3rd Gen HID vs LED vs Halogen H11 projector headlights

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Really excited to see how you test the heaters!

 

Finally looks like there’s a real contender for the OEM LED retrofit.

 

2022 SR5 DCLB 4x4.

Just installed the H9’s in the low beam spot. Removed the green tab to fit them. Loving the upgraded low beams.

Question though: I did not trim the metal tab. I finagled it in, easy enough. However, I noticed the Philips H9 does not sit exactly as the OEM H11’s did. The H11 sits perfectly straight up and down, whereas the H9’s will not fully rotate to that position and are off by an acute degree. Should I be worried about moisture intrusion?

I am considering some silicone grease on the gasket of the H9’s, or trim the tab so that they full seat like the H11’s.

Thoughts?

 

Interesting observation. I always trimmed. Maybe a photo of the H11 vs H9 untrimmed if you can get a decent angle?

 

This may be what you’re talking about.

 

Silicome grease may offgas when heated and you risk depositing a thin film of silicone on the inside of the reflector bowl. This is not advisable.

The filament position will be fine with an untrimmed tab, unless one of the locking tabs is outside/behind the locking collar on the back of the lamp, kicking the buld at an off angle. If it's just not fully rotated in (larger H9 tab not letting you fully rotate the base into the collar), it will be fine. The filament will be in the same position regardless.

 

Yeah, I never needed to trim the tabs in my Toyota either. Other cars I did, but not the tacoma or the highlander.

 

Actually, without fully rotated to correct position, filament won't be in correct position. H11/H9 bulb has small tension spring at 12 o'clock position When bulb installed, this spring snap into small indent at bulb insert, correctly pressing bulb base downward(opposite direction from spring) Depend on how many degree is off, if bulb aren't fully twisted to designed resting position, filament will be very slightly off.
Likely not many will notice, but there is measurable optical discrepancy if you ask me as optical engineer stand point. Worth paying attention or not? that's up to user, some may not feel confident modify tabs, but as information, there is such small detail that matters to optics.

Tension spring is standardized specification of H11 /H9 bulb, reason for this spring is to prevent bulb to slip off from install orientation and to assure bulb is rested precisely to reference surface correctly within bulb insert opening.

 

Hey, @crashnburn80. Do you remember these? If I remember correctly, you suggested they should be placed in the factory fog. I apparently bought two sets but forgot. Just found them cleaning out my garage.

 

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sub'd

 

They were the best performing H11s prior to the Tungsram Platinums and later the Osram 220s. Excellent choice for the Tacoma H11 12-15 and 16-19 TRD fogs.

 

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to all of the truly knowledgeable folks who've made this one of the best places to learn about lighting. I, too, fell into the trap of putting LEDs in projector and reflector housings. Yes, they are bright and white. However, the light just doesn't seem as focused as it should be. For now, I'm content with the halogens.

I understand that some of the halogens are really bright and white, but they don't seem to last as long. @crashnburn80 & @Yoshi I , how would you rate the Sylvania Xtra Vision as a slight upgrade from OEM bulbs? I want something that is a little brighter than OEM, but I don't want something that's going to burn out in 18-24 months.

Thanks in advance for your guidance. All of your excellent researched based info is extremely valuable.

 

Unfortunately lifespan for performance is the tradeoff. The H9 swap is the best bang for your buck. Simplies spare parts buying as its the same as the highbeam, offers the best upgrade at not much of a price difference from a normal H11, performs well. Depending on how much you use your lights, expect a yesr to a yesr and a hslf of life. Or just change them once a year when it's convenient. That's cheap insurance imo.

 

I keep at least 1 H9, usually 2, in the glove box. If Dippity Cletus tells me my headlight is burned out I can put in a new one on the spot, or at the next freeway exit if allowed.

 

And a pair of latex gloves in a sandwich bag, to protect the bulbs from skin oil.
I also have a pair of old winter deerskin gloves in the vehicle that I keep for tire changes. Old habit from living in AK for 2 decades.

 

Even replacing once a year which I do you can buy a shipping container full of H9s by the time you even get close to the price of the OEM LEDs. I just set a maitenance reminder in my head unit to track.

 

If I have at least 1 spare in my glovebox I can replace anytime/anywhere.

 

But with OEM LED you don’t have to swap bulbs and you get vastly improved lighting.

I’m a fan of saving money but sticking with halogen headlights isn’t where I do that. Much rather sleep on the floor when traveling to avoid a hotel bill.

 

Words of wisdom from one who would know.