GTR Carbide Series LED Headlights for '09 - '14 Ford F-150

BRAND-NEW GTR Carbide LED Headlights for the 2009 - 2014 Ford F-150

For their constantly expanding range of Carbide Series headlights, GTR Lighting has now released another LED headlamp housing, this time for the Ford F-150 model years 2009–2014. With OEM+ performance, GTR Lighting's Carbide Series has established itself as a cost-effective substitute for popular names like Morimoto and Alpharex.

These completely LED housings include all the features you would anticipate from high-end aftermarket LED headlights. A while back, we evaluated several aftermarket LED headlights for the F-150 against the stock reflector headlights and discovered that the Morimoto XB or XB Hybrid LED headlights and the Alpharex Nova were the best options. However, perhaps this one can win out.

ABOUT

When you first see these, the tri-LED projectors that serve as the headlights' low beams are visible. The fourth LED projector comes on when you move to the high beam. When you turn on your headlights, the spectacular Daytime Running Light (DRL) dims to 50% brightness.

There is an amber sequential turn signal that runs across the middle of the headlight housing between the low and high beams. Similar to the Morimoto XB LEDs, these lights are shielded from sun damage by a UV-resistant polycarbonate lens. High-quality materials are also used in the construction of the housing's back to protect it from the weather.

GTR Lighting has also certified these to comply with all DOT, SAE, and FMVSS108 standards. Additionally, they come with an amber or clear side marker (which is necessary for DOT compliance). These lights have a very modern design, and their performance and style make them difficult to match.

PERFORMANCE

When it comes to performance, we tested these lights like we usually do. Our first step is to park our truck in the garage, 25 feet from the wall and perpendicular to it. To determine the light's brightness, we seek the brightest spot in the beam pattern using a digital Lux meter. This will give you an idea of how bright these headlights are, but it is not a perfect representation of how they will function in the real world.

The F-150/Raptor's original halogen headlights were used as the standard. For the low beam, we tested these at 210 maximum lumens, and for the high beam, 390 maximum lumens. It is reasonable to anticipate this while evaluating new stock headlights, as it is approximately average for OEM headlights.

The GTR Carbide LED headlamp was tested at a maximum brightness of 540 Lux, or 157 percent. That's a significant brightness boost, and the wider beam pattern improves visibility. Additionally, the stepped design and sharp beam pattern—intended to reduce glare for oncoming drivers—cannot be ignored.

When mounted on high beams, these are 189 percent brighter than the stock high beams (1130 max. Lux). The width and shape of the amazing beam pattern remain, but the height has increased. When the fourth projector turns on, you get a ton of down-range view and additional perspective when driving.

WIRING & CONNECTIONS

The Carbide Series headlight for the 2009–2014 Ford F-150 has stock mounting points, unlike other LED headlight housings from GTR Lighting. As a result, mounting the headlight will be quite simple. For these to suit your truck, there's no need to cut parts or perform any do-it-yourself repairs.

The wiring is in a similar situation. The Carbide Series headlights from GTR Lighting are guaranteed to have the same connectors as your original equipment manufacturer's headlights. These headlights are completely plug-and-play; the DRL harness is the only wiring that needs to be done.

INSTALL

Tools Needed for the Job:

Impact/Ratcheting Wrench

Phillips Head Screwdriver

10mm Socket

To start, remove the cover from the inside of the headlight by lifting the hood and using a Phillips head screwdriver.

The top two bolts should be removed. Grab your 10mm socket. The headlight's front-facing side has a third.

Pull toward you and pry the headlight off the truck. The two pins on the outside of the headlamp will be tricky to remove if you have never done so before, but ours came out quickly because it was old.

Turn off the turn signal, side marker, and main headlight bulbs.

Wiring DRL Harness

After opening your fuse box and removing the red T10 fuse (fuse number 77), plug the DRL harness in. Proceed toward the driver's side of the vehicle by running the wring off the right side of the fuse box. This should allow your fuse box to close all the way.

Connect the shortest wire to the passenger-side headlight and the longest section of the DRL harness to the driver-side headlight. Slide the wire beneath each headlamp mount's bracing.

Attach your headlamp connections from the Carbide Series to the truck. To remount the headlight on the truck, use the same screws.

Repeat for both sides.

Before completing the task, test every feature of the lamp to ensure it operates as intended.

CONCLUSION

If you want to change the headlights on your F-150, you absolutely must get these Carbide Series LED headlights.