2016 Ford Focus ST: headlight

After my last post, and a few weeks of driving, while I liked the LEDs they just didn't have a long-term benefit that I was hoping for. I opted to return them and went for an insane update. With all the rain in NorCal, the nights have felt darker than usual, maybe it's just my old eyes 😆

Here's the upgrade list that I used to update ALL bulbs in the headlight, believe it or not there are 4 modifiable light sources in there.

Left to Right: Amber Turn Signal, Green Turning Light,
Red Headlight, Amber Marker Light

PSA: the links are through Amazon, helps me pay for blogging, hosting, etc. Please turn off your adblock to see the parts that are used.

Auxito seems to have the best list of all lights that can be upgraded, I did a mix of lights, some due to cost, but it's a great list!
I'll breakdown the replacements, and let's start with the easy ones - the side marker lights!
These are a pretty common 194 LED replacement. The implementation in the headlight is interesting as the bulb holder aligns with contacts in the actual headlamp, so you can just swap bulbs and snap the holder back in place.

this squigly thing is the side marker bulb holder

you can see the 194 bulb and the contacts on the holder

quick comparison of 194 vs LED size

swapped in the LED

standard incandescent bulb

new LED bulb, much brighter!

Next up, let's go for broke with the Headlights. Yes these are expensive, but the OSRAM XENARC Night Breaker Laser D3S LEDs are insanely bright!

very pricey, but extremely bright HIDs from OSRAM

crazy bright, even at dusk!

up next - the PSX24W bulb is really deep in there!

The next light was the most challenging of the bunch, the turning/directional lights are a size I've never worked with previously. This makes it part of the challenge. The PSX24W LED socket has two tabs that you push in and the socket is removed. The big problem with the headlights is that you cannot get your hands in there, at least I couldn't fit my hands. I opted to use some curved pliers for a while, but ended up snaping off the tabs which let me remove the socket - at least I could swap the bulbs now!

check out that bulb compared to the LED - HUGE difference!

Lastly, let's swap out the turn signal bulbs. These are sometimes touchy due to a fast flash issue where resistors may be needed. In this case, I bought the AUXITO CANBUS anti-flash LEDs, and they work perfectly! On initial startup they'll fast flash for about 3-5 blinks, but then settle in to a regular flash time sequence.

All in, it's not a cheap upgrade at around $225, but dang the light output is PHENOMENAL!!! and still cheaper than aftermarket headlights. Two big thumbs up!