Ford Transit Custom TC-X LED Headlight Bulb Fitting Guide
This guide covers the Xenons Online TC-X LED headlight bulb installation for the Ford Transit Custom. Use the buttons below to jump to the correct guide for your vehicle.
Ford Transit Custom Pre Facelift 2013–2016
Installation Guide
What you'll need
- XenonsOnline H7 TC-X LED headlight bulbs
- Canbus decoder (included)
- Wiring loom (included)
- Torx T30 screwdriver
- 8mm socket or spanner
- 13mm socket or spanner
- Flat screwdriver
- Ignition switched off throughout
Installation steps
Step 1 — Remove the headlight
Remove the headlight unit from the vehicle. This requires two T30 Torx screws to be removed — one from the top of the headlight on the inner wing, and the other from the front right-hand side of the headlight beside the grille.
Step 2 — Remove the wiring harness
Disconnect and remove the existing wiring harness from the headlight. The easiest way to do this is by inserting a flat screwdriver into the gap on top of the connector at the back. Once inserted, gently twist and you will hear a click. Pull the connector off.
Pro tip — While the headlight connector is off, clean both the connector and headlight socket and apply a small amount of lubrication. The back of the headlights are often exposed to the elements, which can make removing them tricky if not maintained.
Step 3 — Remove the headlight cap
Undo the larger cap on the back of the headlight by unscrewing it counter-clockwise. If your headlight housing has a rubber cap, simply pull it off using the tab.
Step 4 — Fit the LED bulb collar
Remove the collar from the LED bulb by gently twisting it. Install the collar into the headlight, paying attention to the locating tab and the recess on the headlight itself.
Step 5 — Insert the bulb
Insert the bulb into the collar, making sure the wire points downwards toward the 6 o'clock position. Failing to do this will result in an irregular beam pattern.
Step 6 — Connect the canbus decoder
Connect one side of the canbus decoder wiring to the van's headlight connector and the other side to the LED bulb. Pay close attention to the + and − markings on both the bulb plug and the decoder plug to ensure correct polarity.
Step 7 — Install the wiring loom
The wiring loom is included with your bulbs. Connect the loom to the canbus decoders. The red wire connects to the battery terminal under the bonnet and the black wire connects to the earth point on the inner wing.
Step 8 — Remove the rubber grommet
Remove the rubber grommet to allow the wiring loom to connect to the decoder.
Step 9 — Attach the wiring loom
Feed the wiring loom across the slam panel and attach it securely.
Step 10 — Connect the red wire to the battery
Route the red wire to the battery terminal under the bonnet and connect it securely.
Step 11 — Connect the black wire to earth
Connect the black wire to the earth terminal on the inner wing. You will see multiple other wires already attached to the same point.
Step 12 — Route and tidy the wiring
Once everything is connected, tuck all wiring away neatly. Cut a small V into the bottom of the rubber cap, then feed the wiring loom out of the headlight across to the other headlight and cable tie it securely into place.
Pro tip — Most people find tucking the wiring and decoder inside the headlight and passing just one cable out through the cut-out to be the neatest method. Decoders can be mounted either way, inside or out.
Step 13 — Reinstall the headlight
Carefully place the headlight back into position and clip the wiring back into the metal spring clip.
Step 14 — Refit the T30 Torx bolts
Refit and tighten the T30 Torx bolts to secure the headlight unit.
Frequently asked questions
How long does installation take?
Allow around 45 minutes for the full installation on the Pre Facelift model due to the additional wiring loom and canbus decoder setup.
Why does this version need a canbus decoder?
The 2013–2016 Transit Custom has a different electrical system to the facelift model. The canbus decoder prevents error messages and ensures the bulbs communicate correctly with the vehicle's electronics.
What if my bulbs don't work after installation?
Check the polarity on the bulbs and canbus decoders — each connector is marked + or −.
Do I need any additional parts?
No. The canbus decoder and wiring loom are included with your XenonsOnline TC-X bulbs.
Need the bulbs? Shop Ford Transit Custom Pre Facelift lighting →
Ford Transit Custom Pre Facelift 2017–2018
Installation Guide
What you'll need
- XenonsOnline H7 TC-X LED headlight bulbs
- H7 TC-X Canbus Decoder (Included)
- Torx T30 screwdriver
- Flat screwdriver
- Ignition switched off throughout
Installation steps
Step 1 — Remove the headlight
Remove the headlight unit from the vehicle. This requires two T30 Torx screws to be removed — one from the top of the headlight on the inner wing, and the other from the front right-hand side of the headlight beside the grille.
Step 2 — Remove the wiring harness
Disconnect and remove the existing wiring harness from the headlight. The easiest way to do this is by inserting a flat screwdriver into the gap on top of the connector at the back. Once inserted, gently twist and you will hear a click. Pull the connector off.
Pro tip — While the headlight connector is off, clean both the connector and headlight socket and apply a small amount of lubrication. The back of the headlights are often exposed to the elements, which can make removing them tricky if not maintained.
Step 3 — Remove the headlight cap
Undo the larger cap on the back of the headlight by unscrewing it counter-clockwise. If your headlight housing has a rubber cap, simply pull it off using the tab.
Step 4 — Remove the original bulb wiring
Remove the wiring connector from the back of the original halogen bulb.
Step 5 — Remove the original bulb
Undo the spring clips by pushing in and then sliding sideways. If your headlight doesn't have spring clips, gently pull the bulb downwards and it should pop out.
