2016–2018 Honda Pilot EX, EX-L & Touring to 2019 Factory Elite/Touring Full LED Headlight Conversion Guide
The 2016–2018 Honda Pilot was available with several different factory headlight configurations depending on trim level. While the EX, EX-L, and Touring models were equipped with factory halogen low and high beam headlights with LED daytime running lights, the 2019 Honda Pilot Elite and Touring introduced premium Full LED headlight assemblies.
Many owners of 2016–2018 Pilot EX, EX-L, and Touring models choose to upgrade to these factory Full LED headlights for their modern appearance and improved lighting performance.
One of the most common questions is:
Can you install 2019 Honda Pilot Elite/Touring Full LED headlights on a 2016–2018 Honda Pilot EX, EX-L, or Touring?
The answer is yes, but replacing the headlights alone is not enough.
Although the 2019 Full LED headlights physically fit the vehicle, the wiring differs between the original halogen/LED DRL system and the newer Full LED assemblies. A headlight adapter harness is required to properly adapt the factory wiring while maintaining a clean, plug-and-play installation.
This guide explains why the wiring is different, how a plug-and-play headlight adapter harness works, and what to verify before beginning your upgrade.
Why Upgrade to 2019 Factory Full LED Headlights?
The 2019 Honda Pilot Elite and Touring Full LED headlights provide one of the most noticeable factory appearance upgrades available for the third-generation Pilot.
Many owners perform this conversion because it offers:
- Modern factory appearance
- Full LED low and high beam lighting
- Improved nighttime visibility
- OEM fit and finish
- Factory-quality installation
Using genuine Honda Full LED headlight assemblies gives the Pilot a premium appearance while maintaining original factory styling.
Why Aren't the 2019 Full LED Headlights Plug and Play?
Although the 2019 factory Full LED headlights physically mount to the vehicle, the electrical system differs from the earlier headlight configuration.
The 2016–2018 EX, EX-L, and Touring models use factory halogen low and high beams with LED strip daytime running lights, while the 2019 Elite/Touring headlights utilize a different wiring layout designed for Full LED operation.
Without the proper headlight adapter harness, the newer headlights are not designed to operate correctly with the factory wiring.
A vehicle-specific adapter harness bridges these electrical differences while preserving the vehicle's original wiring.
What Does the Headlight Adapter Harness Do?
A plug-and-play headlight adapter harness connects the factory wiring to the 2019 Honda Pilot Elite/Touring Full LED headlight assemblies.
Rather than modifying the factory wiring, the harness adapts the electrical connections so the newer headlights operate properly with the original electrical system.
Depending on the application, the harness is designed to:
- Adapt the factory connectors
- Correct the wiring layout
- Preserve the factory wiring
- Eliminate cutting and splicing
- Support proper OEM Full LED headlight operation
Because the harness is designed specifically for this conversion, installation is cleaner and more reliable than modifying the factory wiring yourself.
Compatible Factory Headlight Configuration
This adapter harness is designed only for a specific factory lighting configuration.
Compatible vehicles must be equipped with:
- Factory halogen low beam headlights
- Factory halogen high beam headlights
- Factory LED strip daytime running lights (DRLs)
If your vehicle uses a different factory headlight system, this harness is not compatible.
Verifying your original headlight configuration before purchasing is essential for proper fitment.
Built for an OEM-Style Installation
Every adapter harness is assembled using quality automotive components designed for long-term durability.
Features include:
- OEM-style connectors
- High-quality automotive wiring
- Secure weather-resistant connections
- Plug-and-play installation
- Fully reversible installation
- No permanent wiring modifications
This provides a clean installation that closely matches the appearance of the factory wiring while helping protect the electrical connections from moisture and road debris.
Designed Only for Compatible Pilot Models
This adapter harness is designed only for:
- 2016 Honda Pilot EX
- 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L
- 2016 Honda Pilot Touring
- 2017 Honda Pilot EX
- 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L
- 2017 Honda Pilot Touring
- 2018 Honda Pilot EX
- 2018 Honda Pilot EX-L
- 2018 Honda Pilot Touring
It is not compatible with:
- 2016–2018 Honda Pilot LX models
- 2016–2018 Honda Pilot Elite models
- 2019 and newer Honda Pilot models
- Vehicles with a different factory headlight configuration
- Aftermarket headlights with different wiring or pin configurations
- Other headlight styles not listed in this description
Selecting the correct harness for your factory lighting configuration is essential for proper operation.
