LED Mod Thread

[ncphotographer]

The guy at CarQuest just switched the two for me.....didn't charge me anything. Where would I put the load resistors.....just on the turn signal lights or all the lights on the right side of the Trailblazer?

 

[Blckshdw]

Tap into the turn signal and ground wires at the headlight or tail light, on both sides, and put your stock flasher back in place.

 

[ncphotographer]

Tap into the turn signal and ground wires at the headlight or tail light, on both sides, and put your stock flasher back in place.

Thank you sir I will give that a try.

Now a question about the interior LEDs.......

Is this the correct LEDs for the vanity lights......doesn't seem very bright and only a couple of the lights illuminate?

These are the LEDs I have installed over each door.....these don't seem very bright.....is there something better and brighter that just plugs in.....I don't want to do any wiring if I can help it?

And this is the one I have in the cargo area.....same thing, doesn't seem very bright.....anything better and brighter?

 

[Midnyteryder196]

Thank you sir I will give that a try.

Now a question about the interior LEDs.......

Is this the correct LEDs for the vanity lights......doesn't seem very bright and only a couple of the lights illuminate?
http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/ncphotographer/media/photo_zpsf27df942.jpg.html

These are the LEDs I have installed over each door.....these don't seem very bright.....is there something better and brighter that just plugs in.....I don't want to do any wiring if I can help it?
http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/ncphotographer/media/photo2_zps3fe0a12e.jpg.html

And this is the one I have in the cargo area.....same thing, doesn't seem very bright.....anything better and brighter?
http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/ncphotographer/media/photo3_zpsfa392821.jpg.html

I'm not for sure about vanity lights as I have not yet done those.. But if you want bright for all the other lights, I suggest smd panels.. Like these are the ones I'm running now.. http://pages.ebay.com/motors/link/?nav=item.view&id=281301422661&alt=web


After messing around with a 5630 smd strip a little bit I have decided that I'm going to swap mine out for these.. http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=390617044350&alt=web

This is a 5630 smd strip 18" long sitting on my front seat

 

[ncphotographer]

Do you know if they will fit......or will I need to do any modification to make them fit?

(Thanks for fixing my post Blckshdw)

 

[Blckshdw]

Do you know if they will fit......or will I need to do any modification to make them fit?

(Thanks for fixing my post Blckshdw)

A lot of people buy those panels, scroll back a few pages, they've been discussed recently.

For posting images, use the IMG code on your photobucket page. The code will look like this:
[img ](picture URL here) [/img]

 

[ncphotographer]

I'm not for sure about vanity lights as I have not yet done those.. But if you want bright for all the other lights, I suggest smd panels.. Like these are the ones I'm running now.. http://pages.ebay.com/motors/link/?nav=item.view&id=281301422661&alt=web

How do I make these work for my dome lights.....the connection is different........they'll work in the cargo light but the connections are different

 

[Blckshdw]

The answer to your question is in this thread. Just have to take the time to go and look, members have posted pictures.

 

[ncphotographer]

I did go back and look and read......but doesn't matter how many times I look or read, some things I still don't understand......and I just want to make sure before I buy something that isn't gonna work. So I bought this........hopefully I'll make it work if it isn't right.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10X-White-5050-15SMD-Panel-Map-Dome-Interior-Light-1156-Festoon-T10-BA9S-Adapter-/251512925205?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a8f56ac15&vxp=mtr

 

[ncphotographer]

Has anyone done a vanity light mod......or know of a way to get more light output?

 

[djthumper]

Here is what I got for mine and they are bright

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ETCIO8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FKPJJNY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[dmanns67]

I did go back and look and read......but doesn't matter how many times I look or read, some things I still don't understand......and I just want to make sure before I buy something that isn't gonna work. So I bought this........hopefully I'll make it work if it isn't right.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10X-White-5050-15SMD-Panel-Map-Dome-Interior-Light-1156-Festoon-T10-BA9S-Adapter-/251512925205?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a8f56ac15&vxp=mtr

Those will work for your interior lights that take the 194s and also your cargo area that take the festoon type 212 bulb.

Has anyone done a vanity light mod......or know of a way to get more light output?

When you say vanity light mod, are you talking about the light that comes on when you open the cover on the vanity mirror? If so, you can replace those with LEDs as well. Just search EBay for "vanity mirror LED". You will be looking for the fuse type bulb that is 29mm in length.

 

[CDJuda]

Got my LED's in. How do I remove the overhead light? Do they just pop off with enough force?

 

[CDJuda]

Actually got them off nevermind. I'll admit I'm having a hard time removing the bulbs though

 

[gpking]

Got my LED's in. How do I remove the overhead light? Do they just pop off with enough force?

