How to Install LED Headlights on Your Saab 9-3!

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[@akahan1]

Your sponsor won't love to hear this, but if you have a Tech II, you don't need Maptuner to turn off the flickering/blinking for the headlights. Just go into Diagnostics->All->Add/Remove and tell it you're "adding" the UEC. This will re-run the configuration on the underhood electrical center. When it asks what bulbs you have, select Xenon 2 rather than Halogen, and this will end the flashing, without any unwanted side effects.

[@LDantinhas]

Will this option also be available for H7 high beams ? Say, I’ve got xenon factory already, and halogens H7 high beams. And how do you do for license plates and fog lights ? And reverse ?

[@pjeka1362]

Hi same can you do this via mdi2 on 2010 95ng?

[@akahan1]

@@LDantinhas The Tech 2 option applies only to low beams, as far as I know, and there is no option for the other lights.

[@Sk8bordinAdiction11]

So can you also configure the LEDs to the car from halo with this method?

[@dingbat5653]

I do have tech 2 and is there any option like that for brake/indicators to LED?

[@tuckaluck85]

My Bixenons went out earlier this week, so I bought some replacements and also some LEDs to replace the halogens. They came in yesterday. Seems like you always come out with a video right before Im about to replace something. Great stuff my dude.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Haha. Happy to help bro

[@daykonchabot3425]

hey were did you buy your leds from and where they easier to equip

[@terminal-velocity111]

Excellent upgrade. Your content really does help. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thank you! Very much appreciated 😌

[@nobleleake9003]

I love the way you disregarded the check engine light, like it was a disease 😂😂 Love the channel, I’m a new 03 Saab 9-3 Owner.. and now a new subscriber

[@AutoAutopsy]

Huh? Car doesn’t have a CEL! Lol

[@Texassaab]

Just what I’ve been looking for, thank you

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@fernandodimeo7419]

Thank you sir !!!!! Very exciting project for me now…looking forward!

[@rickyloganjr.2362]

Hi Jacob 🙂. Your new LEDs enhance the appearance of your 9-3 front and rear, very awesome. The brightness is on par to a modern vehicle, nothing wrong with the brightness. If I lived close to Phoenix, I would definitely pay you to do the front headlights of my VW Jetta.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks, haha

[@kylesdogyt4824]

SO glad you made this video Ive been wanting LEDS my OEM lights suck

[@AutoAutopsy]

haha, happy to help!

[@doug900S]

I need to order driving lights for my 2010 XWD! Thought about LED’s. Nice video, Jacob! Thanks!

[@AutoAutopsy]

thank you :)

[@martenzo9792]

great video as always :)

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks so much!

[@avmelidor]

Will be using this

[@cosmosk8s]

I also retrofit and made custom sequential side marker lights with a load equalizer for like 30$ with some ebay parts and craftiness

[@AutoAutopsy]

great

[@whoangelissosexyitscrazy]

Bruh u a life saver

[@AutoAutopsy]

🙌🏼

[@imintillagent6141]

Been watching your videos for a while now as my first car was a 2005 saab 9-3 Arc and I had to repair my fair share of issues. Thankfully I was able to find a lot of help here and on forums. I have now bought a 2010 9-3 XWD and was wondering if anyone on here can confirm if the turbo x braking/suspension system is the same as the 2.0 XWD's braking/suspension system. It seems hard to find information on the 9-3 XWD. Thanks in advance and love to see the content!

[@AutoAutopsy]

no; TX brakes are 345mm and other XWD's only have 314's (to my knowledge)!

[@Catdad_YN]

top tip! When the headlights are burnout. ( the shiny layer in the projector turned matte) maybe it's better to replace the headlights for new ones. the difference is remarkable!

[@AutoAutopsy]

That's a great idea!

[@CycloneCyd]

No need to go buying new headlight assemblies (expensive). Simply replace the projectors with EVOX-R projectors. Total cost around $100 for the pair. I've done a whole playlist on this.

[@brandondorsey5064]

@@CycloneCyd I watched that video! I've been wanting to give it a go. I just got housing splitter tool from retrofit industries in the mail today. A few more pays I'm going to get the reflectors and the seal. Any helpful info on adding blue demon eyes. I have a spare headlight housing to play with. Thanks for the great videos. They are very helpful. Ps. I need to replace my suspension and I am also going to poly ureathane the mounts. Excellent advice

[@cosmosk8s]

I took the headlight assembly out then, I cut my factory clips up and then popped the LEDs in the high beam left my hids alone cause that's to much of a pain 😅 but I love the brightness. Also maptunes is great I have a stage 2 tune and the led enabler as well.

