LED Front Turn Signals
11-09-2010, 07:02 AM
#1
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Join Date: 02-15-2010
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 1,706
LED Front Turn Signals
I was thinking about maybe buying some LED bulbs from SuperBrightLEDs for my front turn signals. I eventually want to get IPCW tail lights as well and do LEDs all the way around. Would a load resistor type of setup be necessary in the front to avoid the fast blinking?
11-09-2010, 07:33 AM
#2
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Join Date: 01-04-2010
Location: Imported from Detroit
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Yes a resistor is required when doing the front turns. The rear IPCW tail lights have a built in resistor so those don't affect it. Just a bulb swap in the front does.
This larger version for turns (tail light load RL-650)
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...23loadresistor
And a tip on the install of the resistor. They come with a pre-cut on the insulation. If using the splice ins, cut that completely off, before sliding it into the splice connector. Otherwise the wire gets loose and looses contact, therefor the resistor won't work.
As far as the LED themselves...
I tried these first, the 25LED
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...6_57_specs.htm
But they didn't light up worth a darn. So went with these 18 LED towers instead
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...315x-x18-T.htm
They work great!
stock headlight housing
DEPO headlight housing
This larger version for turns (tail light load RL-650)
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...23loadresistor
And a tip on the install of the resistor. They come with a pre-cut on the insulation. If using the splice ins, cut that completely off, before sliding it into the splice connector. Otherwise the wire gets loose and looses contact, therefor the resistor won't work.
As far as the LED themselves...
I tried these first, the 25LED
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...6_57_specs.htm
But they didn't light up worth a darn. So went with these 18 LED towers instead
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...315x-x18-T.htm
They work great!
stock headlight housing
DEPO headlight housing
11-09-2010, 07:35 AM
#3
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Join Date: 07-17-2006
Location: Dallas, GA
Posts: 6,050
I have these and it's a normal flash rate. Load resister not needed.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...8-T.htm#photos
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...8-T.htm#photos
11-09-2010, 07:40 AM
#5
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Join Date: 07-17-2006
Location: Dallas, GA
Posts: 6,050
I initiall did a forward 25 LED similiar to you, didn't need the resister with them either, but the light ouput was too narrow. They were cheap ebay ones. All the rest of my LEDs came from superbrights and just went with them again.
11-09-2010, 07:43 AM
#6
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Join Date: 01-04-2010
Location: Imported from Detroit
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I bought all mine including the 25's (same conclusion on their output aka sucked) and they instantly needed the resistor. All of my LEDs have always been superbrightleds.com. Do you have the IPCW tails as well?
I would say with this insight... just order the 18 led tower unit and install it. If they flash fast, then order the resistors. If not, at least you didn't waste any money. (yes you could return them as well, but still money wasted).
I would say with this insight... just order the 18 led tower unit and install it. If they flash fast, then order the resistors. If not, at least you didn't waste any money. (yes you could return them as well, but still money wasted).
11-09-2010, 07:51 AM
#7
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Join Date: 07-17-2006
Location: Dallas, GA
Posts: 6,050
Yes, I have the IPCW tails. For the markers I'm using the 4 led 194's and single 194 led for the tag lights. Only ones I have changed is the 3rd brake light. So far I haven't found any the fill the cavity and not hot spot.
11-09-2010, 08:58 AM
#9
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Join Date: 02-15-2010
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 1,706
Thanks for your help guys! I think I'm gonna try the 18 LED tower-style bulbs and see if they work without the load resistor. I was looking around town at different auto parts stores to see if anyone carried load resistors. I had originally bought LED bulbs at AutoZone in Green Bay, but I forgot to buy the load resistors with them. Then, I moved to Superior and there are no AutoZones around here. I went to O'reilly, Carquest, Napa, and Advance Auto Parts. None of them had any LED bulbs or resistors at all, and at some of the places, didn't even know what load resistors were. I tried explaining it a little bit, but they said they didn't know what I meant. 
I guess AutoZone is the only place that carries LED stuff. I'm planning on getting IPCWs sooner or later. I like them a lot, but they cost a lot of $$$$. So I decided I'd be happy with LED bulbs for the meantime.
I guess AutoZone is the only place that carries LED stuff. I'm planning on getting IPCWs sooner or later. I like them a lot, but they cost a lot of $$$$. So I decided I'd be happy with LED bulbs for the meantime.