Hello!

I am Japanese and I am posting in this forum to ask for your wisdom from Japan.
I am posting while using a translation tool, so my sentences may not be correct.

I have a Defender, grade 110 S, Japanese launch edition.
The headlights on the launch edition are LED base specs.
I wanted to change them to LED Premium, which is the design icon of the new Defender, so I posted them here.

I understand that I need to configure the vehicle's software to make the change, and I was wondering if anyone here knows how to do this?

 

Welcome @Mack23 . Have you watched the PowerfulUk video series about the Headlights? There are three videos. I think you can get subtitles in Japanese. If so, you will get a lot of help. I'm almost sure in his tests he didn't need to code anything. Good luck!

 

Thank you, GrouseK9.

Yes, I saw the youtube about PowerfulUk's headlights.
After watching that video, I decided to buy the LED premium lights that PowerfulUk sells because I didn't think coding was necessary.
(Used ones that PowerfulUk sells on eBay).

Before purchasing, I contacted them again to confirm that I could use them without any problems, and they replied that I needed to configure the vehicle's software to be compatible with the LED premium lights.

I am not sure how to set up the software, so I asked the question in this forum.

Could you please tell me how to set up the software fair?


My vehicle information and Eng Number is as follows
========================
Model: 3BA-LE72XAA
Grade: 110 S Launch Edition
VIN code: SALEA7AX8L2006640
------------------------------------
Left= L8B2-13W030-AF
Right= L8B2-13W029-AF
========================

Headlight I was thinking of purchasing
========================
Left= L8B2-13W030-DE
Right= L8B2-13W029-DF
========================

 

At this time there are only a couple of companies changing the software (not sure for this particular purpose), and it appears you have to be there in person (vehicle) for the programming. One is in the UK and the other in California, US.

 

Thank you, Trauma.

It seems to be quite difficult to change software in Japan....

Has anyone on this forum changed from base LED lights to LED premium, etc. as I would like?

Huh? I didn't change the software, but it was fine.
I solved it this way.　etc.
I would appreciate it if you could tell me.

 

@Mack23 - Here is a suggestion, contact these guys:+44 (0)1842 267110

https://vulkanautomotive.com/


VULKAN Automotive


Not sure if they would work or can help in Japan, but they had some jobs done remotely here in the US (it involves shipping the hardware to you and some other stuff ).
It is risky if you are not good at it (can brick the vehicle), but...it may be possible.
Try to get a hold of David there.
I am not promoting these guys, but they are the most flexible I have seen so far, and they have good results from what I have seen.
Again, is a risk.
Best of luck to you.

 

Hi Mack23,
were you then able to install the premium headlights?
you could try coding with the new Gap tool, we are testing it in beta phase, surely there are some configurations on the lights to change..

 

Hi, I'm interested in this topic too. I would make a summary of what's now on the table:

1. We are talking about upgrading from Standard to Premium and not to Matrix
2. When chosing the part, one need to pay attention to the region code according to this page otherwise there is a need to update the firmware to the headlight ECU. -> This is not very clear as previously some stated that even if you chose the right region, an update to the firmware of the headlight is still necessary, can someone confirm?
3. After the headlights are prepared (maybe by also installing the properly firmware) and installed, there is a need to update the configuration codes by using a specialised tool (Gap tool)
4. There is one user that reported that he managed to upgrade to premium by using some headlights taken from eBay. I believe that they altered the headlight firmware so it can work with the existing standard configuration - it is possible at least in theory. This would be the fastest route of having the update but are there any downsides?

What we are missing:
1. A clear path to upgrade to Premium. What model should we chose, what are the codes that are to be modified, what are the benefits of following a given path vs other
2. Tools an software to do the ECU firmware upgrade.
3. A path to upgrade to Matrix instead
4. People that can help (for free or with a cost but at our places and not going to a facility)