commbubba19 Posted October 12, 2016 Report Share Posted October 12, 2016 So I've always wanted a vehicle with HID's. My '16 Edge Sport is the first. However, I'm not that impressed with the light output. First off the color is just yuck. I see all sorts of vehicles with OEM HID's where the color is a nice bright white with a hint of blue. Very nice looking. The Edge's lights just look like standard halogens but a bit brighter. Then there's the actual quality of the light. It's just not there. I'm not sure what the lumen output is but I'm reading that they are 35w ballasts and 4300k color. Since the Edge is not offered with fogs, the light output is really pretty sad. I'm guessing around the low 3k lumen. Now previously I have gone aftermarket for HID/LED headlights with proper projectors, etc and I've had great luck with getting a proper cut off and quality of light actually illuminating the road ahead especially in rainy conditions. So the Edge's HID's use D3S bulbs. Doing some looking, Osram and Philips offer upgrades at about $200+/pair. However, I'm not sure the output is anything better. Color is noted at being roughly 6k so more blue but not so blueish to greatly reduce visibility. What I'd really like is to find an OEM replacement ballast in the 55w range along with new D3S bulbs in the 6k color range. So far no luck in replacing the ballast but I did find that theretrofitsource.com does offer morimoto D3s bulbs for $70/pair. Now compared to other bulb prices this is cheap, but morimoto is a quality product with performance similar to the Osram and Philips at more than double the price. I've ordered a set and hope to have them installed next week. I'll take comparison shots and driving impressions. The factory D3s bulb appears to be accessible without removing the headlight housing but I'm pretty sure the housing can be removed without removing the bumper which may be preferred. On another note, what is up with Ford's version of interior LED's and backup lights. They are also a dull white color that is simply not pleasing to the eye. I'm reaching out to theretrofitsource.com regarding replacing these with proper LED's that actually look like LED's. I'm just not certain if the interior lights are replaceable without heavy modification or even available for purchase. Here's a link for the bulbs: https://www.theretrofitsource.com/components/bulbs/aftermarket/d3s-morimoto-xb-hid.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjb89 Posted October 12, 2016 Report Share Posted October 12, 2016 I'm running Osram CBI loving the slightly cooler temp. They do appear to be brighter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippymancan Posted October 12, 2016 Report Share Posted October 12, 2016 Hi, Maybe we can help each other. I have a 2016 Edge Titanium 2.0 awd. I agree with your opinion on the factory HID headlights. I ordered and received two HID 6000k light output bulbs ordered from Daytime Brightlites.They charged me 52.00 plus shipping and handling. I chose to remove the whole light housing which is VERY easy to remove. There are only three screws to remove and the housing lifts up with a little wiggling and it's out. I forgot to mention that the replacement bulbs have a electronic module as a unit. Maybe it's a ballast I'm not sure but it's identical to O.E.M looking. I read the manual as to how to remove the bulbs. they said to to turn the bulb unit counter clockwise and pull out. This does not work. You can feel the unit move very little. I tried pushing in while turning and then using pliers grabbing the module gently with no luck. I didn't want to apply any more pressure in fear of damage. After studying the unit closely I could see a thin metal cage that is between the bulb and the module that comes up about three eight of an inch as finger tabs. Two sides of the square module has four finger tabs,the third side has one finger tab and the forth side has two tabs. One on each side of the plug that powers the module- bulb. I'm thinking maybe i have to bend down those metal fingers so the bulb- module will turn and lift out.. I'm afraid to try this because the metal finger tabs may not bend back or break-off. This may become a warranty problem in the future if warranty on anything is needed. the vehicle only has sixteen hundred miles on it. I really would like to but these bulbs in. They are clearly marked on the module and D.O.t approved. I traded in a 2015 Explorer with factory H.I.D lighting and miss the light it had. Hope you have some ideas. zippymancan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Halstead Posted October 13, 2016 Report Share Posted October 13, 2016 tbh, I've been content with my OEM HID, mine are decent white with a nice color flicker too.EVOX-R is a direct bolt in projector if looking to upgrade.I dunno how your going to change the backup lights though... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjb89 Posted October 13, 2016 Report Share Posted October 13, 2016 (edited) EVOX-R is a direct bolt in projector if looking to upgrade. Has someone done this on the 15+ ? Edited October 13, 2016 by gjb89 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Halstead Posted October 13, 2016 Report Share Posted October 13, 2016 Has someone done this on the 15+ ? No but 90% of fords HID use same projector. Id buy some cheap halogen housings before I cut open mine 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
