replacing factory LED projector headlights

[pmccullough]

I've started searching for new headlights. I have a 2015 Sport with the factory projector lights, and they're actually fine, and I love the way they look, but I really want something with white DRL's included. Problem is, everytime I find a headlight that I like, the description ALWAYS says "not compatible with factory LED projector headlights". Why is that?

And has anyone replaced their factory projectors with something they like?




<----- first post, sorry if this has been covered. I did search here first but didn't see any conversations about it.

thanks!

 

[Jimmy07]

I've started searching for new headlights. I have a 2015 Sport with the factory projector lights, and they're actually fine, and I love the way they look, but I really want something with white DRL's included. Problem is, everytime I find a headlight that I like, the description ALWAYS says "not compatible with factory LED projector headlights". Why is that?

And has anyone replaced their factory projectors with something they like?




<----- first post, sorry if this has been covered. I did search here first but didn't see any conversations about it.

thanks!

It’s because of the different connector that a factory projector headlight truck uses. The projector headlight uses one 14-way connector-

And a quad headlight truck harness uses two 3-way connectors to plug into the lights-

Most aftermarket headlights are made to plug into the truck harness of a quad headlight truck. You can still buy whatever headlights you want and make them work, though. You just have to build a small adapter harness. If you need to do this, let me know, and I’ll tell you what parts you would need and how to make it.

 

[mpress2570]

I've started searching for new headlights. I have a 2015 Sport with the factory projector lights, and they're actually fine, and I love the way they look, but I really want something with white DRL's included. Problem is, everytime I find a headlight that I like, the description ALWAYS says "not compatible with factory LED projector headlights". Why is that?

And has anyone replaced their factory projectors with something they like?




<----- first post, sorry if this has been covered. I did search here first but didn't see any conversations about it.

thanks!

I’m not sure what you’re looking at because up until 2019 you couldn’t get a ram with led projectors


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[17Dually]

My 2017 has factory projectors however they have halogen bulbs. I believe LEDs weren't available until 2019. The main reasons most aftermarket headlights are set up for the Quad/Dual reflector headlights is more Rams came from the factory with them - it's a bigger market. Have you looked at AlphaRex aftermarket headlights? They have an adapter harness for trucks that came with factory projectors (Note - from reading various post on here I believe that Jimmy07 advised AlphaRex on their adapters). There are hours of threads and posts on here about aftermarket headlights. Good luck in your search.

 

[pmccullough]

I’m not sure what you’re looking at because up until 2019 you couldn’t get a ram with led projectors


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My apologies. They are projector headlights but not LED.

 

[mpress2570]

My apologies. They are projector headlights but not LED.

Quad headlights and projector headlights look have different connectors. There is an adapter out there from the retroshop to make them compatible. Morimoto has led headlights that have both connectors so they’re compatible with both styles of headlights.


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[Jimmy07]

Quad headlights and projector headlights look have different connectors. There is an adapter out there from the retroshop to make them compatible. Morimoto has led headlights that have both connectors so they’re compatible with both styles of headlights.


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He’s looking to go the other way around- from projectors to (basically) quads. The retroshop adapters would be the reverse of what he would need (quads to projectors). Even if they did offer the reverse adapters, they would be outrageously priced, as opposed to the $20 it costs in parts to build them himself.

 

[mpress2570]

He’s looking to go the other way around- from projectors to (basically) quads. The retroshop adapters would be the reverse of what he would need (quads to projectors). Even if they did offer the reverse adapters, they would be outrageously priced, as opposed to the $20 it costs in parts to build them himself.

I understand that but going from projectors to quads is a major downgrade. There are options out there to not downgrade to quads. Retrofit projectors in quad headlights is going to cost over 2 grand. If he were to go that route he might as well just get new boards in his factory projectors and activate his DRLs with alpha obd then go through all the trouble of what he is talking about. But even still just a set of Morimoto led lights headlights will be much cheaper unless he can do the work himself. Really I think those are his two best options. Activating his DRLs and getting new boards for his factory is headlights or Morimotos and the wire tap/ activating his DRLs


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[16WhiteQC]

You want these with the factory DRL option enabled.
https://shop.retroshop.us/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=13.SB

Start here if you are not DIY savey
https://shop.retroshop.us/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=4GPRJ.CUST

 

[Jimmy07]

We’re making this out to cost WAY more than it should to get decent lighting for what he’s looking for. I’m going to go out on a limb, and assume he’s looking at something like the $280 modifystreet headlights- https://www.amazon.com/AlphaRex-Pol...street+headlights&qid=1572451030&sr=8-2-fkmr0

Or https://www.amazon.com/AlphaRex-Bla...modifystreet+headlights&qid=1572451398&sr=8-3

They look exactly like the factory projectors, they already have the white/amber switchbacks, the DRLs can be hooked up without programming, and they offer the adapters that he needs to hook them up to his truck. So, no opening the headlights necessary, no sending them off to somebody to do it, no buying the DD switchback boards, and no $135 adapter harnesses.

 

[mpress2570]

We’re making this out to cost WAY more than it should to get decent lighting for what he’s looking for. I’m going to go out on a limb, and assume he’s looking at something like the $280 modifystreet headlights- https://www.amazon.com/AlphaRex-Pol...street+headlights&qid=1572451030&sr=8-2-fkmr0

Or https://www.amazon.com/AlphaRex-Bla...modifystreet+headlights&qid=1572451398&sr=8-3

They look exactly like the factory projectors, they already have the white/amber switchbacks, the DRLs can be hooked up without programming, and they offer the adapters that he needs to hook them up to his truck. So, no opening the headlights necessary, no sending them off to somebody to do it, no buying the DD switchback boards, and no $135 adapter harnesses.

As always the low prices scare me. I’ve had way too many bad experiences with cheap lamps after they start to age. I personally would never recommend anything cheap. They’re usually prone to flaking, melting, cracking, leaking, becoming brittle, etc.


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[wvmountaineer]

As always the low prices scare me. I’ve had way too many bad experiences with cheap lamps after they start to age. I personally would never recommend anything cheap. They’re usually prone to flaking, melting, cracking, leaking, becoming brittle, etc.


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My $1600 XB headlights are melting on the inside, and the second time a drl quit working(first was replaced no charge at all, now they basically want another $1500 to warranty this time round , of course I will get the 1k back, but still costing 500 bucks for shipping!!!!!). They were installed May of this year. So much for expensive ones as well.