get the LED to work on the driver side

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Interesting. One strange thing is you said the problems go away with the original bulb. I would try moving the LED bulb to the passenger side and see if the problem follows the LED bulb. Also, the halo lights, from my experience, need to be manually spliced into the jeep harness. It’s the owners choice for what to splice into and how you want them to work. It could be that it was unintentionally spliced into the wrong wire, not giving the desired functionality. It might be good to disconnect the halos and first make sure the stock parking light and turn signal functionality is working correctly.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Also, the parking light bulb has two filaments. Another thing to investigate is reversing the polarity of the socket. That doesn’t seem applicable since it works correctly with the stock bulb, but something to be aware of and consider. And the housing needs to be securely screwed to the body with the original shoulder screws to function properly. That is what provides the ground for the lightbulb. There was an instance when mine wasn’t working and it was because the housing wasn’t securely screwed down.

[@JM-vc6my]

Wow dude. United Pacific 90652 is sold out everywhere! any ideas on alternatives for an '84 CJ7? Great video!

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Wow, they are probably sold out because of my video! Just kidding, but maybe... There are many brands of electronic flashers and they seem to pretty much look the same. They should all work. The United Pacific flasher is just the specific one that I used and it worked for me. Just search for “electronic led flasher”. It will be important to make sure to get the correct polarity (a benefit of the United Pacific was the reverse polarity base). You can use a multimeter to determine which socket on your fuse box is positive and make sure to select the polarity of the flasher accordingly. It is also important to have the ground wire coming out of the flasher. There is no ground lug on the fuse box socket for the flasher body to ground to. This one looks ok. It is advertised as non polarity sensitive (works either way without the need for the reverse polarity base) and has a ground wire. Looks right, but I have not personally tried it. But, if I was starting fresh, I would buy it. It looks like it will do the job. Let us know how it goes! CEC Industries EF32RLNP Flasher www.amazon.com/dp/B07P4QLLL9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_37PXEC6SQSTEXFSR03J4

[@chickensfloat7427]

I just bought one and put it in my 81 cj7. Made my own 3d printed parking light halo signal flashers was a pain in the ass to solider

[@prettywomenclassiccars]

I have a question is the electronic flasher the black wire a ground and could you do a video showing how to install thank you i have a 1986 cj7

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

That is correct; the black wire coming out of the electronic flasher must be grounded. I grounding it by screwing it to the firewall. I have added it to my list to make a video showing how to install it! Thanks

[@yottaazz2112]

I want to switch my headlights to modern 7inch headlights!. Is there a video on that ?!

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

I made a couple videos that may be helpful. I think it’s mostly covered between the two. How to Replace Jeep CJ Headlight | Complete Guide | Remove and Install | CJ5 (CJ-5) and CJ7 (CJ-7) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXjZfHRteJakiKs How to Wire the Halo Light in a Jeep CJ LED Headlight | Install | CJ5 (CJ-5) and CJ7 (CJ-7) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIrRp6CIaZuBb8k

[@brianfreeman8951]

Rad video man 👍🏼, thanks.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

No problem. Glad you found it helpful!

[@raymondmoreno7442]

Thank you for great video I'm planning to do the same to my Jeep real helpful

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Definitely a good upgrade. Glad you found it helpful!

[@davidst.laurent2631]

So, I swapped everything with LED. The LEDs I've used in everything work great... except when the headlights are on. The flashers won't flash. I have the electronic flashers as well. Did you install load resistors for the front turn signal lights as well?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

I did not install any load resistors. Just converted to LEDs and the electronic flasher. The load resistors are to make them work with the stock thermal flasher. They should not be required with the electronic flasher. I made this quick video a few years ago for a similar problem. Maybe it will be helpful. How to FIX Jeep CJ Front turn park light DOESN’T WORK | Explained | Parking light CJ5 CJ7 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmPIdJifrdKmsNE

[@MrBmcgraw]

I changed all mine out also. 1986 CJ-7, but I get no turn or hazard signals with or without lights being on. Changed flasher to the one that came with taillights from Quadratec. Tried reversing using jumper wires and still nothing. Any advice?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

The problem sounds like a flasher issue. Reversing it with jumper wires was a good move. I believe I read somewhere that the Quadratec flasher didn’t work for some other people as well. Maybe in the reviews on their website or maybe on jeepforum.com. Trying a different led flasher may still be a possibility. Another thing is to make sure the parking lights are installed, screwed to the body with the stock shoulder screws. This it what provides the ground.

[@bluezybones4215]

Question for ya: Is it necessary to convert everything at once, or can I install the new electronic flashers first, then change to led lights as budget allows?