Actually got them off nevermind. I'll admit I'm having a hard time removing the bulbs though

Be careful when taking the lenses off. When I did all of my dome lights one of them recoiled and shot the map light button in to the black abyss that is the headliner. Of course, you can't buy a new button, so I had to get a whole new dome light.

The T10/194 bulbs just pop straight out. If you're having trouble fitting your fingers in, the plastic reflectors come out (I had to drill the reflectors so my LED bulbs would fit in).

 

[dmanns67]

As mentioned in another thread, I had a T10 amber LED burn out in the side marker on my passenger side headlight. I was driving back from Carlisle (1hr 15 min drive) and right before I turned into my neighborhood, the right turn signal indicator light up on the dash and stayed solid.

My mirror turn signal light up and stayed on solid as well, no flashing. I turned on my right turn signal and nothing happned. About 30 seconds later the indicator light on the dash turned off and my right turn signal worked like normal.

I pulled in my driveway, did a walk around of the vehicle, tested the turn signals and noticed the side marker LED was out on the passenger side headlight. It was late so I did not mess with it. All of the other LEDs functioned normally.

Sunday I pulled the socket out of the headlight and found what was left of the LED in the picture below The other half is stuck down in my headlight



I contacted the seller on EBay, dt-autotech to inform them they might have a quality issue with the replacement LEDs that they sent me to replace the first set that burnt out in less than 30 days. I also sent them the same pic and asked for another replacement set. If I keep having these issues with dt-autotech's LEDs, I am definitely going to have to find another vendor.

 

[Mark20]

YOWZER! That thing had to short to generate that much heat.

I got T10/194's off of eBay for the license plate that started burning out LEDs within a month. Bought new ones from SuperBrightLEDs and they've been going for well over a year.

 

[dmanns67]

dt-autotech has already sent me (6) total T10 replacements from my initial order. (2) T10 amber LEDs burnt out in the headlights, (1) melted, (3) T10 white LEDs in the interior lights stopped working, and (1) T10 white LED over the license plate turned into a strobe light. All of this has happened within 45 days. Never had any of these issues with LEDs I bought from vleds.com, but their LEDs keep going up in price.

So far they have been sending me free replacements. Any more issues I will have to check out Super Bright LEDs.

 

[Blckshdw]

That sucks Dave, I got my original 5630 switchbacks from them, but the description in the ad wasn't complete and got the AW style Their customer service getting my RMA was quick, but like your situation, better quality control on the front end would have prevented the need in the first place. Hope they get you squared away man.

 

[ncphotographer]

I'm not for sure about vanity lights as I have not yet done those.. But if you want bright for all the other lights, I suggest smd panels.. Like these are the ones I'm running now.. http://pages.ebay.com/motors/link/?nav=item.view&id=281301422661&alt=web

I got my lights today and I'm attempting to put them in........do I need to remove the metal pieces pictured below?

 

[Midnyteryder196]

I got my lights today and I'm attempting to put them in........do I need to remove the metal pieces pictured below?

I removed mine when I put in actual 194 led bulbs because the bulbs wouldn't fit otherwise.. So u just left them out wen I did the panels and used small zip ties to tie them to the housing

 

[ncphotographer]

I removed mine when I put in actual 194 led bulbs because the bulbs wouldn't fit otherwise.. So u just left them out wen I did the panels and used small zip ties to tie them to the housing

Any chance you have a photo of how you tied them with the zip ties?

 

[ncphotographer]

I got the new LEDs in my interior lighting......man is it bright.......now the dome lights in the DVD player looks so dark compared to the other lights......anybody know if there's an adapter I can get to plug the LED panels into the DVD player......see the pic below........

 

[Mounce]

Those appear to be LEDs. Looks like you'd have to take the unit down, do some disecting and do some de-soldering on the board then solder in the wires for the panels then reassemble.

 

[ncphotographer]

Those appear to be LEDs. Looks like you'd have to take the unit down, do some disecting and do some de-soldering on the board then solder in the wires for the panels then reassemble.

Ugggghhhh, think I'll leave well enough alone......would you happen to know what LEDs they are by the picture......wonder if it'd be possible to get some brighter ones that just plug in like the ones in there now?

 

[Grimor]

i don't know what I'm doing....

firestorm bars on the side of the rails.

http://youtu.be/Qo8UiK2C-M4

 

[Mounce]

Ugggghhhh, think I'll leave well enough alone......would you happen to know what LEDs they are by the picture......wonder if it'd be possible to get some brighter ones that just plug in like the ones in there now?

Looks kinda like the traditional 5mm ones. I'm sure Blckshdw would dive right into that. I, however, wouldn't even look at it wrong in fear of breaking it! Haha.

