PX1 Ford Ranger - Do I require canbus?

2014-2015 PX1 Ford Ranger/ 2011-current BT50

We receive many questions relating to the sensitive nature of the Ford Ranger/ BT50 BCM (body control module) and the headlight system. We hope to answer some of those concerns below.

There is quite a bit of scaremongering on social media and websites regarding fitting LED headlights into a Ford Ranger/ BT50. The Ranger is a very popular model, and hence gets spoken about endless amounts (headlights almost on a daily basis). A headlight conversion is very successful and will not affect the vehicle whatsoever if the correct information and guidance are sort.

The PX1 2011-2013 does not require an additional CANBUS decoder with our LED kit, however, the 2014-2015 Ranger had an electrical update through the BCM (Body Control Module), which then required the use of a H4 Canbus decoder to alleviate any vehicle codes.

The decoder allows the BCM to see a load on the system which is consistent with a standard H4 halogen globe. If the BCM does not see the appropriate load, it will not allow power down the headlight wires. This is pretty silly as the same thing happens when you blow a standard halogen globe.

Once the BCM trips and stops allowing power down the headlight wires, a code will be raised and will need to be cleared via an OBD scanner. If you don’t have a scanner available, this will need to be done by your local mechanic or Ford/Mazda dealership.

The entire range (2011-current) Mazda BT50 will require the H4 Canbus decoder.

If you have already fitted a set of LED globes to the aforementioned Ranger and BT50 and find they do not work, you are able to buy our H4 CANBUS decoder to plug in the interim, however, the headlight code WILL need to be cleared from the BCM through the OBD port to resume function.

H4 Canbus decoder can be found here

Ford Ranger headlight conversion available here

To view headlight conversion kits for your specific vehicle, click here