If you drive a 2009-2014 Ford F-150 and you have suffered through the dim, hazy glow of the factory halogen headlights, we have great news. In this guide we walk you through the amber DRL version of the Morimoto XB LED headlights, covering the key features, the beam output numbers we measured on the bench, and the full step by step install we performed here in the shop. If you have been shopping for an F-150 LED headlight upgrade, this is the exact upgrade that transforms both the look and the safety of your truck.
This truck already had our white version of these headlights installed, but today we focus on the newer amber versions. Before we get into the install, let’s break down exactly what these things are all about and why they are such a massive step up from stock.
What the Morimoto XB Amber DRL Headlights Bring to the Table
The Morimoto XB headlights for the F-150 feature an intense LED DRL with a dimming parking light function and a selectable switchback turn signal. That means you can choose between a sequential switchback style turn signal or a standard turn signal, which we will cover in detail during the install. The DRL itself is bright and clean, giving the front of the truck a modern signature that stock trucks simply cannot match.
They include triple LED projectors with ultra high output behind square clear glass lenses, plus a high beam LED reflector for focused and intense distance lighting. This combination is what allows these headlights to produce a beam pattern that is both sharp and long reaching. If you want to see the full lineup, check out the Morimoto XB F-150 headlights and compare the options.
The housings come in a deep piano black that gives these headlights a nice modern and aggressive look. They are made from OEM grade PC lenses that won’t fade, crack, or yellow over time, and they are backed by a 5 year warranty. That construction quality is a big reason we trust these for daily driven and heavily used trucks alike. For the amber signature version, take a look at the F-150 amber DRL headlights to make sure you order the right configuration.
Beam Output: Stock Halogen vs Morimoto XB
Numbers do not lie, so let’s talk about the output we measured. The stock halogen low beams came in at 240 max lux, which is extremely dim with a poor light output and only a slight hot spot in the center. That is the reality of factory halogen lighting on these trucks, and it is why so many owners come to us looking for something better.
The Morimoto XB LED low beams came in at 710 maximum lux, which is 195 percent brighter than the stock halogen headlights. Just look at how sharp that cutoff line is, with a distinct hot spot in the middle that helps push light way down the road. Because the cutoff is so clean, you get all that extra brightness without blinding oncoming traffic.
On the high beam side, the stock halogen high beams measured 420 max lux. Flipping the high beam up only raised the light slightly, with a weak hot spot and a still very poor output overall. It just was not enough for confident nighttime driving on dark roads.
The Morimoto XB LED high beams came in at a whopping 1080 max lux, which is 157 percent brighter than stock. As you can see, you pick up even more light above the cutoff line to help you see down the road at night, giving you a very drivable and genuinely useful beam pattern. This is the kind of jump that makes rural driving feel far safer.
Tools You Need for the Install
Before you start, gather the right tools so you are not hunting around mid install. For this job you will need a ratchet of your choice, a 10 millimeter socket with an extension, a Phillips screwdriver, and a pair of needle nose pliers. That is genuinely all it takes. If you want a second reference alongside this walkthrough, the folks over at Headlight Revolution have a helpful 2009-2014 F-150 headlight install resource worth a look.
Step by Step Installation
Step 1: Open the Hood and Remove the Plastic Clip
First things first, pop your hood open. Our test truck was a little dirty under there, but that is exactly what we like to see, a truck that has been put to work. Grab your Phillips screwdriver and remove the plastic clip near the headlight. Once that is out, take the rubber piece next to it and set it aside slightly out of the way. This exposes one of the 10mm bolts you need to reach.
Step 2: Remove the Three 10mm Bolts
With the rubber piece moved, you will see a 10mm bolt right there. Then head up to the top of the headlight and remove the two additional 10mm bolts. That gives you a total of three 10mm bolts to remove before the housing comes free.
Step 3: Pull the Headlight and Disconnect the Harness
With those three bolts out, you can start taking out the headlight. Wedge it slightly outward, since there is a small clip on the outer side of the housing. Once it is free, disconnect the harness from the factory connector. The only real difference between our headlights and the OEM headlights is the DRL harness, so keep that in mind as you go. With everything disconnected, set the old headlight aside.
Step 4: Install the DRL Harness and Fuse Tap
Before installing the amber XB headlights, we install the DRL harness. There is a short side and a long side to this harness. The short side runs to your driver side, while the longer side feeds over to the passenger side. Head up to the fuse box, which Ford conveniently made easy to reach, and locate position number 77. Place the fuse tap right into that spot.
With the fuse tap installed, run the DRL harness however you would like, then close up the fuse box and head back to the headlight.
Step 5: Connect the Adapter Harness (HID Trucks Only)
If your truck came with factory HID headlights, your kit will include an adapter harness. You use it to plug your OEM harness into the new XB headlights so everything works properly. Simply take your OEM harness and connect it to the XB harness. Trucks with standard halogen setups will not need this extra step. The Morimoto XB platform is well documented across many vehicles, and you can read more about the broader Morimoto XB family if you want the deeper background.
Step 6: Choose Your Turn Signal Style
With the XB headlights, you have the option of a sequential switchback turn signal or a standard turn signal. If you want that sequential switchback style, keep this connector unplugged. If you prefer a standard turn signal, plug it in. In our case we wanted the sequential look, so we left it unplugged.
Step 7: Test Everything and Reinstall
Before buttoning everything back up, test all the features. Check the turn signals, the high beam, the low beam, and the DRL to make sure everything works. We already confirmed ours during the process, so we slid the driver headlight back into place and secured it. Then repeat the exact same steps on the passenger side.
Step 8: Final Checks
Once both headlights are in, button everything back up including the harnesses. Make sure nothing is interfering with anything else in the engine bay, and confirm your bolts are snug. And just like that, your Morimoto XB amber version headlights are installed and ready for the road.
Our Final Take
After running these XB headlights through our bench testing and the full install, the verdict is easy. You go from 240 max lux to 710 max lux on the low beam and from 420 max lux to 1080 max lux on the high beam, all while gaining a sharp cutoff, a modern piano black look, and that eye catching amber DRL signature. The 5 year warranty and OEM grade PC lenses mean you are not sacrificing durability to get there. For a 2009-2014 F-150 owner tired of squinting into dim halogen output, this is one of the most worthwhile upgrades you can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the max lux output of the Morimoto XB low beams compared to stock?
The Morimoto XB LED low beams produce 710 max lux, which is 195 percent brighter than the stock halogen low beams that only output 240 max lux.
How much brighter are the Morimoto XB high beams than the factory halogens?
The Morimoto XB LED high beams reach 1080 max lux, which is 157 percent brighter than the stock halogen high beams rated at 420 max lux.
Does the Morimoto XB headlight for the F-150 include a turn signal option?
Yes, the headlights offer a selectable switchback turn signal, letting you choose between a sequential switchback style or a standard turn signal by plugging or unplugging a connector.
What tools are needed to install these headlights on a 2009-2014 F-150?
You will need a ratchet, a 10 millimeter socket with an extension, a Phillips screwdriver, and needle nose pliers.
Do trucks with factory HID headlights need any extra parts for this install?
Yes, if your truck came with factory HID headlights, the kit includes an adapter harness so you can connect your OEM harness to the new XB headlights properly.
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.
