Sponsored

Halogen to LED upgrade

Wabujitsu

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jeff
Joined
Jul 26, 2019
Threads
157
Messages
3,974
Reaction score
8,184
Location
Sarasota, FL
Vehicle(s)
2021 JLUR, 2020 JLU Sahara
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Retired US Army
Vehicle Showcase
1
Lumens do not matter, that is not an accurate measurement of useable light at the desired target point. Your 50gajillion lumens is just scattered light pissing off other drivers while you squint to see the road ahead. I’m all about saving money but don’t sacrifice function and safety in the process.
In spite of that, many here who do the bulb replacement can (1) see down the road, and sides of the road, FAR BETTER than our stock halogen bulbs, and (2) aren’t getting flashed by drivers.
Sponsored

 

Upnarms

Well-Known Member
First Name
Matt
Joined
Sep 1, 2019
Threads
17
Messages
998
Reaction score
1,201
Location
AZ
Vehicle(s)
2019 JLUR, 2003 TJ X
My getting flashed probably has more to do with my lift and not angling down the beam enough, but with the stock halogens id be getting flashed for people thinking my lights were off ?
 

expatCanuck

Member
First Name
Richard
Joined
Sep 26, 2023
Threads
8
Messages
20
Reaction score
8
Location
Alexandria, VA
Vehicle(s)
2024 Wrangler Sport S
Hi folks.
New here, new to Jeep.
I'm guessing that 'flashing' and tazer are references to updating the onboard computer.

Can someone explain why that's needed when upgrading a headlight bulb?
 

Heimkehr

Well-Known Member
First Name
James
Joined
Sep 3, 2020
Threads
48
Messages
11,072
Reaction score
22,431
Location
Pennsylvania
Vehicle(s)
2021 JLU 2.0T
I'm guessing that 'flashing' and tazer are references to updating the onboard computer.

Can someone explain why that's needed when upgrading a headlight bulb?
LEDs have lower current requirements than do halogen bulbs. If the vehicle left Toledo with the latter, that's what the CANBUS system is expecting to manage when the lights are on. This is particularly true with turn signals, which is why hyper-flash recurringly needs to be addressed when those bulbs are switched. Similar is true when changing the headlights, although in my experience some plug-and-play fitments (like the H13s I linked to in your other thread) are exactly that. "Flashes" are most frequently required when installing a new headlight assembly (example) in lieu of just replacing the bulbs.
 

Upnarms

Well-Known Member
First Name
Matt
Joined
Sep 1, 2019
Threads
17
Messages
998
Reaction score
1,201
Location
AZ
Vehicle(s)
2019 JLUR, 2003 TJ X
Hi folks.
New here, new to Jeep.
I'm guessing that 'flashing' and tazer are references to updating the onboard computer.

Can someone explain why that's needed when upgrading a headlight bulb?
Your computer on wheels doesn't like anything different. I'm not an electrical engineer (so I'll probably bomb on my explanation), but I think it has to do with the difference in the resistance in LEDs compared to halogens? If you put LEDs in older vehicles, you need the anti flicker modules installed. The JL computers sense the diffetences and thinks something is wrong or doesn't automatically detect when you switch without telling it. I think it's so sensitive, you have to tell it when you change wiper blades that aren't factory ?.

Anyway, when you don't flash it for LED you'll get one not coming on, one blinking, low beams cut out when turning on high beams, or a combo.

JK didn't need a flash from my recollection, just the anti flicker modules or integrated ones.

It's getting so bad, my friend has a VW and if you change your battery a shop has to scan the new one into the system or the car charges it incorrectly, destroying the new one. Add $80 to your battery change cost now or over $100 at the dealer. I don't think Jeep is there yet.
 

Sponsored

Heimkehr

Well-Known Member
First Name
James
Joined
Sep 3, 2020
Threads
48
Messages
11,072
Reaction score
22,431
Location
Pennsylvania
Vehicle(s)
2021 JLU 2.0T
...my friend has a VW and if you change your battery a shop has to scan the new one into the system or the car charges it incorrectly, destroying the new one.