[@eddiewansleyjr7665]

Great video, however at my age 72, the original fuse box is in an awkward position and stooping down is a night mare. The previous owner cut some front and rear light wires for some reason. Where can I go to find a shop that would replace those old “glass” fuses and update my 78 CJ5. Thanks again

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

That is a good question. It can be difficult to find a place. I would begin my search with a Google search on the Internet, starting by searching for a place familiar with jeeps and CJ‘s. You could also find some good recommendations through jeep specific websites. I highly recommend jeepforum.com. You can search the website for existing questions and answers. If you want to ask a new question, you would need to create an account, which is free to do. As a member of jeepforum.com you will be able to find the answer to pretty much any Jeep question you have.

[@borayatagan731]

Thank you you solved my problem

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Glad it helped!

[@sm0ky40]

Great info, thank you

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Gzus]

My 62 CJ5 doesn’t have side marker lights. 🤷‍♂️

[@thewhiskeymentor]

Thank you!

[@mikalb.5212]

Great video. Thanks

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Glad it helped!

[@markpayne6803]

Why do I feel like I was watching a video produced by Mr Bill from Saturday Night Live 😅

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Lol

[@prettywomenclassiccars]

Hi I been trying to get my turn signals to work but I didn't see how you wired it in with the electronic flasher could you make a video on that please

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Hi! I have received a couple requests for that video and it is on my list. I will bump it up to the short list. I am pretty far into editing my next video. I’ll plan on doing the flasher video after that one is complete. In the mean time, it plugs in where the stock flasher plugs in and the black wire coming out of the flasher is a ground wire that needs to be grounded. I personally screwed it to the firewall near the fuse box.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

The flasher install video is posted: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3OUlHSkl7enotk

[@sergiocarrasco5232]

I have an 86 CJ seven would this work?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Yes it will. The only differences you do not have rear side markers. Those are built into the tail lights.

[@jimcopeland4011]

Would you mind sharing where you purchased the headlights and the tail lights as well?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

No problem. And I will be sure to add the information to the video description as well. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to pull the information together until the weekend. I’m currently out of town for the week. Headlights were eBay and taillights were amazon.

[@davidwwalker]

It's me again. So my halo and parking lights flash with the turn signal when I have the headlights off but when I turn on either the parking lights or headlights, only the halo and side marker lights flash. Any ideas?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Could be a couple things, but I believe all related to the parking light housing. Did you replace the housing, or just the bulb? If you replaced the housing ( or reworked it) it is possible that it is wired backwards and the two wires are mixed up. This is not uncommon and causes this problem. It could also go back to the issue with grounding the housing. The housings must be installed with the factory screw, or a ground wire added. Did it work before the halo was spliced in? Does it work if you disconnect the halo? Look very closely and make sure they are not blinking. They may be on, but very dim. Are you using the non polarity sensitive superbrightleds side marker bulbs? If you are using generic polarity sensitive bulbs, I think it would will also cause this issue when the headlights are on.

[@MegaTapdog]

What year is the cj? Wondering if your wiring is going to be the same as my ‘74 Thanks for the video

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

This is a 1980 CJ5. If you’re aware of any differences, please let me know. I will update the title and description of the video if needed. Thanks!

[@tomcander3669]

Our CJ7 has a flasher unit for the turns and for hazards...would i need to replace both?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

I would suspect that an electronic flasher would be required for the hazards as well. However, the stock flasher may work for the hazards. Since it will be flashing all of the turn signals, it will result in a higher load, and may be enough to trigger the stock flasher. I do not know for sure. My hazards do not work so I am not able to test it. I only drive my jeep a couple hundred miles a year and have never needed or used the hazards. If you test it, let me know!

[@tomcander3669]

@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial thank you. I have lost turn and hazards but marker/ running, back- up and brake all work!!

[@paranormalwheelers]

Is that the same for cj7

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Yes it is!

[@haveasmash]

What have I don’t wrong rear right blink when turning right or left

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

It appears as though some sort of talk to text or AutoCorrect may have jumbled your comment. Having trouble following your issue.