[@AutoAutopsy]

nice!

[@davidfrancis5514]

So what's the verdict after using the LEDs for a year? There's so much conflicting info about installing LEDs in halogen projectors. Still happy? Lights up the road nicely?

[@bradleykimmons]

What headlamps and bulbs do yall recommend for a 1996 Saab 900?

[@dnobxela68]

I ordered a loaner MaptunerX to put my Stage 1 tune on my 2005 9-3 Linear. Can I use it to upgrade the lights as well?

[@winandd8649]

@14:22 "Too bright" is not a very dumb comment. Everyone is blinded by these lights on a daily basis. (and yes even when they're aimed right) I know in the EU they're working on some regulation changes for these lights, for existing cars as well as new cars

[@nelagordon24]

Fun fact: the handle of the oem screwdriver has a pushrod on the bottom end to push the trim pins in. Swedish engineering, you gotta love it

[@AutoAutopsy]

That’s cool!

[@luisvargas4577]

Thank you!

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@jank4185]

What is the length of this h7 Led bulb? Does it go beyond the original rubber cover or does it fit inside?

[@Choconuss]

can u also program it with the Tech2?

[@sarantisxristos5145]

Can put on my Saab xenon or led or need to keep halogen ? I don’t have programm

[@RADThird1]

Another very helpful vid. Unfortunately I can't really afford the Maptune stuff. Fortunately I don't drive at night much anymore. When I do drive after dark I just use high beams. They are pretty weak too so no one ever "flashes" me. LOL!

[@AutoAutopsy]

lol perfect 😂👏🏼

[@DS-nq1dg]

I switched to LEDs about a year ago in my 94 9-3 and I love the flicker! It only last about 15 secs. I tell people that it is my special alarm system that let's me know my security system is activated, lol. What I DON'T like is the constant left front /right front light failure message I constantly get! NOW THAT is ANNOYING!

[@cayman271]

What wheels do you have on in this video ?

[@adamcoronaoo8488]

My license plate lights won't work on my saab 9-3 2.0 turbo i checked the fuse and bought a whole new assembly n nothing do u have any tips for me

[@shanestevenson5418]

Did those LEDs fit under the dust covers?

[@gippo80]

Hi there, great vid. How about changing the origin xenon lights of my 2.0 T B207R engine (EU swedish version) ? Don't think the instructions given for halogen is similar...thanks for any useful reply!

[@AutoAutopsy]

i believe its pretty similar, but i don't have a xenon car to make a demo on

[@adaermelgar5376]

mine only had 2 tabs.. do i have a different version?

[@armanduomoleale5213]

have you done a video on changing the brake light switch on 9 3 2003 convertible. also where do you get your parts? thx

[@AutoAutopsy]

switch? i have replaced brake light bulbs in videos, but that's it. see here for parts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4O5k6CXhpx3pJo

[@CGpossom]

What wheels and lip kit do you have on this car? It looks great.

[@da1fromdaheightz]

have you found a new lip?

[@CycloneCyd]

11:50 I see the app can do several lights, but I have a Q: Am I correct believing it CANNOT do the rear tail lights nor brake lights nor any indicators? Thanks

[@AutoAutopsy]

It does not look like it, nope! Maptun could provide some better clarification on that though

[@GreenMachine59]

Nice 9-3 nice Video

[@AutoAutopsy]

Appreciate it

[@user-bp7sd4ob7h]

You can use some resistors 25w I believe to stop light flickering. It happens because ECU is sending the signal to check the bulbs.

[@AutoAutopsy]

yep

[@jasonparcher9254]

The easy way is a ready-made set of LED load equalizers. Usually $15-20usd

[@josv5077]

Do you have to put that resistor in between the light and the ecu/car?

[@bpandersson]

Hey. Love your videos. Could you try putting some leds in the highbeams of a 9-5? I tried but I couldn't get them all the way in?! Best regards from Patrik in Sweden.

[@codydillenbeck4443]

I have LED in both low and high beam on my05 9-5 non projector headlights. And it's a pain cuz you need to pit the led bulb holder in first and clamp it down then pit the new light in as a push and twist (there is a small channel and big channel so its a one way fit) maybe check to male sure its not the physical part that's not allowing it to fit from being too far in the wrong spots. I need to find some led lights that will fit in my PFS projector fog lights.

[@chloedegurechaff1941]

@@codydillenbeck4443 what bulbs did you use? Hows the scatter. Leds are well documented to not work properly in reflectors.

