Thread: LED Replacement Bulbs

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I really want to like LED bulbs for direct replacement of their incandescent equals. Aside from the high output headlights, my 2010 Navigator has 20 plus exterior bulbs. I thought it would be a great upgrade to replace them with LEDs. I watched several YouTube videos concerning the need for resistors in the flashing circuit(s) and purchased nice resistors housed in sexy orange colored aluminum. I very carefully mounted such behind the housings in the stop/tail light assemblies and they have performed flawlessly for the stop/tail signal functions at the rear of the vehicle.

All of the other lamps should have been a straight remove and replace and forget about them forever application – Nay, nay my friend. No matter what the price paid, I have nothing good to say about the LEDs that are marketed as “automotive quality” devices. Aside from the backup lights (which are rarely illuminated – very bright I might add) all of the others have failed miserably. As a part of installation, I cleaned each socket to bright brass and applied liberal amounts of dielectric grease yet after less than six months, most of them have failed.

Any thought or experiences to share?

I installed leds in the tach housing, speedometer housing and the center console in my 76 Vette. The ones in the tach and speedometer housings are not near as bright as the ones in the center console. I don't believe there is a problem with the bulbs but rather a ground issue. Come spring I'll pull the left dash pad and install a dedicated ground and the should solve the problem.

I have also used them successfully on interior applications and you are correct about the ground - in your case having to be direct as there's a lot fiberglass in the Vette..

Nay Nay My Friend! rotflmao... I put LED's in the rear lenses of the coupe, I don't really like the multiple dots but they are brighter... I left incandescent in the front so no need for resistors or special flashers..