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Before I get to the detail, I would like to emphasize couple of points:
1. Those are after market headlights, Not the OEM 2020+ headlights which is NOT compatible with 2014 - 2019 GX.
2. I want thank all the members, especially those had done works with grille that inspired me and contributed many valuable tips, which encouraged and helped me to accomplished this conversion. I never considered myself could do anything involves with “body work”, this was a huge step for me. A big thanks!
Now to the project:
I purchased a set of 2020+ Style headlights from the manufacturer in China. The lights are made for 2014 - 2019 GX, it was a direct plug and play unit with proper harnesses. The lights were very well made, also come with the auto leveling feature. Compare to OEM 2020+ headlights, the after market one also has the DRL combined with sequential turn signal lights with switchback configuration. However, the lights are more likely replicated from European/Asia market OEM unit, it does not have the side marker as in US market. Other than that, it pretty much looks, feels, and functions as OEM 2020+ headlights.
Installation is pretty straight forward, removing the bumper cover as many of members here have done, remove the OEM headlights with four easy access screws, the fitting of new lights are perfect, no difficulty or any mis-alignment at all. Because of the switch back function, the lights also come with a adapter cable, which connects the turn signal light socket to provide turn signal voltage to the headlight unit.
Following are few installation photos, the compare to original lights as mounted:
I spend most of time to figure out what should I do with the original turn signals. Since the headlights has the nice and bright switchback turn signal, by keeping the original turn signal, it is kind of redundant and also looks odd (my personal opinion). I was thinking about to convert it as corner lights which will be activated with turn signal when the headlights were on. But after examine the turn signal reflector, it just not going to have enough light pattern to the corner as it is pretty much designed as a forward illumination. With that, I decided to make it as part of fog driving lights, given its shape and location, it would be nice to compliment the fog, and creat a sort of reverse “L” fog lights combo. So, I made some re-wiring, replaced the original amber LED with white LED, few hours later, here are the results:
Just for comparison, my 16 LX come with the OEM triple bean headlights, although a different style, but I do find the GX ones does look nicer. (BTW, the Europe/Asia LX does have sequential turn signal as well. Unfortunately, US DOT rule does not allow the sequential turn signal if initial illumination does not meet certain size):
Now, for the headlight lamination and pattern, it is fairly close to OEM ones. The lights came with the aiming way off which is expected. Although I don’t have an “official” aiming setup, I just used photos and rough figures from the OEM beam pattern, than adjusted new ones. On brightness, the new one seems a bit brighter compare the OEM one. Here are few non-scientific comparison photos:
The above video clip were taken without fog lights.
In conclusion, it was a pretty good set of headlights with few added features. Now the real test is to see how well it will old up in times. I will be keeping eyes on it and report back for any new findings. For anyone if you have question, I will reply as soon as I can either on this forum or via PM. As respecting to manufacturer’s request, I will not discuss the price in public forum, but will be gladly reply in PM should anyone has the interests.
One extra surprising finding, when I removed bumper cover and disconnected headlight washer hose, I have learned the other end of hose were directly at the bottom of the washing fluid tank, so I just wasted a full tank of washing fluid on the ground
hzhao, how are your lights holding up? I'm considering a set.
I apologize that I am writing in a thread and not in a PM, because for some reason the forum does not allow this to be done and does not explain how to remove the restriction. I want to order these headlights from your seller, because I just received these headlights from ebay, beforehand the seller asked me if I wanted a devilish red version, to which I said that I wanted regular white ones, sort of agreed, I got them and connected, as it turned out, he sent the blue version, auto-adjustment does not work, the right turn signal does not work, and besides, it shows a headlight error.
please find out how to get around this stupid block so that I can contact you via PM, I'm already afraid to order from another unknown seller, I need a trusted source. Thanks for understanding
That ain’t good. Many states use blue for law enforcement vehicles while some northeast states use blue for volunteer fire. Either way, I would not use them. Even in the relaxed enforcement days that exist right now, they’ll still get the wrong kind of attention.
Originally Posted by Novembruh
I apologize that I am writing in a thread and not in a PM, because for some reason the forum does not allow this to be done and does not explain how to remove the restriction. I want to order these headlights from your seller, because I just received these headlights from ebay, beforehand the seller asked me if I wanted a devilish red version, to which I said that I wanted regular white ones, sort of agreed, I got them and connected, as it turned out, he sent the blue version, auto-adjustment does not work, the right turn signal does not work, and besides, it shows a headlight error. please find out how to get around this stupid block so that I can contact you via PM, I'm already afraid to order from another unknown seller, I need a trusted source. Thanks for understanding
I apologize that I am writing in a thread and not in a PM, because for some reason the forum does not allow this to be done and does not explain how to remove the restriction. I want to order these headlights from your seller, because I just received these headlights from ebay, beforehand the seller asked me if I wanted a devilish red version, to which I said that I wanted regular white ones, sort of agreed, I got them and connected, as it turned out, he sent the blue version, auto-adjustment does not work, the right turn signal does not work, and besides, it shows a headlight error.
please find out how to get around this stupid block so that I can contact you via PM, I'm already afraid to order from another unknown seller, I need a trusted source. Thanks for understanding
Just read through the thread and there are few suppliers and specific requirements.
When installing your headlights are you disconnecting the battery terminal?
Technically, when you deal with anything relates to power system, you should always disconnect the battery. However, with simple plug and play, you should be ok without disconnecting the battery.
For 2011 (2010-2013) it will not be a direct plug and play with current offering. Primary due to the different OEM harnesses and AFS components on your current headlights. You will have to modify the wire to tap into existing OEM headlights harnesses, and disassemble the current headlight, and re-use the AFS component, otherwise, you will have the AFS failure code and display in meter cluster. It’s durable but need some extra work. For 2014+, it will be just a plug and play.
I am completing a "12 conversion to 20+ bumper cover etc- It looks like I picked up a very similar aftermarket headlight to the one shown in this thread (mine was from Attica off road). I "re-pinned" the connectors and got the headlamps to work( low/ high/drl/ sequential turn/ the headlamps even auto level on startup). The only wire I haven't used is a purple wire labeled for "signal" - I don't have any wires left to connect to it.
But, i get this AFS off warning. It looks like the motor is identical from the old and new lights, and the 3 wires to this "AFS motor" also have the same connector (i assume its for AFS). I haven't taken it for a drive yet- but it does auto level. Does it sound like I need to swap my "12 AFS components and is there anymore information on doing this?
Hi all. For those that did the conversion recently, where did you end up getting yours?
I found the set at Danyang kailite on Alibaba for $800 + tax/ship/fees. But ebay sellers also have them for low $800s and they are already here in the US. I just don't know if the part is exactly the same. I heard positive reviews on the ones from Danyang.
Thanks!
I grabbed headlights from attica and the rest was OEM parts. If you're near Michigan I recommend MBI auto for the bumper cover, you'll need to pick up in person though