commbubba19 Posted October 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2016 Hi, Maybe we can help each other. I have a 2016 Edge Titanium 2.0 awd. I agree with your opinion on the factory HID headlights. I ordered and received two HID 6000k light output bulbs ordered from Daytime Brightlites.They charged me 52.00 plus shipping and handling. I chose to remove the whole light housing which is VERY easy to remove. There are only three screws to remove and the housing lifts up with a little wiggling and it's out. I forgot to mention that the replacement bulbs have a electronic module as a unit. Maybe it's a ballast I'm not sure but it's identical to O.E.M looking. I read the manual as to how to remove the bulbs. they said to to turn the bulb unit counter clockwise and pull out. This does not work. You can feel the unit move very little. I tried pushing in while turning and then using pliers grabbing the module gently with no luck. I didn't want to apply any more pressure in fear of damage. After studying the unit closely I could see a thin metal cage that is between the bulb and the module that comes up about three eight of an inch as finger tabs. Two sides of the square module has four finger tabs,the third side has one finger tab and the forth side has two tabs. One on each side of the plug that powers the module- bulb. I'm thinking maybe i have to bend down those metal fingers so the bulb- module will turn and lift out.. I'm afraid to try this because the metal finger tabs may not bend back or break-off. This may become a warranty problem in the future if warranty on anything is needed. the vehicle only has sixteen hundred miles on it. I really would like to but these bulbs in. They are clearly marked on the module and D.O.t approved. I traded in a 2015 Explorer with factory H.I.D lighting and miss the light it had. Hope you have some ideas. zippymancan You don't twist the bulb. There are two tabs you twist counter clockwise. Then the bulb can be pulled out. The wiring clip is the annoying part. Use a wide flat screwdriver or panel removal tool and slowly wiggle it to separate it from the bulb. I used too thin/small screw driver and broke the metal piece. The connector is still fine but man what a pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omar302 Posted October 16, 2016 Report Share Posted October 16, 2016 I traded in a 2015 Explorer with factory H.I.D lighting and miss the light it had. Hope you have some ideas. zippymancan Just trying to figure why would the Explorer have had better stock HID, did you see what model or part number are the stock bulbs on your Edge? A 2013 Explorer Limited a friend owns has Osram 66340HBI (D3S) stock from the factory, does you Edge have the same bulbs? The HBI are supposed to be a bit brighter than non-HBI (4650K vs. 4300K). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Halstead Posted October 16, 2016 Report Share Posted October 16, 2016 On another note, what is up with Ford's version of interior LED's and backup lights. They are also a dull white color that is simply not pleasing to the eye. I'm reaching out to theretrofitsource.com regarding replacing these with proper LED's that actually look like LED's. I'm just not certain if the interior lights are replaceable without heavy modification or even available for purchase. The reason for the Warm White LED color (LEDs DONT have to all be white with blue hue) is it's easier on your eyes. Blue is very hard on your eyes and if they crossed into any whiter it would throw a blue hue and, blue hue and night vision don't mix well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
commbubba19 Posted October 16, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2016 The reason for the Warm White LED color (LEDs DONT have to all be white with blue hue) is it's easier on your eyes. Blue is very hard on your eyes and if they crossed into any whiter it would throw a blue hue and, blue hue and night vision don't mix well. I know that. I just prefer the blue tinted LED. I have put them in all my vehicles and enjoy the look. I've never liked soft white or warm colored bulbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
commbubba19 Posted October 16, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2016 Here's a pic of the OEM D3S bulb. My replacement bulb Installed. It's not a dramatic difference but it looks more pleasing to my eye. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
commbubba19 Posted October 16, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2016 Oh and here's a picture of the 35w OEM ballast on the bottom of the headlight. i asked TRS and they said right now no one makes a 55w version. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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