Elite LED Headlights for 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL
Check the exact lamp, equipment notes and supplied parts before starting.
BTS INSTALLATION GUIDE · JEEP JL / JT
Jeep JL / JT Elite Headlight Installation
An illustrated path through the Jeep Elite harness connections, fuse tap, lamp fitting and aiming, with the Elite Max control branch kept separate.
Match the lamp and Jeep before starting
This procedure covers the Diode Dynamics Elite (DD5166) and Elite Max (DD5165) headlight pairs for the supported JL / JT applications. Both use the same main bi-LED projector. Max adds separately controlled Trail Light and Show Mode.
Diode Dynamics states these lamps are not compatible with Canadian-spec vehicles. Do not use the successful installation of a different lamp or vehicle to override that restriction. Check the exact model and factory equipment on the matching product page.
Tools: ratchet, extension, 10 mm socket, plastic trim tool and wire crimper. Sport models use the supplied add-a-fuse for the DRL. Identify all lettered connectors before routing the harness.
Installation sequence
01 Remove the grille
Remove its six plastic push rivets, then pull the lower grille clips free.
02 Unbolt each headlight
Remove the three 10 mm bolts retaining the lamp.
03 Disconnect the factory lamps
Pull back the red lock, press the connector release and separate the plug. Repeat on the other side. If the original lamp has an extra leveling-motor connection, that connection is not used by these lamps; secure it out of the way.
04 Route the driver-side signal adapter
Feed both A connectors through the driver headlight opening, along the fender and behind the washer reservoir. Continue past the brake lines and A/C port.
05 Move the small fuse box aside
Remove the two 10 mm bolts holding the small driver-side fuse box so you can move it aside for access.
06 Release the driver-side factory connector
Find the connector near the master cylinder, on the underside of the fender. Release its retaining clip, unlock the red tab and unplug it.
07 Connect the driver-side signal leads
Insert the two A connectors inline with that factory connection. Reattach the retaining clip and lock the connector.
08 Route the passenger-side signal leads
Feed the other adapter’s A connectors through the passenger headlight opening, along the fender and between the battery and main fuse box.
09 Connect inside the passenger wheel well
Peel the front wheel-well liner back for access. Insert the A connectors inline with the factory connector and lock it.
10 Position the short DT lead
Route auxiliary-harness lead B through the passenger headlight opening. Leave it unplugged for now.
11 Position the long DT lead
Route lead C from the passenger opening under the radiator cover to the driver headlight opening. Leave it unplugged.
12 Route the power leads
Route D and E toward the passenger-side fuse box, to the right of the air intake and left of the battery.
13 Install the DRL fuse tap
Remove the 20 A cigarette-lighter fuse from F52. Put it into the first empty position on add-a-fuse D, then install the tap in F52. Close the fuse-box lid with the red wire exiting toward the battery.
14 Choose the Elite Max Trail Light control
This step is for Elite Max only. For a factory auxiliary switch bank, crimp E to the chosen near-battery switch lead; use the Jeep owner’s manual to identify the switch and wire color. Using the supplied toggle switch? Have its terminal wiring confirmed for the supplied harness before connecting battery power. The manufacturer article gives conflicting center-terminal colors, so this guide does not prescribe a loose-terminal connection. The original diagram and instructions are linked below for that confirmation. Elite’s standard projector and halo installation does not use this Max-only control branch.
15 Connect the lamps
Connect B and C to F on the respective adapter harnesses. Connect G and H inline between the factory headlight plug and the new lamp, then engage the red locks. Repeat on the second side.
16 Secure the housings
Use the original bolts to install both headlights in their factory locations.
17 Test and aim
Check the installed functions before reassembly. Use the supplied adjustment tool on the screw marked Down Up to set vertical aim. Leave the left/right adjustment at its factory setting. Follow the manufacturer aiming video below.
18 Refit the grille
Reinstall the grille and its retaining clips after checking the connections and aim.
19 Enable the welcome sequence if supported
In Uconnect, open Settings → Lights → Headlight Illumination On Approach. Choose 30, 60 or 90 seconds, rather than 0, and exit Settings to save. The welcome sequence is not compatible with manual-lock vehicles.
Original instructions and video
Diode Dynamics installation article, displayed publication date February 16, 2023; checked October 24, 2026. Optional toggle terminal assignment remains unresolved in the source and is explicitly held.
Open original manufacturer instructions
Diode Dynamics Jeep Elite headlight installation
Diode Dynamics headlight aiming
Matching lights and next steps
Choose your halo settings
Set the DRL color, welcome sequence and Elite Max display mode after installation.
Plan your Wrangler lighting
Planning a Wrangler installation? Compare the matching lighting products and the checks that matter for JK and JL builds.
Compare Jeep Wrangler JK and JL lighting · Read the Wrangler lighting upgrade guide