Can we install LED tail light bulbs without issue?
#1
Can we install LED tail light bulbs without issue?
I tried searching for the answer as I'm sure this has been covered. But as we know you cant search three letter words (LED).
I need to get brighter tail lights. I found some that will do the trick. The question is will these bulbs need a different relay, resistor, ect ect??? I remember when I installed LED on my old blazer I had to get a special relay so they wouldnt blink super fast as if a bulb was burnt out.
I need to get brighter tail lights. I found some that will do the trick. The question is will these bulbs need a different relay, resistor, ect ect??? I remember when I installed LED on my old blazer I had to get a special relay so they wouldnt blink super fast as if a bulb was burnt out.
#3
"I tried searching for the answer as I'm sure this has been covered. But as we know you cant search three letter words (LED)."
I just did! The site software changed a few months ago. I did lower case, maybe that's why.
I just did! The site software changed a few months ago. I did lower case, maybe that's why.
#4
Ahhhh I see now. If you use the new main search bar then you can search three letter word. I did my search within the Appearance/modification discussion sub forum, which you still can't search 3 letter words. That main search bar at the top is basically a google search filtered to this site only. I search the sub forums mainly so I don't have to sift through a ton of useless threads.
#5
You need load resistors when using LED turn signal bulbs in the HHR.
Look at this:
How to Install Load Resistors for LED Turn Signal Lights
Earlier cars had a signal flasher that you changed out for one that had the load resistor built in. The HHR doesn't have that, so a load resistor must be used for each LED turn signal bulb used.
As a side note, the load resistor does get hot. It should be mounted to an area that won't melt. Or a bracket can be made to keep it off of a plastic part/area.
Generally a red LED bulb is used with a red tail light lens also.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/image...comparison.jpg
Look at this:
How to Install Load Resistors for LED Turn Signal Lights
Earlier cars had a signal flasher that you changed out for one that had the load resistor built in. The HHR doesn't have that, so a load resistor must be used for each LED turn signal bulb used.
As a side note, the load resistor does get hot. It should be mounted to an area that won't melt. Or a bracket can be made to keep it off of a plastic part/area.
Generally a red LED bulb is used with a red tail light lens also.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/image...comparison.jpg
#6
Thank you for the replies gentlemen.
Very good info here. Much appreciated Catman, thank you!
I did see that red led bulbs were recommended with red lens, and was wondering how much of a difference a white bulb would be. The last link you provided was perfect! It's definitely a big difference. The white bulb makes the tail light look almost pink. Catman, have you installed tail light LEDs on the HHR? Or anybody else? Wondering which other wire I will need to tap into with the load resistor, assuming the ground wire will be either black or green.
You need load resistors when using LED turn signal bulbs in the HHR.
Look at this:
How to Install Load Resistors for LED Turn Signal Lights
Earlier cars had a signal flasher that you changed out for one that had the load resistor built in. The HHR doesn't have that, so a load resistor must be used for each LED turn signal bulb used.
As a side note, the load resistor does get hot. It should be mounted to an area that won't melt. Or a bracket can be made to keep it off of a plastic part/area.
Generally a red LED bulb is used with a red tail light lens also.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/image...comparison.jpg
Look at this:
How to Install Load Resistors for LED Turn Signal Lights
Earlier cars had a signal flasher that you changed out for one that had the load resistor built in. The HHR doesn't have that, so a load resistor must be used for each LED turn signal bulb used.
As a side note, the load resistor does get hot. It should be mounted to an area that won't melt. Or a bracket can be made to keep it off of a plastic part/area.
Generally a red LED bulb is used with a red tail light lens also.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/image...comparison.jpg
I did see that red led bulbs were recommended with red lens, and was wondering how much of a difference a white bulb would be. The last link you provided was perfect! It's definitely a big difference. The white bulb makes the tail light look almost pink. Catman, have you installed tail light LEDs on the HHR? Or anybody else? Wondering which other wire I will need to tap into with the load resistor, assuming the ground wire will be either black or green.
#7
So what LED bulb do you guys think will be the brightest? My tail light lens are nearly blacked out with 3 coats of VHT spray on tint. I need a bulb that will produce nearly twice the brightness of the standard bulb. All the LED I've found are said to only be equal brightness or a little bit brighter than the OEM bulb.
#8
As far as the wiring, one end of the load resistor goes to the signal wire of that tail light socket for the directional/brake light and the other end goes to the ground wire on that socket. The load resistor non directional, so it doesn't matter what end of it gets hooked to what wire on the socket.
Contact Super Bright and ask them your question about the brightness (lumens) of their bulbs getting passed the tint on your lenses.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/
#10
I've done quite a bit of searching for led lights that will be bright enough to work with blacked out taillights and it seems the only bulbs that will do the trick are super expensive. The bulbs that super bright LEDs have won't be enough(even their brightest bulb) based in reviews on different forums from members who have tried them with blacked out tail lights. This is what I'm working with:
Running lights:
I got pulled over by a state trooper and he issued me a "fix it" ticket. So if I do end up going with a bright led and it ends up not being enough then that will be money and time wasted. I'm pretty sure I'm just gonna pull the trigger on these IPCW tail lights so I can just be done with it, no worries. Appreciate all the responses and info, thanks gentlemen.
Running lights:
I got pulled over by a state trooper and he issued me a "fix it" ticket. So if I do end up going with a bright led and it ends up not being enough then that will be money and time wasted. I'm pretty sure I'm just gonna pull the trigger on these IPCW tail lights so I can just be done with it, no worries. Appreciate all the responses and info, thanks gentlemen.