Morimoto XB Evo Headlights Install Guide for 2009–2018 Ram
Upgrading the headlights on a 2009–2018 Dodge Ram dramatically improves nighttime visibility, safety, and overall appearance. Morimoto XB Headlights provide a complete replacement solution that combines modern LED projector technology with factory-style fitment. Because these headlights replace the entire housing, proper installation plays a major role in performance and long-term reliability. Click HERE to see all of the products Morimoto has to offer for the 2009-2018 Ram as we walk you through this Morimoto XB Evo headlight install.
This guide explains the full installation process from start to finish. You will learn how to remove factory components, install Morimoto XB Headlights correctly, configure daytime running light settings, aim the beam pattern, and activate optional features. While many owners complete this installation at home, professional installation remains a smart option if you feel uncomfortable working with trim panels or vehicle wiring.
Before starting, confirm that your headlights match your exact model year and trim. Different trims may use different factory wiring or mounting points.
Before You Start the Installation
Click the video link below to follow along with the Morimoto install team.
Before you begin, park the truck on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Next, allow the engine bay to cool completely. Adequate lighting and a clean workspace will make the job easier and reduce the chance of damaging trim or wiring. Disconnect the battery before working with electrical connections. Doing so helps prevent shorts and protects sensitive components.
Step 1: Remove the Radiator Shroud and Grille
First, open the hood.
Using a trim removal tool, remove the four plastic push clips that secure the radiator shroud. After removing the clips, lift the shroud off the vehicle and set it aside.
Removing the factory grille mounting bolts on a 2009–2018 Dodge Ram as the first step in the Morimoto XB headlights installation process.
Next, remove the four 10 mm bolts securing the top of the grille to the upper radiator support. Once the bolts come out, pull the grille straight forward using steady pressure. Four retaining clips hold the grille in place, and they will release as you pull forward. After removal, set the grille in a safe location.
Step 2: Remove the Factory Headlights
Removing the factory headlight assembly from a 2009–2018 Dodge Ram as part of the Morimoto XB headlights installation process.
With the grille removed, access to the headlights becomes clear.
On the driver side, remove the two 10 mm bolts located at the inner corner of the headlight. Then move to the wheel well and open the access panel in the fender liner. Reach through the opening and slide the white locking clip forward to unlock the headlight.
After unlocking the clip, pull the headlight straight forward. Disconnect the wiring connectors from the back of the housing, then remove the headlight from the truck. Repeat the same process on the passenger side.
Step 3: Install the Optional Supercharged LED Drivers
Morimoto supercharged LED driver installed on the back of an XB headlight during a 2009–2018 Dodge Ram headlight upgrade.
If you purchased the Morimoto XB Supercharged Headlight Drivers, install them before mounting the headlights. Morimoto sells these drivers separately for off-road only. Get yours here: www.morimotohid.com
Start by removing the four Phillips head screws that secure the factory driver to the back of the headlight. Pull the driver away from the housing. Next, press the connector clips and disconnect the driver from the internal wiring.
Apply a thin layer of the included grease to the rubber seal on the new driver. This step protects the seal from moisture and environmental exposure.
Connect the new driver to the internal wiring until each connector clicks securely into place. Then press the driver straight into the mounting location. Make sure the rubber seal sits evenly without pinching. Finally, reinstall the four screws and tighten them by hand in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
Step 4: Choose the DRL and Turn Signal Mode
Installing the Morimoto mode selector key on the back of an XB headlight to configure the DRL and turn signal behavior.
Morimoto XB Headlights include color-coded mode selector keys that control the daytime running light color and turn signal behavior.
Red key sets white DRL with fade-off turn signal
Blue key sets white DRL with sequential turn signal
Green key sets amber DRL with fade-off turn signal
Black key sets amber DRL with sequential turn signal
Morimoto installs the blue key from the factory. If you want a different mode, insert the desired key into the three-pin connector on the back of each headlight. Always turn the vehicle and headlights off before changing modes.
Step 5: Install the DRL Fuse Tap
Locating the correct fuse position in the engine bay fuse box to install the DRL fuse tap for Morimoto XB headlights.
Open the fuse box in the engine bay.
For 2013–2018 trucks, remove the 10 amp fuse from the F66 sunroof LRSM slot. For 2009–2012 trucks, use fuse slot M6 or M19 instead.
Insert the supplied micro fuse tap into the correct slot. Afterward, route the fuse tap wire out of the fuse box and close the lid securely. Connect the DRL harness to the fuse tap, then route the harness forward to the driver side headlight cavity. Continue routing the harness across the upper radiator support to the passenger side.