Pro tip — If your headlight has no spring clips and the halogen bulb is difficult to remove, reattach the wiring connector and use it for leverage.
Step 6 — Fit the LED bulb collar
Remove the collar from the LED bulb by gently twisting it. Install the collar into the headlight, paying attention to the locating tab and the recess on the headlight itself. If your headlight uses spring clips, return them to their original position by squeezing them against the collar and releasing. The collar should now be secure.
Step 7 — Insert the bulb
Insert the bulb into the collar, making sure the wire points downwards toward the 6 o'clock position. Failing to do this will result in an irregular beam pattern. If needed, the beam pattern can be adjusted slightly by rotating the bulb in either direction until you achieve the best result.
Step 8 — Connect the bulb and TC-X decoder
Take the LED 2-pin connector and connect it to the 2-pin female end of the TC-X decoder. Then take the 2-pin connector on the TC-X decoder and connect it to the 2-pin female connector on the van.
Pro tip — Pay attention to the polarity on the LED bulb connector, which is marked + and −. On the TC-X decoder, red is + and black is −. On the van side, + is red and − is brown.
Step 9 — Replace the cap
Once you're happy that everything is working correctly, replace the cap or cover on the back of the headlight.
Step 10 — Reconnect the wiring harness
Reconnect the main headlight wiring harness.
Step 11 — Reinstall the headlight
Reinstall the headlight unit using the two T30 Torx screws.
Frequently asked questions
How long does installation take?
Even with removing the headlight, most installations take around 15–20 minutes per side.
What do I do with the wiring?
Most people tuck any excess wiring or drivers neatly inside the headlight housing before refitting the cap.
What if my bulbs don't work after installation?
The bulbs are polarity sensitive. Rotate the plug connected to the bulb or decoder 180° and try again.
Do I need a canbus decoder?
Yes. The 2017–2018 Pre Facelift model requires the TC-X decoder included with your bulbs. Follow Step 8 carefully to ensure correct polarity.
Are these plug and play?
Yes, once the decoder is connected as described in Step 8, the installation is straightforward.
Need the bulbs? Shop Ford Transit Custom Pre Facelift lighting →
Ford Transit Custom Facelift 2018–2023
Installation Guide
What you'll need
- XenonsOnline H7 TC-X LED headlight bulbs
- Torx T30 screwdriver
- Flat screwdriver
- Ignition switched off throughout
Installation steps
Step 1 — Remove the headlight
Remove the headlight unit from the vehicle. This requires two T30 Torx screws to be removed — one from the top of the headlight on the inner wing, and the other from the front right-hand side of the headlight beside the grille.
Step 2 — Remove the wiring harness
Disconnect and remove the existing wiring harness from the headlight. The easiest way to do this is by inserting a flat screwdriver into the gap on top of the connector at the back. Once inserted, gently twist and you will hear a click. Pull the connector off.
Pro tip — While the headlight connector is off, clean both the connector and headlight socket and apply a small amount of lubrication. The back of the headlights are often exposed to the elements, which can make removing them tricky if not maintained.
Step 3 — Remove the headlight cap
Undo the larger cap on the back of the headlight by unscrewing it counter-clockwise. If your headlight housing has a rubber cap, simply pull it off using the tab.
Step 4 — Remove the original bulb wiring
Remove the wiring connector from the back of the original halogen bulb.
Step 5 — Remove the original bulb
Undo the spring clips by pushing in and then sliding sideways. If your headlight doesn't have spring clips, gently pull the bulb downwards and it should pop out.
Pro tip — If your headlight has no spring clips and the halogen bulb is difficult to remove, reattach the wiring connector and use it for leverage.
Step 6 — Fit the LED bulb collar
Remove the collar from the LED bulb by gently twisting it. Install the collar into the headlight, paying attention to the locating tab and the recess on the headlight itself. If your headlight uses spring clips, return them to their original position by squeezing them against the collar and releasing. The collar should now be secure.
Step 7 — Insert the bulb
Insert the bulb into the collar, making sure the wire points downwards toward the 6 o'clock position. Failing to do this will result in an irregular beam pattern. If needed, the beam pattern can be adjusted slightly by rotating the bulb in either direction until you achieve the best result.
Step 8 — Connect the bulb
Plug the bulb into the van's headlight bulb connector. This plug has black wires only. If the bulb doesn't work after plugging in, unplug it, rotate 180° and try again. Always do this with the ignition off. If you accidentally connected it with the ignition on, cycle the ignition off and back on for the bulbs to activate.
Step 9 — Replace the cap
Once you're happy that everything is working correctly, replace the cap or cover on the back of the headlight.
Step 10 — Reconnect the wiring harness
Reconnect the main headlight wiring harness.
Step 11 — Reinstall the headlight
Reinstall the headlight unit using the two T30 Torx screws.
Frequently asked questions
How long does installation take?
Even with removing the headlight, most installations take around 15–20 minutes per side.
What do I do with the wiring?
Most people tuck any excess wiring or drivers neatly inside the headlight housing before refitting the cap.
What if my bulbs don't work after installation?
The bulbs are polarity sensitive. Rotate the plug connected to the bulb 180° and try again.
Do I need a canbus decoder?
No. The TC-X is canbus safe and does not require an additional adaptor on the Ford Transit Custom Facelift.
Are these plug and play?
Yes, as simple as removing the old H7 halogen bulbs and replacing with our H7 TC-X LEDs.
Need the bulbs? Shop Ford Transit Custom Facelift lighting →