Why Choose a Plug-and-Play Installation?
Many headlight conversions require cutting factory wiring, repinning connectors, or fabricating custom adapters.
A plug-and-play headlight adapter harness eliminates permanent wiring modifications by connecting directly to the factory electrical system.
Benefits include:
- No cutting or splicing
- Factory wiring remains intact
- Cleaner installation
- Easier future servicing
- Professional OEM-style fit and finish
- Fully reversible installation
Keeping the original wiring intact also makes future maintenance much easier if the headlights ever need to be removed or serviced.
Installation Overview
Installing the adapter harness is straightforward.
The basic installation process includes:
- Remove the factory headlights.
- Connect the adapter harnesses to the factory vehicle connectors.
- Connect the 2019 Honda Pilot Elite/Touring Full LED headlight assemblies.
- Reinstall the headlights.
- Test all lighting functions before completing the installation.
Because the harness is plug and play, no permanent wiring modifications are required.
What This Harness Fits
This headlight adapter harness is designed for:
Honda Pilot EX
- 2016 Honda Pilot EX
- 2017 Honda Pilot EX
- 2018 Honda Pilot EX
Honda Pilot EX-L
- 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L
- 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L
- 2018 Honda Pilot EX-L
Honda Pilot Touring
- 2016 Honda Pilot Touring
- 2017 Honda Pilot Touring
- 2018 Honda Pilot Touring
The harness is intended for vehicles originally equipped with factory halogen low beam and high beam headlights with LED strip DRLs that are being upgraded to 2019 factory Honda Pilot Elite/Touring Full LED headlight assemblies.
Before You Purchase
Before ordering your adapter harness, verify the following:
- Your vehicle is a 2016–2018 Honda Pilot EX, EX-L, or Touring
- Your vehicle has factory halogen low beams, factory halogen high beams, and factory LED strip DRLs
- You are installing 2019 factory Honda Pilot Elite/Touring Full LED headlight assemblies
- Your replacement headlights use OEM connector pinouts
Taking a few minutes to verify these details helps ensure you receive the correct harness for your conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to cut or splice any wires?
No. This is a plug-and-play headlight adapter harness that installs using the factory connectors without modifying the original wiring.
Will this work on a Honda Pilot LX?
No. This harness is not compatible with 2016–2018 Honda Pilot LX models.
Will this work on a Honda Pilot Elite?
No. Vehicles originally equipped with factory Elite headlights use a different headlight configuration and are not compatible with this harness.
Will this work on 2019 or newer Honda Pilot models?
No. This harness is intended only for 2016–2018 Honda Pilot EX, EX-L, and Touring models.
Will this work with aftermarket LED headlights?
Only if the headlights use the same OEM wiring and connector configuration. Aftermarket headlights with different wiring or pin configurations are not compatible.
Are the headlights included?
No. The kit includes one left and one right headlight adapter harness. The 2019 factory Honda Pilot Elite/Touring Full LED headlight assemblies are sold separately.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading a 2016–2018 Honda Pilot EX, EX-L, or Touring to 2019 factory Honda Pilot Elite/Touring Full LED headlights is one of the best factory-style lighting upgrades available for the third-generation Pilot. The newer Full LED headlights provide a premium appearance, improved visibility, and OEM-quality fitment.
Because the original halogen/LED DRL system and the 2019 Full LED system use different wiring layouts, a vehicle-specific headlight adapter harness is required to properly adapt the electrical connections while preserving the original factory wiring.
With a plug-and-play design, OEM-style connectors, high-quality automotive wiring, secure weather-resistant connections, and a fully reversible installation, this adapter harness provides a clean and dependable solution for upgrading your Honda Pilot to genuine 2019 Elite/Touring Full LED headlights.