Secure the wiring away from sharp edges and moving parts.
Step 6: Connect the Headlight Harnesses
Connecting the Morimoto XB headlight wiring harness before installing the headlight assembly on a 2009–2018 Dodge Ram.
Identify whether your truck originally used reflector or projector headlights. Then select the corresponding Morimoto harness.
Lift the headlight into position and connect the headlight harness and DRL harness to the connectors on the back of the housing. If your truck uses a Morimoto grille, connect the grille DRL plug at this time.
Slide the headlight straight into the mounting cavity until it seats fully. Loosely reinstall the factory hardware, then lock the rear retaining tab to secure the headlight. Repeat this process on the opposite side.
Step 7: Test All Lighting Functions
Test fitting a Morimoto XB Evo headlight on a 2009–2018 Dodge Ram with the daytime running lights illuminated before final reassembly.
Before reassembling the front end, test every lighting function.
Each LED driver features three indicator lights:
Green confirms low beam power
Blue confirms high beam power
Red confirms fuse tap power
If any indicator fails to illuminate when expected, recheck your wiring and fuse connections before proceeding.
Step 8: Reassemble the Front End
Installing the factory grille on a 2009–2018 Dodge Ram after fitting Morimoto XB Evo headlights.
Once all functions operate correctly, tighten all mounting hardware. Reinstall the grille, radiator shroud, and all trim components in the reverse order of removal. Confirm that every clip and bolt seats fully.
Step 9: Aim the Headlights Properly
Properly aiming Morimoto XB Evo headlights ensures maximum visibility without causing glare to oncoming traffic.
Although Morimoto pre-aims XB Headlights for stock ride height, you should always fine-tune the aim after installation.
Park the truck on level ground 25 feet from a wall. Measure from the ground to the optical center of the outer projector.
If the height measures less than 34.5 inches, align the cutoff at the same height
If the height falls between 35 and 39 inches, aim the cutoff 2 inches lower
If the height exceeds 39.5 inches, aim the cutoff 3 inches lower
Use a long Phillips screwdriver to turn the vertical adjuster on the back of the headlight. Avoid turning the adjuster more than three full rotations in either direction.
Step 10: Activate the Lens Heating System
Side-by-side comparison of the Morimoto XB Evo frost-free lens heating system before and after activation.
The XB Evo lens heating system helps reduce snow and ice buildup while driving in cold conditions. However, it does not melt heavy snow accumulation from overnight storms.
The system only activates when the ambient temperature reads 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
To activate the heater:
Start the vehicle and wait for the welcome sequence to finish
Flash the high beams four times within four seconds
Two flashes indicate full activation. One flash indicates standby mode because conditions have not been met.
The system monitors itself automatically and cycles as needed until you turn the vehicle off or manually disable the heater by flashing the high beams four times again.
Step 11: Use the Morimoto XBT App for RGB Control
The Morimoto XBT app allows full Bluetooth control of XRGB Evo headlights, including color selection, effects, and brightness.
Download the Morimoto XBT app and follow the on-screen pairing instructions. Set the app output to one.
To switch from RGB mode to white daytime running lights, slide the tone bar on the right side fully upward. Do not use the on-off toggle in the bottom left, as that shuts off the controller and requires cycling the vehicle ignition.
Each time you start the vehicle, the system defaults to the last selected DRL color.
Morimoto XB Evo Headlights Installed: Final Thoughts
A 2009–2018 Ram HD equipped with Morimoto XB Evo headlights featuring amber daytime running lights and a modern LED beam pattern.
Installing Morimoto XB Headlights on a 2009–2018 Dodge Ram requires patience, attention to detail, and proper preparation. When installed correctly, these headlights deliver excellent visibility, modern styling, and long-term reliability.
If any step feels unclear or uncomfortable, professional installation remains the safest option. Once complete, enjoy the improved performance and refined appearance of your Morimoto XB Headlights.
Stay up-to-date with all automotive lighting news at: https://blog.betterautomotivelighting.com/
John Tobias, Headlight Junkie and Industry Veteran
Before managing pricing and product categories for the DLG brands, John worked directly with customers in customer service and tech support, then spent several years in marketing creating content like this and the videos published online. Today he takes more than ten years of aftermarket automotive lighting experience to events all over the USA, meeting customers and talking to real people about what they care about. He is focused on understanding the market, the trends, the big players, and what matters to lighting enthusiasts. John has tested thousands of lights, works directly with lighting engineers to evaluate the technical performance behind every recommendation, and is one of the foremost experts on everything happening in the world of aftermarket automotive lighting. LinkedIn
