Stupid LED headlight question...

[Johnny B]

I totally understand the people that are highly against doing anything aftermarket on their cars. But something like this I don’t understand why not just buy aftermarket led headlights? For like five or 600 bucks you can get both headlight assemblies replaced with an aftermarket one that frankly looks way better than the originals. Why not just go that route?

I'll admit, there are some killer looking aftermarket LED headlights out there. Down side is, they all have issues. The biggest one I noticed was, almost all are intended for off road use. And not DOT approved. The other issues range from not being waterproof, shutting off on their own, getting stuck in an animation loop. For some, just a simple replacement with an OEM part, and not having to fiddle around with issues is the best plan of action.

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[Gangplank]

I'll admit, there are some killer looking aftermarket LED headlights out there. Down side is, they all have issues. The biggest one I noticed was, almost all are intended for off road use. And not DOT approved. The other issues range from not being waterproof, shutting off on their own, getting stuck in an animation loop. For some, just a simple replacement with an OEM part, and not having to fiddle around with issues is the best plan of action.

The Depo lights I linked above from RockAuto look exactly like the OEM headlights and work the same. They are CAPA certified.

https://headlights.com/what-is-capa-certified/amp/

 

[roaniecowpony]

OEM. The China stuff does not get the environmental testing that a OEM does. Regardless of how bad OEM is, aftermarket is worse.

Buy the part online from many of the discounted mopar retailers and save about 40% under MSRP, which most dealers tack on another 20% or more. So you save about half of your quote.

To change a headlight it's a screwdriver job. Look for youtube videos.

 

[kit]

Hey thanks everyone! I pulled the headlights out and verified that it is indeed a bad light. Took all of about 5 min. Seems the best option is going to be to find a discounted OEM replacement online. Hopefully it only lasting 5 years is an anomaly. If I lose another I may be downgrading to halogen! Lol. And for the record, the dealer quote was $1050 for one light, just the part, no install.

 

[aeonixx1001]

Hey thanks everyone! I pulled the headlights out and verified that it is indeed a bad light. Took all of about 5 min. Seems the best option is going to be to find a discounted OEM replacement online. Hopefully it only lasting 5 years is an anomaly. If I lose another I may be downgrading to halogen! Lol. And for the record, the dealer quote was $1050 for one light, just the part, no install.

Sometimes even a scrap yard. They take all the wrecked cars and strip parts and sell at killer prices. You could probably get two for cheap...

 

[sailscall]

My wife drives a 2015 Infiniti QX60, which is a leathered up Pathfinder with halogen headlights. The right low beam Is out. Nissan/Infiniti doesn’t sell a halogen ballast replacements. The dealership wants $1100 for a new passenger side headlight assembly. I found 3rd party ballasts for $30. I bought a Nissan ballast for $100 on eBay which “guarantees” parts. Used headlight assemblies are $400+.

My mechanic is either going to love me or hate me. The pain is the front bumper cover and inner wheel well need to come off to get at the headlight assembly. I don’t have the time or energy to fight that battle.

 

[Deleted User 38384]

So my 2019 Rubicon with factory LED light package just had the passenger side headlight quit working. This is my first vehicle with LED headlights. Do I really need to replace the entire unit? The dealer quoted me $1,000 for the part. Also, I can't find replacements online that aren't kits for halogen to LED conversion or blacked out. I am perfectly happy with the factory headlights. Am I missing something? Thanks!

This right here is why I purchased the halogen setup and then replace the bulbs with LED bulbs instead. Saved a boat load of money, and I still get functioning LED lights!!

I'm not sure if the plugs on the LED assembly is any different than mine, but assuming it's the same, you should be able to purchase the halogen headlight assembly and then stick your own aftermarket LED bulbs in there. You just got to make sure you're getting the h13 bulb seating.

It should be the same plug from the factory harness, they streamline a lot of this stuff.

 

[Johnny B]

Sometimes even a scrap yard. They take all the wrecked cars and strip parts and sell at killer prices. You could probably get two for cheap...

Baseline 4x4 recyclers have a hefty Jeep supply of used parts. And they're real reasonable. One of the best used parts places I go directly to if looking for parts. And that staff, absolutely top notch!

 

[roaniecowpony]

Last set of halogen light fixtures I bought for $10 for both.

 

[JINO]

I would just get Morimoto headlights. Very very bright, as well as great beam, and good LEDs (none of that cheap 6500 Kelvin cool blue leds).

 

[hoag4147]

Hey thanks everyone! I pulled the headlights out and verified that it is indeed a bad light. Took all of about 5 min. Seems the best option is going to be to find a discounted OEM replacement online. Hopefully it only lasting 5 years is an anomaly. If I lose another I may be downgrading to halogen! Lol. And for the record, the dealer quote was $1050 for one light, just the part, no install.

Kit. Check out FB marketplace. There is always some folks swapping for aftermarket or pulled from wrecked Jeep.

 

[Gangplank]

Kit. Check out FB marketplace. There is always some folks swapping for aftermarket or pulled from wrecked Jeep.

Or more likely stolen. That’s where the guy who stole mine was selling them. FB and eBay.

 

[hoag4147]

Or more likely stolen. That’s where the guy who stole mine was selling them. FB and eBay.

Ouch

 

[Gangplank]

Ouch

Sheriff caught him in the act a few weeks later steeling more at the same airport. DA wouldn’t press charges so he’s out and about to crime again.

 

[ORACLE Terry]

So my 2019 Rubicon with factory LED light package just had the passenger side headlight quit working. This is my first vehicle with LED headlights. Do I really need to replace the entire unit? The dealer quoted me $1,000 for the part. Also, I can't find replacements online that aren't kits for halogen to LED conversion or blacked out. I am perfectly happy with the factory headlights. Am I missing something? Thanks!

This looks like a perfect chance to upgrade your headlights. The ORACLE Lighting Oculus is a great choice. At a significant price reduction from OEM, this headlight provides enhanced driver visibility with increased and focused LED light output. Complete headlight replacement, better light focus than a simple bulb upgrade.

https://www.oraclelights.com/collections/popular-products/products/oculus-bi-led

Note that we offer an exclusive 10% discount using code WRANGLERJL10 at checkout..



I did write an article on how replacement lights like the Oculus could be a less expensive alternative to purchasing OEM. Check that out here!

Here is the Oculus vs the OEM Jeep LED:

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