The Ford CL8Z-13E700-AA Ambient Lighting Kit is a factory-approved enhancement for selected Ford models, offering interior lighting customization for users who seek a more personalized driving experience. Designed for integration into the cabin’s lighting system, this kit provides LED lighting in key areas such as footwells and cup holders. However, the kit's installation and functionality have prompted extensive discussion among users, particularly regarding compatibility, wiring, and control features.
This article explores the CL8Z-13E700-AA kit through the lens of user experiences, installation considerations, and technical details gathered from online forums and official part descriptions. It also highlights alternative solutions and common concerns raised by users attempting to retrofit or customize their vehicle’s interior lighting.
Overview of the CL8Z-13E700-AA Kit
The CL8Z-13E700-AA Ambient Lighting Kit is marketed as a genuine Ford OEM part, designed to provide interior lighting in a range of Ford models, including the F-150, Explorer, Mustang, Ranger, Lincoln MKX, MKZ, and Mercury Sable. According to official descriptions, the kit includes LEDs and necessary hardware for installation in the vehicle's interior lighting system. It is available through authorized Ford dealers and online retailers such as FordPartsGiant.com, with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty.
The kit is marketed as a plug-and-play solution for vehicles with existing ambient lighting infrastructure. However, user reports indicate that the installation process and final outcome can vary depending on the vehicle’s trim level and existing lighting configuration.
Installation and Wiring Considerations
Installation of the CL8Z-13E700-AA Ambient Lighting Kit involves connecting the LEDs to the vehicle’s electrical system. While Ford does not provide a publicly available installation manual for this kit, users have shared insights into the process and potential challenges.
One user from the F150Forum community inquired about the recommended circuit to tap into for power. While no official manual was shared, one user noted that the kit is typically plug-and-play for models that already have ambient lighting systems. For lower trim levels without pre-existing ambient lighting, users may need to source and install additional components or use third-party solutions.
Another user, who attempted to install the kit without purchasing the official product, reported that the installation required grounding by removing the driver’s side scuff plate. The process was described as relatively straightforward, though some users expressed concerns about drilling into plastic components for cup holder lighting, which was omitted in some installations.
Functional Features and User Customization
The CL8Z-13E700-AA Ambient Lighting Kit includes LEDs for footwell and cup holder lighting. However, user reports indicate that the kit does not include the “LIMITED” light rings found in higher-trim models. Instead, it provides smaller LED lights, which some users found less aesthetically pleasing compared to factory-installed options.
One of the key functional features of the kit is its ability to integrate with the vehicle’s lighting system. According to one user, the LEDs can be controlled by the vehicle’s body control module (BCM). This integration allows the ambient lights to turn on and off in sync with the vehicle’s automatic headlights, such as when transitioning from daylight to dusk or entering a tunnel.
The BCM pin 18 is highlighted as a critical connection point for the LED kit’s functionality. This pin provides a signal that activates the ambient lights in conjunction with the vehicle’s lighting system. However, accessing this pin is described as challenging due to its location near the fuse box, requiring disassembly of the vehicle’s interior panel and contorting into tight spaces to reach the connection point.
Third-Party Alternatives and Cost Comparisons
For users seeking a more cost-effective or customizable solution, third-party LED kits have been suggested as alternatives to the CL8Z-13E700-AA. One user mentioned the Type S LED Smart Lighting Kit from AutoZone, which offers smartphone control and a lower price point compared to the $249 Ford kit. This type of solution is particularly appealing to users who want greater flexibility in color options, brightness, and control methods.
Another user expressed interest in a self-contained LED system that does not require plugging into the cigarette lighter port, which is common in many third-party kits. While Ford’s CL8Z-13E700-AA is not compatible with all models beyond 2018, third-party options may offer broader compatibility.
Common Installation Challenges and Workarounds
Several users have reported installation challenges with the CL8Z-13E700-AA Ambient Lighting Kit, particularly in vehicles without pre-installed ambient lighting infrastructure. One common issue is the need to wire the LEDs into the vehicle’s existing electrical system. Without an official installation manual, users have had to rely on forum discussions, wire diagrams, and trial-and-error approaches.
One user who attempted to install the kit using Ford’s official instructions noted that the cup holder lighting required drilling into the plastic, which they ultimately avoided. This user emphasized the importance of planning and understanding the vehicle’s internal structure before proceeding with installation.
Another user successfully installed the ambient lighting system using Ford’s instructions but opted not to install the cup holder lights. They reported that the process took approximately two hours, with additional time spent on troubleshooting and wire management.
User Experiences and Customization Options
User experiences with the CL8Z-13E700-AA Ambient Lighting Kit vary depending on the vehicle model and trim level. Some users praised the kit’s seamless integration with the vehicle’s existing lighting system, while others noted limitations in customization and aesthetics.
One user expressed interest in achieving a gradual fade-out effect similar to the courtesy and dome lights after the doors are locked and the alarm is set. While this feature is standard in higher-trim models, it appears to be absent in the CL8Z-13E700-AA kit. This has led some users to seek third-party solutions that offer more advanced lighting behavior.
Customization options for the CL8Z-13E700-AA are also limited compared to third-party LED kits. For example, the Ford kit does not allow users to change the color or brightness of the LEDs, whereas some third-party options offer RGB lighting with smartphone or remote control.
Compatibility and Model-Specific Considerations
The CL8Z-13E700-AA Ambient Lighting Kit is officially compatible with a range of Ford models, including the F-150, Explorer, Mustang, Ranger, and Lincoln models. However, user reports indicate that the kit may not be available for all model years or trim levels.
One user from the ExplorerForum community noted that the kit was available for 2018 models but was no longer available for 2019 models. This suggests that compatibility may be limited to specific production years and vehicle configurations.
For users with lower-trim models, such as the XLT, installing ambient lighting may require additional modifications to the vehicle’s electrical system. Some users have opted for third-party LED kits that offer greater compatibility and ease of installation for these models.
Conclusion
The Ford CL8Z-13E700-AA Ambient Lighting Kit offers a factory-approved method for adding interior lighting to selected Ford models. While the kit is marketed as a plug-and-play solution, installation challenges and compatibility issues have been reported by users, particularly in lower-trim models. The lack of an official installation manual has led users to rely on forum discussions and third-party resources for guidance.
For users seeking greater customization and control, third-party LED kits provide an alternative with features such as smartphone control, RGB lighting, and lower cost. However, these solutions may not integrate as seamlessly with the vehicle’s existing lighting system.
Ultimately, the decision to install the CL8Z-13E700-AA or a third-party solution depends on the user’s vehicle configuration, budget, and desired level of customization.