[@AutoAutopsy]

hey, thanks. my 9-5 needs a lot of work so upgrading lights isn't something i'll probably be doing anytime soon

[@codydillenbeck4443]

@@chloedegurechaff1941 I cant remember which brand they are but they are actually pretty decent, I did how ever dip my beam down a bit to help with a bit of scatter. It just depends on how far the light pieces to be inside the little metal circular thing thats in the low beam. With high beam its great though, they're a very high rated lumen and I nicknamed it "the light of God" 😅

[@MAXMAX-co8yu]

hello, for the front and rear arrows you can not use the LEDs? by purchasing MaptunerX can you use it as many times as you need? for more cars or just yours? thank you

[@AutoAutopsy]

All of this is answered in the video!! it is a one time use.

[@tommykamthamala4700]

Did you get to do this on your rear brake lights? I would like to see you do that as well.

[@AutoAutopsy]

No. I’d need red LEDs for that since I have the ice blocks, and it would probably blind people

[@michaelelkin9542]

Is there a cheap way to remove the flashing? A tech II or tuner and app ware far more expensive then the LEDs, anything for less than a LED? Thanks.

[@boldirbeats]

Did you find a way

[@jonestown1978]

I have the headlights that turn when you move the steering wheel. Would that be the same set up on my 08 9-3 T. Also I have the map tune device but it’s a older model. If I get the one you got could I download my stock tune as well as upgrades to the new one without paying again for the tune. If so I think I’ll upgrade to yours.

[@AutoAutopsy]

you would have to ask maptun about that; i'm not an expert so i dont know

[@HerschelWilliams]

I have a question, does all the Turbo X have headlight washers? i have to get a new front bumper but I'm not sure if the car had headlight washers or not. Thanks in advance.

[@AutoAutopsy]

mine does; idk about all of them but i assume yes

[@AdrianaForeverrr]

I have a question. I drive a 2011 9-3 turbo4 so I don’t have the ability to turn off my headlights when I’m driving (I know it can be turned off w a tech2 but ignore that). Would I have the flickering too? Or do you only get flickering when the car is on but lights are off?

[@AutoAutopsy]

all power to the car is off and the LEDs will still flicker. that's the point of the enabler from maptun

[@blackmamba4021]

Is there anything for the rear lights like rear position lights or brake lights?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Everything they offer the LED enabler is in their information found in the link in the description. I’m not sure if brake lights are included in that but I think they might be

[@conincamo5948]

If the car is off it's off do the lights only flicker when the key is in the Ignition did they flicker when the key is out of the Ignition

[@AutoAutopsy]

They flicker no matter what

[@donmedlock3631]

Great video. I have a 2007 Saab 9-3 2.O and my headlights only turn off when the car is off. Will the Maptune enable a headlight off feature?

[@AutoAutopsy]

no; the switch can be programmed with a tech2! see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqeydKJ6id98q7c

[@donmedlock3631]

@@AutoAutopsy Thanks for the reply. My 9-3 doesn't come with fogs, thus there isn't a fog button on the headlight switch. But I want to add some. Do I need another headlight with the fog button? Do I need another wiring harness?

[@TawanSaenraluk]

@@donmedlock3631 Fog light connector is pre-wired, you do however need to program the car to make the fog lights work. ...And a new headlight switch unit (SKU: 12774376) WITH the front fog light button.

[@jasonmartin3537]

@@donmedlock3631 I have an '06 9-3 conv that I (or should say my tech) added the fog lights. The wiring is already there, so just need the physical parts (lights themselves and the switch)

[@dontedq]

Nice I did this to my 08 9-3 2.0T it was extremely bright and I just redid all the lights on my 9-5 every bulb on my 9-5 is led

[@AutoAutopsy]

Great 👏🏼

[@spencertorres6039]

Where do you get the maptunerx from like where do I borrow/get one in the states for a tune

[@AutoAutopsy]

Swedish motorsports has them. You can borrow or buy one from them!

[@pulseight8038]

After seeing this, I get why the shop told me $80 per side to do this on my 2010 9-3. Also mine shows the check engine light when the key is in the ignition but goes off when you start it. Might be wrong but I read in the manual that if you don’t click your gas cap exactly 3 clicks after filling it can do this. Would be weird right?

[@AutoAutopsy]

If the CEL is off when the car is running, you don’t have a CEL. All lights should be on when the key is in the on position so you can check to make sure the bulbs aren’t burnt out.