Add $80 to your battery change cost now or over $100 at the dealer.

I don't think Jeep is there yet.
Give it time.

Coincidentally, I was at Advance Auto this morning, where I saw a $36 kit that contained the esoteric adapters that are required to remove the proprietary plastic(!) drain plugs that are on some Fords, VWs and a few other brands.

Of all the things to needlessly complexify...an oil drain bolt??

FFS. Some engineers need to be flogged. At length. In public.
 

Chupacabra

Well-Known Member
First Name
John
Joined
Oct 13, 2020
Threads
18
Messages
1,119
Reaction score
1,373
Location
Greenville, SC
Vehicle(s)
2021 JLU
So good luck with your $400 headlights that aren't any better than mine! :LOL:
I ran the Beamtechs in my Sport for 3 years, they were a massive improvement over the halogens.

I just put the Oracle Bi-LEDs in to get DRLs and they are noticeably better than the Beamtech solution though. Not that the Beamtech solution is bad, because it isn't. It's just that the Oculus output, to me, is a lot nicer. More light to the sides, and just overall a better illumination pattern.

Bang for buck you can't beat the Beamtech bulb solution though.
 

Deleted User 38384

Banned
Banned
Banned
Joined
Aug 4, 2020
Threads
140
Messages
6,081
Reaction score
10,669
Clubs
 
I ran the Beamtechs in my Sport for 3 years, they were a massive improvement over the halogens.

I just put the Oracle Bi-LEDs in to get DRLs and they are noticeably better than the Beamtech solution though. Not that the Beamtech solution is bad, because it isn't. It's just that the Oculus output, to me, is a lot nicer. More light to the sides, and just overall a better illumination pattern.

Bang for buck you can't beat the Beamtech bulb solution though.
Hey if it's worth anything, I really really really want to get those oracle flush tail lights in, but the price they are at is definitely going to put it further down my list than I would prefer it to be.

Joke's aside there's some really amazing options out there. Obviously different jeers for different steers. :like: ;) ?
 

swampflyer

Well-Known Member
First Name
rick
Joined
Feb 10, 2022
Threads
20
Messages
981
Reaction score
1,080
Location
florida
Vehicle(s)
2020 jlr-2015 jette tdi-2013 mb
Occupation
retired
Hey if it's worth anything, I really really really want to get those oracle flush tail lights in, but the price they are at is definitely going to put it further down my list than I would prefer it to be.

Joke's aside there's some really amazing options out there. Obviously different jeers for different steers. :like: ;) ?
I like those oracle flush tail lights also. I am hoping mopar would come out with an oem pair. I got the led option on my jlr and they are great. I also got the mopar off road lights(expensive but worth it). Unless you just want aftermarket led lights vs oem leds I understand. Me personally I have all the light I could want. In the old days I put a pair off ciebe off road lights on my golden eagle cj7. They were awesome with crystal glass lens, until you broke the lens off road. But like you said different strokes for different folks.
 

rcadden

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ricky
Joined
May 4, 2021
Threads
89
Messages
2,932
Reaction score
6,321
Location
Asheville, NC
Vehicle(s)
2021 Hydro Blue Sahara Altitude
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Marketing
Clubs
 
I recently did the LED bulb swap for my halogens. I'll be the first to tell you it probably pales in comparison to true LED lights, but I'm in for a total of around $100 (only needed headlights and DRL/turn signals) as opposed to several times that.

I'd say it goes Halogens < LED bulbs < LED fixtures

I try not to do much night driving, so I can't really justify the cost of a proper LED system at the moment.
 

