This afternoon I installed a set of Katana H4 (9003) LED headlights on my wife's 2018 EXL with Navi (I don't know if headlight housings are different based on trim, assuming no).

From multiple threads across several forums, I realize many believe the OEM halogens shouldn't be replaced with anything other than a standard incandescent lamp, aside from upgrades like the Sylvania Silverstars. I don't disagree that OEM projectors designed for HID or LED lamps offer the best beam pattern and safety to oncoming drivers, and that installing HID or LEDs into a OEM reflector can have negative results - there's a ton of threads and YouTube videos discussing this. This is my wife's third Fit (2009 Sport, 2015 EXL w/Navi, 2018 EXL w/Navi) and I did install HIDs in her 2015 experiencing terrible output from the reflectors.

This thread is intended for those that are going to install aftermarket lights regardless of what people recommend. The factory halogens are lacking and after having high output lights I would argue that these (or any halogens) are a safety hazard at night but the DOT isn't there yet. Aftermarket headlamps with projectors are expensive and retrofitting projectors isn't the easiest DIY. Many will choose LEDs for the output, the "look", and the relatively low cost to purchase online.

After researching I found that the Katana line of LEDs is recommended as the best budget alternative when installing into OEM reflector housings with no recommendation to install HIDs. Part of this recommendation is due to the way the LEDs are positioned and the ability to adjust the LEDs after install to modify the beam pattern.

https://www.bulbfacts.com/led-kits/chart/#katana


To start with, I parked the car about 6 feet from the garage wall and marked where the OEM halogens struck the wall with tape - this was to ensure the LEDs would be similar after install. These lights are in two pieces so I installed the base into the housing and then inserted the bulb into the base for adjusting. I left the dust boot off during adjustment as it was easier - once I determined how to adjust them I re-inserted the boot then the lamp. Finished product looks good. DRLs work however they flicker on camera (can't see with naked eye) and there's a kit available to resolve this - don't know if I'll install it or not.

Halogen:


LEDs after adjustment:


Here's the LEDs before I adjusted them - this is the problem with simply installing and not adjusting:


Below are a few videos I recorded during the install process.

Thanks for reading!

-Eric

 

After I finished the install I went for a ride around my neighborhood (only positive to getting dark @ 5:30pm) and found the driver's side headlamp wasn't adjusted quite right and would blind oncoming traffic.

Pulled back into the driveway and gave it a quick adjustment. Pic below after adjustment - I didn't get a pic before but there was a lot of light to the upper right of the beam pattern and this is a good cutoff:



-Eric

 

Here are my Morimoto 5K HIDs in my 2015 Accord EXVL Coupe with factory projectors for comparison - very happy with the way the Katanas turned out! I wasn't expecting such a sharp cutoff from LEDs and reflectors:

 

Eric, very good write and videos. Any chance you can take a picture of the Katanas but without your garage lights on? I agree the pattern is far better than most, and the adjustment by rotation of the light in the housing is excellent with the halogen reflectors. I have found the LED output of aftermarket H4 retrofits to be lacking. I have sylvania silverstar ultras for my H4s and they have great output, but always concerned on the longevity. I do miss the 6k color temp however.

Depending on how it looks without your garage lights I may give it try for the cost. If I have learned anything from trying about 4 different sets of LEDS is that its a bunch of snake oil without proper adjustment and decent light output in the field.

 

Thanks for the compliment!

My wife and I feel the light output is better than the factory halogens and she was hesitant to drive it at night before installing them. Her last several cars have had OEM HIDs and she’s happy with the output. However, I don’t believe LEDs have the same output as HIDs and certainly can’t throw the light as far - I assume that’s why Honda uses multiple lights for their OEM solution.

Below is a picture from tonight against the garage door with the exterior house lights off. There’s also a quick video I made of a drive around the block if it helps. And, for the price and Amazon’s return policy (coupled with an easy install) it might be worth getting a set for yourself to try.

-Eric

 

Unfortunately video is a bit misleading as the camera adjusts exposure relative to the incoming light, so not the best empirical way to measure light. Love the stock music though! I do like the pattern. Seems very concentrated center line of the car which is most important.

Can you take pictures of how it looks with the rubber dust boot installed? I assume these have a fan so curious to how well they fit with those over it.

 

The boot is snug against the heat sink. I didn’t want to cut that much out of the boot and don’t know if it will impede cooling in the summer.

-Eric

 

Cool thank you. Yeah common issue with leds with fans that the boot partially blocksthe cooling fins. Time will tell if they survive thermally. I dont like the idea of a moving fan. Its a potential point of failure sadly.