How To: Install Smoked Side Markers in Morimoto XB Headlights

If you own a set of Morimoto XB headlights—or you’re thinking about buying a pair—you’ve probably noticed they ship with amber side markers. While amber markers serve a purpose and meet regulations, many owners prefer the cleaner look of smoked side markers to better match the gloss black housings.

Earlier Morimoto SKUs and Gen 1 models offered smoked side markers from the factory. Today, amber markers come standard on every XB unit. Although there’s nothing wrong with that, styling preferences vary. For that reason, we decided to document the full process of swapping amber side markers for smoked ones.

For this guide, we’re working with headlight LF502, which are the Gen 2 Morimoto XB headlights for the 2015–2017 Ford F-150.

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Important Warranty Disclaimer

Before you begin, you need to understand one critical detail.

Opening Morimoto XB headlights will void the 5-year warranty. Once you separate the lens from the housing, Morimoto can no longer provide warranty replacements. If that risk isn’t worth it to you, stop here.

If you’re comfortable moving forward, let’s get started.

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Tools and Parts You’ll Need

Before opening the headlight, gather everything first. Staying organized will save time and prevent mistakes.

Required tools and materials:

• • Morimoto XB Smoked Side Markes
  • Morimoto Work Mat
  • Morimoto Retrorubber
  • Morimoto Work Gloves
  • Headlight Seal Splitter
  • Morimoto Multi-bit
  • Flathead Screwdriver
  • Phillips Head Screwdriver
  • Clamps

Once everything is ready, set up a clean work surface. Always place the lens face-down on a padded mat to prevent scratches.

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Heating and Opening the Headlight

Heating Options

To soften the factory sealant, you’ll need heat. An oven works best, but a cardboard box with a heat gun also works if needed.

• Oven method: Preheat to 260°F

• Heat gun method: Use indirect heat and allow extra time

Prep Before Heating

Before applying heat, remove all screws and hardware from the back of the headlight. On LF502, four screws secure the lens to the housing. Remove them all.

We also recommend removing the resistors and LED driver before heating. Set everything aside for reinstallation later.

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Baking the Headlight

Place the headlight in the oven for 8 minutes at 260°F. This softens the sealant enough to separate the lens. If the glue still feels stiff, reheat in 2-minute increments.

Always wear gloves—everything will be hot.

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Separating the Lens from the Housing

This step requires patience.

Start by pressing down the perimeter tabs using a flathead screwdriver. Work slowly around the housing until you find a spot where the seal begins to separate.

Next:

1. Insert a small flathead between the lens and housing

2. Gently pry to create an opening

3. Switch to the seal-splitting tool for controlled separation

As you pull the lens away, stretch and guide the glue strands so they don’t snap back onto the lens interior. Use a screwdriver to catch excess sealant as you go.

Once free, set the lens aside on a clean surface.

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Removing the Amber Side Markers

Inside the headlight, disconnect the push-pin wiring that links the lens to the housing. Removing these wires makes the next steps easier.

With the lens isolated:

1. Remove the four screws holding each side marker

2. Pull the amber marker straight out

Keep the screws—you’ll reuse them.

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Transferring Wiring to the Smoked Side Markers

Each side marker contains a clear housing with the circuit board. Pull this assembly forward to remove it from the amber marker.

Next, insert the same assembly into the smoked side marker. Morimoto designed the smoked version with identical tab placement, so everything fits directly.

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Installing the Smoked Side Markers

Slide each smoked side marker into place. Then reinstall the four screws and snug them down. Confirm the markers sit flush and secure before moving on.

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Re-Sealing the Headlight

Now it’s time to seal everything back up.

Applying New Butyl Sealant

Stretch the Retrorubber before laying it into the channel. This helps distribute the sealant evenly and avoids excess buildup that can prevent proper sealing.

Once applied:

1. Place only the housing back into the oven for 8 minutes

2. Reconnect all wiring before installing the lens

3. Press the lens firmly onto the housing

Clamping and Cooling

Clamp the headlight while the sealant cools. This ensures full contact around the perimeter. Let everything cool for 30 minutes before removing clamps.

Finally, reinstall all screws, resistors, and the LED driver.

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Final Results

That’s it—you’ve successfully installed smoked side markers in your Morimoto XB headlights. Step back and enjoy the cleaner, more aggressive look.

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Wrapping Up

DIY headlight modifications take time and patience, but the results speak for themselves. If you enjoy hands-on projects and clean styling upgrades, this swap delivers both.

Our team at Better Automotive Lighting is here to help you make the right lighting upgrades with confidence. Stick around the blog for more guides, and feel free to drop a comment if you have questions—or just want to show off your results.