[@TerminatedYoutubeprofilecyshd]

I have a 07 9-3 Aero V6 Turbo and the taillights won’t come on unless you bump them and then when they do they don’t stay on. Love the car but at this point I’ve tried everything and would honestly just wanna sell it any ideas?

[@AutoAutopsy]

you'd sell it over the taillights not working?? it's probably easily fixable. i would post about this on a facebook group, and would recommend posting more information about your issue when you do!

[@andrevoyer4123]

Looking for a hood release cable assembly for a 2009 93 sport awd?

[@AutoAutopsy]

I would check esaabparts

[@jetjazz05]

Sorry to do this like I am, this video isn't related, but I'm super concerned; my wife's 04 9-5 and my og 9-3 convertible both had the abs module fail within a couple weeks, I thought I'd just go with bba reman but I've seen scary stuff about them as of late. I know this is a super common issue but it's a bit shaky on where to go that'll repair it well... any tips?

[@AutoAutopsy]

I haven’t dealt with any ABS issues so I’m not sure. My advice would be to post on some saab Facebook groups and see what others have to say!

[@CardboardSliver]

So us with HID auto leveling lights will need to go snag a set of Linear lights to do this mod? Kinda sucks, cause I like watching the auto level haha!

[@codydillenbeck4443]

The best thing is either to get a clear projector lens over the fresnel lens, it will put light more where you want it other than beaming it all over with a soft cutoff line. I think it's "the retrofit source" that has them for around 50$ USD.

[@chloedegurechaff1941]

Most projectors can be retrofitted to have leds.

[@AutoAutopsy]

i'm not sure what the process would be for that.

[@ethanduce1647]

If I wanted to add led high beams I’d it the same process?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Should be :)

[@ErikTS]

Is this easy to do on a 9-5 and can you get a color closer to pure white? I think LEDs are better than halogens, but I don't like the blue tint of the LEDs.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Mine are pure white. Any LED website should have different temperatures to choose from

[@chloedegurechaff1941]

As long as you have either the xenons or the later projector ones yes, go right ahead. But please don’t put leds in reflector housings. There is lots and lots of evidence that shows they scatter. Sometimes you can get it not to with certain bulbs. But imho not worth it to trial and error.

[@JohnDoesGarage]

This might be a stupid question since you didn’t use your Tech 2, but is there a way to program LED lights to not flash using the Tech 2?

[@akahan1]

Only the low beams.

[@AutoAutopsy]

it depends on year and what headlights

[@thetinmannc]

Same programming will eliminate flicker for fogs?

[@AutoAutopsy]

yes.

[@thetinmannc]

@@AutoAutopsy You know who could hook me up in NC?

[@JowdyGaming]

Where did you get the led license plate lights ?

[@AutoAutopsy]

LasFit - 1:21

[@chloedegurechaff1941]

As long as your car has projectors this is a great upgrade. LEDS HAVE NO PLACE IN REFLECTOR HOUSINGS. That ends this public service announcement.

[@vtk5]

What’s the difference between projector and reflector housing and how do you tell which you have?

[@chloedegurechaff1941]

@@vtk5 Projectors will have a lens in front of the bulb. a reflector does not. thats the easiest way to tell. most older cars are reflectors. most newer cars have projectors, or both. Some cars around 2000-2010 had reflectors as stock, but projectors as an upgrade. Look up a Saab Xenon headlamp for an 03+ 9-3. you can see in those that the middle bulb, the low beam, has a projector lens, making it a projector light, But the inner bulb, the high beam, Does not have this lens, it is a reflector light. Projector lights use the Lens to create the Light pattern, While Reflectors use the Reflective dome surface behind the bulb to make the light pattern, and 99% of the time these dome reflectors can only reproduce the Correct light pattern with a halogen bulb, as they were designed for the specific placement of the filament.

[@vtk5]

@@chloedegurechaff1941 thanks! My saab has the halogen lights too and they’re terrible. Researching my options for cost effective upgrade. I’d love to upgrade to OEM bixenon lights but with the wiring and cost of parts and everything I think it’ll be too expensive and troublesome.

[@bengtlundgren1810]

S44B 😋

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@aasound0217]

Where you got the MapTuner X ?

[@AutoAutopsy]

They’re available from Maptun either to loan or purchase, or you can find someone by you that has one

[@skunkworks9-3]

I just can't justify the price of the maptunerx and app when it only works on 1 car. Have 5 Saabs currently in the fleet so DRLs off and 55w hids in for now. Would love to disable the bulb check but haven't found it when digging through T8suite. One day. Lol

[@AutoAutopsy]

Lol, maybe they’ll be willing to help you out a bit on price if you shoot them an email for multiple cars :)

[@cbdoil4082]

Have you ever had the issue of the high beams not working with your HID’s? I think it’s the shutters not opening. Any thoughts?

