If your 2009-2014 Ford F-150 is still running the factory halogen headlights, you already know how frustrating those dim, washed-out beams can be at night. We recently spent some time in the shop swapping a set of Morimoto XB LED headlights onto an F-150, and the difference is night and day (literally). In this guide we walk you through the key features, the real-world lux numbers we measured, and just how easy this F-150 LED headlight upgrade is to install in your own driveway. We already had the amber version mounted on this truck, and today we installed the white DRL version so you can see exactly what to expect.
Why We Chose the Morimoto XB for the F-150
The Morimoto XB headlights for the 2009-2014 F-150 are built around a few standout features that we genuinely appreciate. They feature an intense DRL with a dimming parking light function, along with a selectable switchback turn signal so you can choose the look you want. Inside each housing you get triple LED projectors with ultra high output, paired with square clear glass lenses and a dedicated high beam LED reflector for focused, intense distance lighting. If you want the full technical breakdown before buying, the product page for the Morimoto XB LED Headlights for the 09-14 F-150 lays it all out.
Beyond the lighting hardware, the housings come in a deep piano black that gives these headlights a modern, aggressive look that fits the F-150 perfectly. They are made from OEM-grade PC lenses that will not fade, crack, or yellow over time, and they are backed by a 5-year warranty. That combination of build quality and coverage is a big part of why we keep recommending them. If you are trying to figure out which assembly matches your specific truck, the full lineup of Morimoto XB vehicle-specific headlights makes it simple to find the right fit.
Low Beam Output: 195 Percent Brighter
Now let’s talk about the part everyone cares about, the actual light output. The stock halogen low beams on this F-150 measure just 240 max lux, which is extremely dim with a weak hot spot in the center. It is a poor light output by any modern standard, and it is one of the main reasons owners look for an upgrade in the first place.
When we tested the Morimoto XB LED low beams, they came in at 710 maximum lux, which is 195 percent brighter than the stock halogen headlights. What really impressed us was the sharpness of the cutoff line and the distinct hot spot in the middle, which helps throw light way down the road without blinding oncoming traffic. That is the kind of controlled, usable beam pattern that makes a real difference on dark roads.
High Beam Output: 157 Percent Brighter
The stock halogen high beams do not fare much better than the low beams. They come in at 420 maximum lux, and flipping the high beams up only adds a slight amount of extra reach with a modest hot spot. It is still a poor output that leaves plenty of the road in the dark.
The Morimoto XB LED high beams, on the other hand, put out a whopping 1080 max lux. That is 157 percent brighter than the stock headlights, and you can see the extra light stacking up above the cutoff line to help you see far down the road at night. The result is a very drivable, useful high beam that actually earns its place when you need maximum visibility.
Tools You Will Need
Before we get into the install, gather your tools. This is a straightforward job that does not require anything exotic. You will need a ratchet of your choice, a 10mm socket with an extension, a Phillips screwdriver, and needle nose pliers. That is it. Having everything laid out before you start keeps the whole process smooth.
How to Install the Morimoto XB Headlights
Now that you know the key features and have your tools ready, it is time to get to the install. We walked through it step by step on this F-150, and it is genuinely one of the easier headlight swaps out there.
Step 1: Remove the Factory Headlight
First things first, pop the hood open. It was a little dirty under the hood on this truck, but that is what we like to see on vehicles that get put to work. Start by removing the plastic clip near the headlight with your Phillips screwdriver. With that out, take the rubber piece and set it aside out of the way, which exposes a 10mm bolt. Then head to the top of the headlight and remove the two 10mm bolts up there as well.
With all three bolts out, you can start taking out the headlight. Wedge it slightly outward, since there is a little clip on the outer side of the housing. Once it is free, disconnect the harness from the factory harness and set the old headlight aside. The only real difference between the Morimoto headlights and the OEM units is the DRL harness, which we cover next.
Step 2: Install the DRL Harness
The DRL harness has a short side and a long side. The short side goes over to your driver’s side, and the longer side gets fed over to the passenger side. To power it, head up to the fuse box, which Ford made very convenient to reach. Locate fuse position number 77 and place the fuse tap right into that spot.
With that installed, run the DRL harness however you like, then close up the fuse box and head back to the headlight. If your truck came with factory HID headlights, your kit will include an adapter harness. You will use that to plug the OEM harness into the new XB headlights so everything works properly. Just connect the OEM harness to the XB harness and you are set.
Step 3: Choose Your Turn Signal Style
The XB headlights give you the option of a sequential switchback turn signal or a standard turn signal. If you like that sequential switchback style, keep the relevant connector unplugged. If you want a standard turn signal, plug it in. In our case, we kept it sequential, so we left it unplugged.
Step 4: Test and Reinstall
Before buttoning everything back up, test all the features. Check your turn signals, high beams, low beams, and everything else to make sure it all works before the headlight is fully seated. We had already confirmed ours worked, so we slid the driver-side headlight back into place and reinstalled the three 10mm bolts. Then repeat the exact same process on the passenger side, and button everything back up including the harness. Just make sure nothing is interfering with anything in the engine bay and you are good to go.
Rounding Out the Build
And just like that, your F-150 has been upgraded to Morimoto XB headlights. If you want to complete the look front and rear, take a look at the matching XB headlight and tail light combo kit, which pairs the same styling and quality at both ends of the truck. It is a clean way to tie the whole build together.
For those of you who own a newer Ford in the family, or want to see how these XB principles carry across the lineup, we put together our XB Evo Super Duty headlight upgrade guide that walks through a similar process on a different platform. Between the brightness gains, the piano black styling, the switchback turn signals, and the 5-year warranty, this F-150 LED headlight upgrade is one of the easiest ways to modernize an older truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the max lux output of the Morimoto XB LED low beams compared to stock halogen?
The XB low beams put out 710 max lux, which is 195 percent brighter than the stock halogen low beam’s 240 max lux, according to the video.
Do the Morimoto XB F-150 headlights include a switchback turn signal option?
Yes, they feature a selectable switchback turn signal that can be run as sequential or standard depending on how the harness is wired.
What tools are needed to install the Morimoto XB headlights on a 2009-2014 F-150?
You will need a ratchet, a 10mm socket with an extension, a Phillips screwdriver, and needle nose pliers.
How do you wire the DRL harness for these headlights?
The DRL harness has a short side that runs to the driver’s side and a long side that runs to the passenger side, and it connects to fuse position 77 in the fuse box using a fuse tap.
Do these headlights work with trucks that came with factory HID headlights?
Yes, if the truck originally came with factory HID headlights, the kit includes an adapter harness so the OEM harness can connect to the new XB headlights.
Meet the Experts Behind Morimoto
Jimmy Nguyen – Engineering Manager
Jimmy leads engineering at Morimoto, bringing experience across customer support, supplier management, design engineering, and validation testing. His work ensures Morimoto lighting systems are engineered for real-world reliability and long-term performance.
Mike Hicks – Quality Control Manager
Mike oversees quality assurance at Morimoto, with a background spanning returns testing, RMA analysis, vendor quality control, and manufacturer scorecards. His focus is continuous improvement and accountability across the product lifecycle.