[@BLtheP]

Good video. Just curious, do your signal indicators on the speedo light up when you turn your headlights on? Due to the floating ground setup, a lot of the front bulbs end up screwing the side markers like you said. I have a YJ with 3157 front bulbs but I can convert it to Older YJ 1157s. Same basic setup as a CJ. Only difference is I don’t want your front signals, I want switchbacks. I guess I’ll just have to try them and see if they work, because there’s really no telling beforehand. It’s sort of up to the design of the bulb internally to see if it’ll let the light circuits ground out through the base when necessary if not.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Thanks. I just gave it a try. I turned my headlights on, and the signal indicators on the speedo do not light up with the headlights on. However, I don’t think that is very helpful for you, because I do not have any dash lights when I turn the headlights on. Just the headlights turn on. I’ve only driven my jeep in the dark like two or three times in the last 10 years, so I’ve never worried about the dash lights. I assume it’s just a small bulb behind the speedo that illuminates it all, but I have not looked into it.

[@BLtheP]

How-to and Reviews thanks for checking! Do the turn signal indicators light up when you use the turn signal? If so, that would for sure answer what I’m getting at. Thanks for looking into it.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

@@BLtheP No problem. Yes, the turn signal indicators on the speedo do light up when I use the turn signals. They blink green.

[@BLtheP]

How-to and Reviews perfect, thanks a lot! This tells me how the ones I purchase SHOULD function, and if they don’t then I choose something else, like what you bought.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

@@BLtheP No problem. If you need any more information, just let me know!

[@javiermendoza4006]

I have a question. No that installed the same lights. One blinkers is not working, the marker light is dim. The other signal works and marker light is bright. Can you give some advice on how to fix this. Thanks.

[@javiermendoza4006]

I have an 81 CJ7

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

No problem. I will be happy to help if I can. When you say “blinker” and “marker light “ , exactly which lights are you referring to? I assume “blinker” is the round light on the front, and “marker light“ is the amber rectangle on the front fender, but I could be wrong. I just want to make sure I am following correctly.

[@javiermendoza4006]

@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial yes, you're correct.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

@@javiermendoza4006 A very common cause for those issues is the parking light (the front round light). The parking light housing must be grounded to the body to function. The two mounting screws for the parking light housing are what provides the ground for your parking lights. I have had trouble with those in the past. Make sure you are using the stock screws; they are special screws with a shoulder. Make sure they are tight, providing a good ground. If not, the parking lights will not work. If the screws will not tighten securely, you could add a ground wire from the housing to the body. I would definitely look at this first and make sure the parking light housing is ground well to the body.

[@javiermendoza4006]

@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial I will make this my first step. I will keep you posted. Thank you.

[@halkey6824]

Where did you connect the ground wire for the electronic flasher?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

I connected it to the firewall with a screw.

[@halkey6824]

@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial Thank you

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

@@halkey6824 no problem!

[@bluezybones4215]

btw, Great video!

[@halkey6824]

Did you replace the hazard flashier relay as well? If so, was it the same flasher as the turn signals?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

I considered it, but no, I didn’t replace the hazard flasher. I have never used them, and figured at worst I could swap them if I need to use the hazards. I will test the hazards with the stock flasher, then with the electronic flasher, and let you know the results.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

I took a look at it. I tried my hazards with the stock flasher and they did not work. However, I honestly don’t know if the stock flasher is any good or not. I’ve never used the hazards. I tested the sockets in the fuse box with a multi meter, and it does provide power when I have the hazards button activated. I tried the electronic flasher, and the hazards do work with it installed. Note that the terminals for the hazards flasher are reversed polarity of the terminals for the turn signal flasher. I had to run some jumper wires to test the electronic flasher. So, if you get one for the hazards, make sure to get the reverse polarity base in case your sockets are wired opposite as well.

[@halkey6824]

@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial Thank you for looking into it. I thought they may need the electronic flasher because of the way the flashers work. It is also good to know about the reverse polarity. When I ordered the first electronic flasher, I also ordered the reverse polarity base. However, I did not need the reverse polarity base for the turn signals. I will use it for the hazard flasher.

[@davidwwalker]

I bought the electronic flasher but when I went to plug it into the fuse block, I realized there are no plugs nor wires in the T/S spot of the fuse block. I guess I can't do this then? Or can I just replace the HAZ fuse with the flasher?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

That is surprising. There should be a flasher (metal cylinder with two prongs). Two of them; one for the turn signal, and one for the hazards.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5vVaKCclt2MbsU Here is a CJ fuse box diagram. How does yours compare?

[@davidwwalker]

@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial It looks like that except I only have the hazard relay but there was no turn signal relay and there are no plugs for a relay to go into. I pulled the fuse box out and there is nothing for the relay to plug into.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

@@davidwwalker What year is your CJ?

[@davidwwalker]

@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial mine is an 85 CJ7. I replaced the hazard relay with the electronic flasher and I'm still having the issue with my parking lights not working and the turn signals not working. I'm posting on jeepforum.com too

[@sergiocarrasco5232]

Send headlights information

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

The specific LED headlights used in this video are Beamnova QP002385. There are many brands with the same look. You just need 7” round LED headlights for a Jeep.

