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2006-2013 Lexus IS LED Triple Projector Headlights Installation Guide

2006-2013 Lexus IS LED Triple Projector Headlights Installation Guide

Fits: 2006-2013 Lexus IS250, IS350 and IS F (2nd generation, XE20).

Does not fit the IS250C or IS350C convertible. The convertible uses a different front end.

Three projector cups per side with a white daytime running light, a sequential turn signal, an amber side marker and a startup animation. These steps cover every build; rear housing and connector layout vary slightly between builds, but the main connectors are all direct plug-and-play.

Plan for two things beyond a plain swap: the front bumper has to come off, and the daytime running light takes its power from a fuse tap in the cabin fuse box rather than from the headlight plug.

Before You Start

  • Park on level ground and switch the car off.
  • Tape the painted edges around the bumper and fender before removal.
  • Keep the bumper and liner hardware sorted by position — there are several sizes.
  • Work one side at a time so the other lamp stays as a reference.
  • Do not put dielectric or weather-sealing grease on connectors or sockets.
  • Leave the bumper off until the beam and DRL tests pass.

Required Tools

  • Trim removal tool or panel clip tool
  • Metric socket and ratchet set, including 10mm and 8mm
  • Phillips and flat screwdrivers
  • Clean microfiber towels and masking tape
  • Electrical tape and zip ties for the supplied harness
  • A wall or flat vertical surface for checking beam aim
  • A helper for turn signal and beam testing

Part 1: Remove the Front Bumper

Step 1: Remove the Upper Molding

Open the hood and use a trim tool to take out all the plastic clips holding the upper front molding, then lift the molding off.

Step 1: remove the clips holding the upper front molding on a Lexus IS

Step 2: Remove the Upper Bumper Fasteners

Take out the Phillips screws under the rubber grommets on both sides, then use a 10mm socket on the center bolt.

Step 2: Phillips screws under the rubber grommets and the 10mm center bolt

Step 3: Wheel Well Clips and Hidden Bolts

Remove the retaining clips along the edge of each wheel well, then pull the fender liner back to reach and remove the hidden 10mm bolt.

Step 3: wheel well clips and the hidden 10mm bolt behind the fender liner

Step 4: Disconnect the Battery

Disconnect the negative battery terminal before you touch any electrical connector. This is what stops a slipped tool from blowing a fuse.

Step 4: disconnect the negative battery terminal

Step 5: Remove the Bumper

Ease both bumper corners outward to release them, and unplug the fog light connectors before you take the bumper right off.

Step 5: release the bumper corners and unplug the fog lights

Part 2: Replace the Headlights

Step 6: Remove the Factory Headlight

Use a 10mm socket on the three bolts holding each headlight. Press the locking tab on the main connector, unplug it, and lift the lamp out.

Step 6: the three 10mm headlight bolts and the main wiring connector

Step 7: Transfer the Bracket and Fit the New Lamp

Move the bracket from the original lamp to the marked position on the new headlight. Then connect the new lamp to the factory harness, set it into position and refit the three mounting bolts.

Step 7: connect the new headlight and refit the three mounting bolts

Step 8: Connect the DRL Fuse Tap

The daytime running light does not take power from the headlight plug. Route the supplied red wire across the engine bay to the fuse box and insert the fuse tap into the designated ACC slot. On this car the ACC fuse area is above the driver's footrest; which side that is depends on whether your car is left or right hand drive.

Step 8: insert the DRL fuse tap into the ACC fuse slot

AFS plug: if your car has AFS, handle the AFS alarm plug as shown in the kit instructions and secure any unused connector so it cannot rattle or chafe.

Part 3: Test, Reassemble and Aim

Step 9: Test Everything

Reconnect the battery and check low beam, high beam, the daytime running light, parking lights, turn signals and hazards on both sides. Fix any loose connection now, while the bumper is still off.

Step 10: Refit the Bumper and Molding

With every function confirmed, refit the front bumper and the upper molding in the reverse order of removal.

Step 10: refit the front bumper and upper molding

Step 11: Adjust the Beam Height

If the beams sit high, low or uneven, turn the adjustment nut on the back of the headlight with an 8mm socket. Clockwise lowers the beam, counterclockwise raises it. Park square to a flat wall and bring both sides to the same height.

Step 11: the 8mm beam adjustment nut on the back of the headlight

Step 12: Final Check

Confirm the headlights, bumper, fender liners and upper molding all sit correctly with even gaps, and that nothing is loose.

Step 12: finished installation with even bumper and fender gaps

Common Issues and Solutions

One headlight does not light. Recheck the main connector, the fuse tap and the ground connection. Inspect the pins inside the connector; if any are bent, carefully straighten them with a small precision tool and reconnect securely.

Everything works except the DRL. That circuit runs on the fuse tap from Step 8. Check it is in the correct ACC slot, that the fuse is seated, and that the red wire is not pinched along its route.

Warning, flicker or hyperflash. Recheck any decoder, resistor or adapter before adding universal parts.

Beam pattern is too high, low or uneven. Re-seat the lamp and check all retainers are tight first, then use the 8mm adjuster.

Condensation inside the headlight. Temperature differences can cause light condensation, which is normal. Once the light has been on for a while and the internal temperature stabilizes, the moisture clears on its own. It does not affect brightness, performance, or lifespan.

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