After reading numerous posts about how the 09 XF does NOT come with DRLs, and seeing a few interesting mods in the forums, I decided to give it a try.

First I have to say it is extremely easy to remove the front bumper and grille on the XF. A few bolts on the bottom; a few on the top; and then the whole unit pops out with a little tug on each side to unhook from each quarter panel. Crazy easy!

From here, I added a couple of LED strips just above the silver bezels on the bottom left and right, and then added a strip inside the radiator air intake cavity to illuminate the grille from behind. (see pic)

Lastly, I added an HID conversion kit to match the color of the headlights to the LEDs (not shown in pic).

All of this could have been completed in one weekend, if I had had all of the parts on hand. I was too excited to get started, so I added each mod over 3 weekends as the parts were delivered.

I'll add more pics if anyone is interested in the details.

 

I don't know if I'd be interested in doing it with the grill, but I really like the HID conversion and the lower bezels. What lights did you use? Link maybe?

 

DRLs

 

Thanks!
Where did you wire the DRLs to? I assume it was to an ign wire- did you go all the way back to the fuse box?

 

It's a good look! Can you post some close up pics of the drls to show how you mounted them? And what they look like when the lights are off?

 

Sorry for the delayed reply. I've been out of town on business. Attached is a closeup of the DRL. In short, I cut a notch out of the plastic grille so that the DRL would slide in from the front. I then attached with two screws.

Also attached is a pic of the fuse box in the engine compartment. I had a really hard time finding a 12V switched fuse position that didn't cause any problems when tapped. I settled on this black fuse which is associated to the ignition system. If you use this position, be careful to A) make sure you have a solid contact between the fuse and the slot contacts, and B) reinsert the fuse with the top symbol facing the exact same way before you removed it. If after you tap this fuse the car turns over, but doesn't start, then one of the above must be corrected. Found out the hard way.

 

Nice! What kinda LED did you use for the grille? I considered this a while back but wasn't sure on which lights to use. Also how/what are you powering them to? Do you have them on a rocker switch or do you some how have them synced to the headlights or DRLs? Any pics you could post of the grille LED install would be great! I ran my DRLs to what looks like the same fuse location.

 

Just to be pedantic...that's not a fuse. The electronic symbol ->|- indicates a diode. Only flows current in one direction (funny seeing it in a fuse box, but, then, what the heck), so if you don't put it back the way you removed it, it will prevent the flow of electricity...as you found out. the arrow points in the direction of current flow, by the by.

As to why there's a diode located there...well, I'd have to look at a diagram. But, it's not a fuse.

Just being my typical pedantic self.

 

I just used the blue 15a fuse next to it. Seems to work well anytime the ign is on. I'm finishing up my installation and will post a pic in a bit.

 

Inspired by db2523, I set about looking for the same ones at Pep Boys because I also wanted to see what other options may be available. I went through a lot of lighting kits and settled on this.








The daytime photos don't really do them justice. They're definitely more visible than this.





I had bought a red badge a while back on eBay, but it was bigger than the original. When I shone a light through and actually held it in the port, I realized it would actually mount more-or-less flush. It turned out really good (although I wish the lighting was a bit more even.





A phone's light sensor can only do so much.

 

Ok, somewhat better photos from a better camera.

 

All kinda ricey in my opinion.

 

It looks great to me. When I get extra time, I will try installing something similar. thanks for the great info!

 

Can you tell me exactly what you used for headlights set up they look amazing that is exactly the slight shade of blue I am looking for please send info for low and highbeam setup only so I know what to buy. Thanks so much just a heads up I will be using eBay to purchase. Please be specific example bulb size cobb or led etc...I have a 2009 xd sc with stock hid