[@hughesjames10]

Hey where did you get your headlights from?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

Thanks for comment! The specific model that I used are Beamnova QP002385. They were an eBay purchase a couple years ago. There are many brands with the same look. You just need 7” round LED headlights for a Jeep. I see them range from $40 and up. Also, these specific headlights come with two extra wires for a halo, which can illuminate white or Amber. I have the white spliced into my parking lights, and the amber spliced into my turn signals. Let me know if you need any more information!

[@hughesjames10]

@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial Hey man just got my led tail lights installed now onto the led headlights. They are plug in play other than the extra red and green wires. I'm guessing one goes to the turn signal and the other goes to an power source that turns on and off with the car. Am I correct? Can you show me where you tied yours into?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

@@hughesjames10 Awesome! That’s great news. The halo has two color options. One wire is power for an Amber halo, and the other wire is power for a white halo. It’s up to you how you power them. As you suggested, you could connect the power wire for the white halo to a power source that turns on and off with the vehicle, resulting in running lights that are always on when the vehicle is on. I’m pretty sure I personally spliced mine into the parking lights. I know I spliced my amber power into the turn signals. I will double check and plan to post a video in the next couple days.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

@@hughesjames10 I took the video footage this morning. I will get it edited and post a video sometime today.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

@@hughesjames10 The video is posted.

[@chrissheerin1216]

I tried all the steps. My 1978 cj 7 will not flash with headlights on. What can i do?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

The lights can definitely be touchy. If everything was working correctly, and the only thing that was changed was changing light bulbs, then the problem you are describing sounds related to the front parking light housings. Either not grounded well, or crossed wires. I’m assuming you just remove the two mounting screws and replaced the bulb in the front parking light housings. Those are special shoulder screws that ground the housing to the body. Make sure you used the correct screws and that everything is snug and ground. I believe the answers are in the parking light housings.

[@chrissheerin1216]

@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial I will check again. Spoke to LED people and they said that i need the load resistors. Maybe i do. I was hoping i didn't need those.Basically lights flash with headlights off. Lights on, only solid parking lights in front and no side blinker lit at all. I tried reverse polarity base. Same thing. I tried the square flasher from them too. No good. Am i missing something? any other guesses? Thanks

[@chrissheerin1216]

Sorry one more thing. Does yours work because you have LED headlights? i don't have those yet.

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

@@chrissheerin1216 I personally didn’t use any load resistors. One suggestion is to look at the turn signals very closely. Maybe they are blinking, but slowly, or with very little change in brightness. That would indicate load resistor issues. I installed my led headlights first, then did the taillights, parking lights, and side markers. I never ran with led signals and stock headlights. So, I am not sure if stock headlights, with led side markers and parking lights, would cause your specific problem. I suspect that it could; the stock headlights draw way more current than the led headlights. I think it’s a possible case, but not sure.

[@chrissheerin1216]

@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial yes i believe they blink. hard to tell but side ones not on at all with headlights on. I will try the load resistors i guess. Hope it works.Any other ideas let me know please. Thanks Chris

[@charlyperez1636]

great !!!!

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

It worked out to be a plug and play solution for me! I hope it helps out!

[@charlyperez1636]

@@HowtoandReviewsOfficial sure it will ,,thanks

[@halkey6824]

I have an 81 CJ7 and the rear side light is in the tail light. The suggested Partsam tail doesn't seen to have a side light. I check on Amazon and didn't find an alternative. I did find a replacement tail light from Quadratec, but they are more expensive. Will these work with the set up you described?

[@HowtoandReviewsOfficial]

That is a good point. The later CJ’s have the rear side markers integrated into the tail lights, not on the body. When mounted on the body, the rear side markers do not flash with the turn signals. They only illuminate with the headlights on. I assume the functionality is the same when they are integrated into the tail lights, but I don’t know for sure. Either way, I would not hesitate to use them. I don’t see any issues. (The major issue when switching to LED is the polarity of the front turn signal bulbs. This is not influenced by the tail lights.) Nothing critical about the Partsam taillights. The Quadratec taillight is definitely a better taillight. When I purchase mine, cost was a driving factor. The Partsam version was roughly $30. The quadratec version was well over $100. So, that’s how I made my choice. Taking cost out of the equation, I would absolutely go with the quadratec. The Partsam required minor body and wiring modifications. The Quadratec is a drop in replacement with no modifications required. I hope that helps!