LEDs as plate bulbs
Thread Starter
Premium Member
Joined: 08-09-2012
Posts: 1,979
From: Cambridge, Ontario , Canada
LEDs as plate bulbs
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?
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?
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,984
From: Welland,Ont Canada
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
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,483
From: Fredericksburg,VA
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.
If you want to make it blink then you need a resistor and a capacitor.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,984
From: Welland,Ont Canada
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.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-29-2013
Posts: 112
From: Strathmore
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
Senior Member
Joined: 08-06-2007
Posts: 359
From: Edison, NJ
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.
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.
