GEN 2 EXT REAR LIGHTING

[Fifty150]

On 12/5/2017 at 5:07 PM, windguy said:

 

 Pretty sure there's a thread or two on this forum that details installing your own backup camera. Good starting point.

 

 

 

[windguy]

I finally got around to changing the backup light to LEDs.

Seems like there is more light now so I think it's a worthwhile mod.

 

Getting the rear lens out was easy on the passenger side but the driver side was caught up and a pain to back out. There's not a whole lot of wiggle room to getting these out. Tight fit. In case someone is wondering, the lens does not have to be removed, just opened enough to get to the rear of the housing to remove the bulb socket. See pic below.

 

Put the new LEDs in, button it up and then grab my wife to help me test it out. Neither light is on. What? Really? Both don't work. Crap! I knew I should have tested it before putting it all back. I recall reading either on this forum or reviews for the bulbs that sometimes the LEDs have to be reversed. Did that and they both fired up just fine. 

 

There are an assortment of LED options available but I decided to avoid the lower cost ones and go with Phillips based on quality in the reviews. $20 for the pair.

P/N: 12789LPB2  921-WHITE LED. Original bulb is a W16W.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 11, 2018 by windguy

[Fifty150]

If you remove the plastic trim above the lighting unit first, the lighting unit comes off a lot easier.

[Fifty150]

LED lamp installed in upper trim piece.  Reflectors on bumper replaced with LED lamp which are paired to operate with matching amber LED lamp on side trim piece between mirror and windshield.  Reflectors came right out as I pinched lock tabs with fingers and pushed.  Both are operated by a remote control, so no wiring into the cabin or drilling the dashboard for a toggle switch.  Lamps can be upper trim ON, bumper ON, both ON, or warning strobe.  

 

[Don Ridley]

Fifty,

Did you install the led into the existing bumper mounted reflectors? Or is the LED a replacement for the reflectors?

[Fifty150]

I removed the reflectors.  Just pinch the mounting tabs and push out.  I did it with my fingers.  Needle nose pliers would work too.  Once the reflectors were out, I used the existing OEM holes that the reflector tabs inserted into.  No extra cutting or drilling.

 

[Fifty150]

From what I could remember, all of those LED lamps also come in blue, in case anyone wants to install blue lights.

[Fifty150]

There are more options out there.  Just keep looking.

 

With this piece, you can measure and drill the holes yourself - right into the plastic bumper or the plastic upper trim piece.  Or if you are thinking outside the box, cut off the mounting tabs and affix with epoxy.  There is even special epoxy for "plastic to plastic".  

 

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B074W9RV82/ref=gbps_tit_s-5_aa19_9e865817?pf_rd_p=e1da54c7-110f-4046-97da-aa11c13eaa19&pf_rd_s=slot-5&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=gb_main&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=EW9E6VXQ0CZ6BBAWX46Z

3D Optic Red LED Rear Bumper Reflector Turn Signal Brake Tail Lights Lamps For 2014 2015 2016 Ford Fusion Mondeo

[Fifty150]

Years later............. I replaced the trim piece lights with lamps of a different design.  These are stamped "DOT".  I don't know if it will actually make a difference.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 27, 2023 by Fifty150