skyline26

Hello everyone,
Ive posted this on facebook as well, but just would like to get some more input on this situation.
I have some LEDs for my license plate bulbs, but they do not last. I have tried different types of LEDs from the cheapy ones found on ebay to more expensive ones from Superbright or ijdmtoy . None seem to last, not sure why.
They will start out bright then about a month or two after they go dim. I have also noticed that if you tap them they go bright again but they fit in really snug so it doesnt seem to be a contact issue.
I have LEDs elsewhere with no problems.

Any ideas on this?
Would sanding/scratching up the contacts in the plug help? or adding dielectric grease?

Oldblue

I had LED's for the license plate bulbs, but they only lasted 6 months then stopped altogether I supposed from the vibration when I closed the back hatch door, I just swapped back to regular bulbs no issues in 2 years

donbrew

If there is already a resistor, then install a higher value one, if none it needs one.

skyline26

arent resistors only needed for blinking lights?

donbrew

LEDs will not work without a resistor(period). If one is not already there, then it is working as an incandescent light (burning itself up). That is a short non-scientific explanation.

If you want to make it blink then you need a resistor and a capacitor.

skyline26

ok good to know, i didnt know that
thanks

Oldblue

resistance is futile, Don!! these little LED lights are supposed to be plug and play, the same bulbs have worked for 4 1/2 years in my rear view mirror lights, and my side marker lamps front and rear, but only a few months in the license plate bulb sockets.

Britjoe

I put LEDS in my Number Plate and resistors aren't needed they offer a brighter white light and I haven't had any problems so far, if you go to Amazon you can get a bag of ten of them with free shipping for under $10 and if they go in six months through in another

kornellred

LED's are semiconductor devices that need current limitation. Resistors are the prevalent way of limiting current in a DC circuit. As long as the current running through an LED does not exceed the maximum allowable current figure for a particular LED, the device will continue to operate for a long, long time.
It is highly likely that LED's manufactured specifically for incandescent bulb replacement in automotive applications have a resistive element built into the plug which guarantees current limitation - or else the installation instructions that come with the device should provide clear guidelines on what is necessary to achieve correct operation.

Britjoe

what he said <---- :)