LED Upgrade 2017-2018 Sonic

[JTee2017]

I haven't seen a specific thread for this so maybe a good place for all to place there finds. Since the 2017-18 has a different headlight arrangement.

I upgraded just the stock Low Beam Projector lights to an LED bulb. IT works very well, no flicker, plug and play.

Of course, the small dust cover needs to be fitted with another type in order to fit the larger LED and it's driver and allow some room for air to circulate for cooling.

since May-June I've been running with the dust cover extensions and swapped LED bulbs with our other car so it would have LED headlights too. Everything running just fine.

Note: there also are a number of rubber dust cover extensions in various sizes on Amazon. I used a pair of 85mm on our new 2017 Sonic . .. the Equinox/Terrain may need another size.
See last picture . . .

https://www.amazon.com/Housing-Headlight-Install-Conversion-Retrofit/dp/B06XFT9GZJ/ref=sr_1_24_sspa?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1514242469&sr=1-24-spons&keywords=rubber+dust+cover+headlight&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...&rh=i:aps,k:rubber+dust+cover+headlight&ajr=0

https://www.amazon.com/Auxbeam-Housing-Headlight-Conversion-Retrofit/dp/B073QPGZ92/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1510420796&sr=1-3&keywords=85mm+rubber+dust+cover+headlight&dpID=31V87VbW0XL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

I did upgrade to a better bulb with a newer chip and brighter light output and coverage.

Currently, the bulbs have a coupon deal for $42 a pair. Very nice bulbs and about the same price as a pair of those short lasting halogen upgrade bulbs.

https://www.dealnews.com/search.html?search=Sealight+LED

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTYUT10/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A298MPJAFJ2R5R&psc=1

 

[SavageSpartan06]

How was the beam cutoff on these?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[JTee2017]

How was the beam cutoff on these?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

The cut off is fine. I did actually adjust the headlights up about half a turn counter clockwise since even the stock cut off seemed too low.
With these bulbs no glare and good light pattern.

Note: Go here to see if a the bulbs still have a coupon code at $42 a pair.
https://www.dealnews.com/search.html?search=Sealight

The acid test for me in our 3 vehicles that I converted to LED (all are projection housings) is I drive in one vehicle and have wife drive towards me in the other on several flat streets and roads. That way I make sure we are not blinding other drivers.

I would not put LEDs in standard reflector housings. That said, Diode Dynamics now claims to have an LED replacement bulb that works well in a standard reflector housing. They are about +$120 a pair though.

 

[ben416]

The cut off is fine. I did actually adjust the headlights up about half a turn counter clockwise since even the stock cut off seemed too low.
With these bulbs no glare and good light pattern.

Note: Go here to see if a the bulbs still have a coupon code at $42 a pair.
https://www.dealnews.com/search.html?search=Sealight

The acid test for me in our 3 vehicles that I converted to LED (all are projection housings) is I drive in one vehicle and have wife drive towards me in the other on several flat streets and roads. That way I make sure we are not blinding other drivers.

I would not put LEDs in standard reflector housings. That said, Diode Dynamics now claims to have an LED replacement bulb that works well in a standard reflector housing. They are about +$120 a pair though.

I have a set of the Diode Dynamics LEDs in my 13 Sonic and it does work well with the standard housing. Cutoff is pretty good and I rarely, if ever, get flashed by people. If so its usually because there is a cop around the corner and they are giving a warning there is a speed trap ahead

 

[Wolfman213]

I ended up purchasing the same setup as you did including the dust covers. Where did you shove the extra wire and controller? Were you able get it all installed including the dust cover without removing the headlamp?

 

[JTee2017]

I ended up purchasing the same setup as you did including the dust covers. Where did you shove the extra wire and controller? Were you able get it all installed including the dust cover without removing the headlamp?

Not sure you are replying to me. . .? Or the other poster?

Anyway, it all fits easily under the dust covers I showed in my first post.

Just install the bulb, gently fold the wires and driver "block" along side the headlight and push a bit into the cavity and install the rubber dust cover over it. Try and make sure that the wires or "block" are not up against the rear fan of the LED bulb.

 

[Wolfman213]

Not sure you are replying to me. . .? Or the other poster?

Anyway, it all fits easily under the dust covers I showed in my first post.

Just install the bulb, gently fold the wires and driver "block" along side the headlight and push a bit into the cavity and install the rubber dust cover over it. Try and make sure that the wires or "block" are not up against the rear fan of the LED bulb.

Sorry about that. Yes I was replying to you.
Ok, I grabbed those same dust covers so I will try a little bit harder next time as well as when there is some better light and not having the wind freeze me to my bones lol.

Thanks for your assistance!

 

[JTee2017]

Sorry about that. Yes I was replying to you.
Ok, I grabbed those same dust covers so I will try a little bit harder next time as well as when there is some better light and not having the wind freeze me to my bones lol.

Thanks for your assistance!

If your dust cover has a double "lip" around the outer edge, it may be easier if you cut the inner lip off.

Turn the rubber dust cover inside out and use an exacto blade to carefully cut the inner lip off. It may interfere with installing over the stock plastic housing.

Also, make sure it is an 85mm dust cover . . it should have that number on it somewhere. The first set I got were sent in the wrong size and I had to re order.