[@skunkworks9-3]

@@cbdoil4082 3 of my cars are 06-07 with halogen headlights from factory. If you have factory hid and your "high beams" aren't working then I'd check saabcentral forums to see what others have said. The 2 08's have factory AFL and luckily I haven't had any issues. Just need to upgrade ballasts to bump up output on those.

[@CycloneCyd]

@@cbdoil4082 Yes, it could be the shutters. Sometimes the coils burn out, but I would check for loose connections first. The connection to the shutter solenoid is tiny. See my playlist on headlight mods.

[@thezaalls]

There are also cambus LED bulbs, that don't flicker without using enabler app

[@daykonchabot3425]

could you send a link or tell me how to get them?

[@thezaalls]

@@daykonchabot3425 Correction, they are called canbus not cambus. I haven't used them, but they should be on amazon. Found them while searching why LEDs on number plate are flickering, but decided to stick with OEM bulbs.

[@daykonchabot3425]

@@thezaalls so if i decide to buy a pair of leds for my 9-3 what do you think i should go with

[@thezaalls]

@@daykonchabot3425 If you want LEDs for number plate, trying canbus bulbs would be cheaper than enabler app. For headlights I'm not sure, I have bixenons. The idea is that canbus bulbs have higher resistance than regular LEDs so they don't flicker without reprogramming the car.

[@AutoAutopsy]

was not aware, thanks for the info

[@mcdonald2037]

I don't mean to be a party popper great video though ... Anyways Hector is going to be running three Honda civics with spoon engines, and on top of that, he just went into Harry’s and bought three t66 turbos with nos, and a motec exhaust system.

[@bdyt]

And if we don't have the cash to get a maptuner how do we deal with the flicker? Saw one comment it only lasts about 15 seconds, is that true, if you know? Thanks for posting, my lows are horrible, even with good bulbs.

[@AutoAutopsy]

thanks! mine lasted for at least 15 minutes before i just had to pull them out to stop the flickering

[@bdyt]

Trying to decide which way to go still. I've pulled the headlights and covers off. If I go with a retro fit xenon projector kit what issues will I run into with the cars system, if you know? Thanks

[@simonscheibeck4232]

What kind of adapters are those

[@AutoAutopsy]

What?

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

The halogens on the Linear are not great for sure. Might just go LED now!

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@littledaviso]

Canbus decoders or resistors do the trick, maptun pricey

[@williamdehommel1877]

My 2003 front end doesn’t look like that! It has glass headlights with wiper blades! ?

[@AutoAutopsy]

that's because im willing to guess you have a 9-3 convertible, OG 9-3. Saab switched to the NG in 03, except for convertible. NG convertibles came in 04.

[@williamdehommel1877]

@@AutoAutopsy so what’s the fix if there is one?

[@heinzketchup3323]

@@williamdehommel1877 Well what do you want to fix?

[@williamdehommel1877]

@@heinzketchup3323 it’s fixed! Just replaced the bulbs to LED bulbs!

[@Sweetasthesun]

Achievement unlocked: Your SAAB is a police car!

[@AutoAutopsy]

😂😂 only temporarily!

[@erichorning2803]

No complaints on the video. You made everything very clear. But this kit is almost $600. €350 for the tuner and €160 for the app relates to $576. Personally I can't justify it. Just my 2 cents

[@AutoAutopsy]

You don’t need to buy the tuner. You can find someone who has one already, or rent one from Maptun for much cheaper.

[@popeye5808]

You should get HID lights. Those LED will not last long

[@canadiansaabfreak6530]

what? LEDs are pretty much everlasting...

[@AutoAutopsy]

It’s rated at 40,000 hours.

[@popeye5808]

My son put those in his F150. He didn't like them

[@MrTeatreeoil]

GM so cheap they could've put in LED light bulb's

[@AutoAutopsy]

the car is 18 years old...lol....really?

[@CycloneCyd]

The 9-3SS was Engineered in 1999 to 2002 and launched for 2003 model year (Sept 02). LED lights weren't advanced enough back then. So, NO they couldn't.

[@TheArdanwen]

Little bit of a hack Job...

[@AutoAutopsy]

How so? Literally a plug and play job minus the headlight clip, for which I sourced a second set of.

[@anthonyferra7907]

BRA1ND1S0RD3R

[@Bradley7117]

@@AutoAutopsy Where did you source the second set?