Sponsored

Trek54

Well-Known Member
First Name
Gary
Joined
Mar 18, 2023
Threads
26
Messages
89
Reaction score
39
Location
Mt Juliet
Vehicle(s)
2023 Jeep Rubicon
I have a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. It was almost fully loaded. The only thing it doesn't have is the LED light group. I contacted my local Jeep dealership and all the LEDs will be available in a few days. Total cost for the LED headlights, foglights, left and right turn signals in the fenders and the LED tail lights are $3600 after taxes (without dealer installation and $650 for installation) My question is do these have to be programmed onces installed or are they plug-n-play ready to go? I found all the exact same lights for $2600 if I can just plug then in and be good to go
I have upgraded main head light with oracle and tail lights. Ive had no luck with upgrading my halogen Bulbs for the DRL's. The Diode dynamics didnt work and the oracle LED bulbs didnt even fit my sockets.
 

ORACLE Terry

Well-Known Member
Peak Sponsor (Level 2)
First Name
Terry
Joined
Aug 31, 2023
Threads
107
Messages
600
Reaction score
398
Location
New Orleans, LA
Vehicle(s)
Gladiator, Wrangler JL, Bronco, RAM TRX

TheRaven

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2020
Threads
6
Messages
2,844
Reaction score
4,176
Location
Reading, Pennsylvania
Vehicle(s)
Sold
It's been pretty well covered here but I just want to add another confirmation to a topic that was settled years ago...

There are some pretty darn great LED retrofit bulbs out there that can offer an acceptable beam pattern in a Halogen housing and not blind everyone else on the road. However...

1 - NONE of them start anywhere near $40.
2 - NONE of them (even the good ones) can hold a candle to a purpose-designed LED or HID projector.

This is something that has been settled for years, it's not up for debate. If you don't wish to spend $500+ on improving your headlights you are not an unreasonable person...and you should still have some options. But you aren't improving on the factory halogens for under $100. I looked at the links offered in this thread for these budget lights and they all have the same thing in common with every single other budget retro bulb out there - no beam pattern shots. That's the only red flag you need. Beam pattern shots for retro bulbs are like pictures for houses for sale online - if there is no picture of it, that's cause they don't want you to see it. Just like Carfax's for used cars - DO NOT EVER buy without one.

OP and everyone else - please stick with reputable brands that have established and proven results. Diode Dynamics, GTR, Morimoto...there are others...but you will find that every one has a beam pattern shot posted with their bulbs...because they aren't afraid to show it to you.
 

Wobelnik

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jorge
Joined
May 10, 2025
Threads
8
Messages
57
Reaction score
17
Location
Tampa Florida
Vehicle(s)
2018 Wrangler Rubicon New Unlimited JL Sport
Occupation
Retired
I got all my LED lights from China. Bought them all on month two of ownership. I've had zero issues with any of them for almost 2 years now.

LED light bulbs I replaced are as follows:

Headlights: $16 free shipping
Fog Lights (pair of 2 bulbs): $7 free shipping
Brake lights (pack of 10 LED bulbs): $5 free shipping
Backup bulbs (pair of 2): $8 free shipping

Total Cost: $36

All the bulbs I purchased are canbus chip included hyperblink-free LED bulbs. Meaning you don't need to buy some stupid bulky resistor. Best part is because the OEM headlights on the halogen Wranglers are reflective assemblies, when you insert an LED bulb they are in fact brighter than if you spent the money and purchased the LED headlight assemblies.


Why anybody would spend a ridiculous amount of money when they could have just spent $36 for the exact same outcome is beyond me, but to each their own I guess.
Can I get the names or links to those? All I can find say "may need resistor" I am totally confused, to many styles, numbers to choose from. Not for an ADHD person. I have a 2018 Wrangler Rubicon New Unlimited JL. Any help is appreciated.
 

Upnarms

Well-Known Member
First Name
Matt
Joined
Sep 1, 2019
Threads
17
Messages
998
Reaction score
1,201
Location
AZ
Vehicle(s)
2019 JLUR, 2003 TJ X
Can I get the names or links to those? All I can find say "may need resistor" I am totally confused, to many styles, numbers to choose from. Not for an ADHD person. I have a 2018 Wrangler Rubicon New Unlimited JL. Any help is appreciated.
Go to lasfit.com. that's where i bought bulbs for my ram. They have packages or individual per vehicle. Very easy
Sponsored

 
 







Top