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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
Excellent write-up with alot of useful informations! It really does look like an OEM 2020 headlights, and I personally think with it even looks better with this grill (Mini LX)! I am considering to do the same to my 2019 GX.
didnt see initial video and now see its a switchback sequential led.
nice. but it doesnt seem to be autoleveling. absolutely need that so u can see road when going up and down hills.
didnt see initial video and now see its a switchback sequential led.
nice. but it doesnt seem to be autoleveling. absolutely need that so u can see road when going up and down hills.
They are auto leveling equipped. Used same motor as OEM. It is functioning as designed, and controlled by auto leveling ECU. During startup, you will also see the headlights up and down initialization sequence. Here is the auto leveling components:
once again hzhao, they look amazing. cant wait to hear about how they hold up long term.
Originally Posted by T4Fun
didnt see initial video and now see its a switchback sequential led.
nice. but it doesnt seem to be autoleveling. absolutely need that so u can see road when going up and down hills.
Man those look good. I am definitely going to keep a close eye on how they age. If they have held up over the next six months or so I am going to have to get a set!
10-08-20, 09:03 PM
20+ Style headlights conversion for 2014-2019