If you do get into it, I'd recommend upgrading to the panels, it'll be the same amount of labor either way minus mounting the panel in the "compartment" which should be easy. They'll be a lot brighter than the two single LEDs.

 

[Midnyteryder196]

I got the new LEDs in my interior lighting......man is it bright.......now the dome lights in the DVD player looks so dark compared to the other lights......anybody know if there's an adapter I can get to plug the LED panels into the DVD player......see the pic below........

Where are those lights exactly? I don't remember seeing any like that on my DVD player...

 

[ncphotographer]

Where are those lights exactly? I don't remember seeing any like that on my DVD player...

They are the "Dome Lights" on the Audiovox AVXMTG13UA 13.3" DVD player.

 

[ncphotographer]

Looks kinda like the traditional 5mm ones. I'm sure Blckshdw would dive right into that. I, however, wouldn't even look at it wrong in fear of breaking it! Haha.

If you do get into it, I'd recommend upgrading to the panels, it'll be the same amount of labor either way minus mounting the panel in the "compartment" which should be easy. They'll be a lot brighter than the two single LEDs.

I would love to dive inside, but my fear is breaking something as well.....and I can't afford to replace it.

 

[Mounce]

That'd be my exact issue if I was in the situation. We all know the factory electronics cost enough that you could make two payments on the vehicle lol.

I think you'll just have to do some self evaluating and see if you think you're up to it. If you can't talk yourself into it, it's no big deal, you haven't lost anything. You gotta be careful and know your capabilities. Good luck, sir. Maybe Blckshdw will drop by with some kind words. He's always good at assuring people that they're capable of feeding their mod bug.

 

[Blckshdw]

i don't know what I'm doing....
<snip>
firestorm bars on the side of the rails.
<snip>

You know, every once in a while I'll be driving, and wish I had a subtle way to tell a driver in the next lane to GTFO of my blind spot. I think you just provided the solution!! I do have to ask, did you have a specific idea in mind that made you want to put those there? Or just playing around and seeing how things look?

Mike, I really don't understand why you're so apprehensive about this mod. The only way you would break something is if you went bull-in-a-china-shop while taking things apart, or if you left your soldering iron on the circuit board for way too long. Since you've already modded several modules already, I know you won't do either of these things.

My only hesitation (in your shoes) would be if those bulbs ARE LEDs already, there will be inline resistors somewhere on the board, dropping the voltage from 12-14 down to 3.x Therefore the panels would not be very bright either, since they have resistors built into them as well. Easy way to tell, is expose the circuit board and look at the contact pads. If they are LED, there will be a +/- silk screened onto the board. If they are not LED, then mod away.

 

[Grimor]

You know, every once in a while I'll be driving, and wish I had a subtle way to tell a driver in the next lane to GTFO of my blind spot. I think you just provided the solution!! I do have to ask, did you have a specific idea in mind that made you want to put those there? Or just playing around and seeing how things look?

Just trying it out for now, I stuck it there and have a 12V powersupply for testing. I feel obligated to use them someplace since I have it lol. I might put it between the rear bumper and hatch with the left and right stacked. pretty big gap there that needs filled anyway.

It does fit nice on the rails, it just seems a bit.... too much

 

[Sparky]

Hook them up to your turn signals. That would be plenty obvious to people then

 

[Blckshdw]

Just trying it out for now, I stuck it there and have a 12V powersupply for testing. I feel obligated to use them someplace since I have it lol. I might put it between the rear bumper and hatch with the left and right stacked. pretty big gap there that needs filled anyway.

It does fit nice on the rails, it just seems a bit.... too much

Although the gap is big, from ride height, you don't see all that much due to the bumper step pads on the sides. I ended up placing mine too low the first time I put my bar on, had to yank it off and reapply double sided tape to put it back on higher up.

 

[Mounce]

http://pages.ebay.com/motors/link/?nav=item.view&id=301014811028&alt=web

Holy deal! Anyone have any experience with LEDs like these? Are they decently bright?

 

[Blckshdw]

I thought I saw somebody post that they bought some bulbs like these, in white, for something.

 

[Mounce]

I just sent a message to the seller to see if they'd mind sending me 10 white and 10 blue instead of the 20 blue. Blue would be for interior and white for license plate lights.

 

[Blckshdw]

A lot of times, when I've wanted smaller but mixed quantities from the same seller, they have accommodated me. For a request that's that reasonable, I'd expect they hook you up.

 

[Mounce]

Yeah, I don't think they'll have a problem with it since both colors are the same price. I inquired with a different seller once and asked pretty much the same thing and they were fine with it but I never went through with buying from them.