16 replies to this topic

[Wreelybro]

Need to replace my number plate bulbs but would rather upgrade to LED ones.

Has anyone done this already and if so what LED's did you use?

Found these but not sure which ones would be best?

UltraLed


Cheers

Matty

[fezzasus]

Don't use that type - i've used a set as sidelights and the solder melted off which made the whole PCB containing the LED fall off into the light housing.Try to find some which are enclosed lights.

[Wreelybro]

Don't use that type - i've used a set as sidelights and the solder melted off which made the whole PCB containing the LED fall off into the light housing.Try to find some which are enclosed lights.

Cheers any in mind?

[fezzasus]

Anything with a casing like these will do: http://www.ebay.co.u...#ht_2966wt_1195

[Wreelybro]

Do I need to worry about the CANBUS bulb warning?

[-Dab-of-Oppo-]

Do I need to worry about the CANBUS bulb warning?

No not on the VX. I have some similar to the ebay link ones and they have been fine, do not stay lit with residual current and don't give errors or any other weird behaviour.

[Wreelybro]

Ordered!! -Thanks for the info fellas

[derby-vx220]

I normally use fizzmo on eBay for all my lighting.

[Wreelybro]

I normally use fizzmo on eBay for all my lighting.

Yeah saw them cheap as well

[H1 HWK]

Confirmed, they will work fine and give it a nice clean white glow. Probably have to change them a bit more frequently than filament lamps though as they aren't built last.

[fezzasus]

Confirmed, they will work fine and give it a nice clean white glow. Probably have to change them a bit more frequently than filament lamps though as they aren't built last.

How did you work that one out?

Typical lifespan of an incandescent bulb - 2000 h
typical lifespan of an LED bulb - 25,000 h

[Arno]

typical lifespan of an LED bulb - 25,000 h

With a proper LED controller that controls both the voltage and (most importantly on LED's!) the amps through the LED units. The best usually is a pulsed setup as moest OEM LED lights use. (also gives a nice option to get multiple brightness levels by varying the duty-cycle)

Most cheapo 'direct replacement' LED bulbs sold for cars make do with a simple resistor and capacitor setup (if even that!) and this usually over-loads the LED's when the car is running and the alternator is pumpung out 14V as they spec them for 12V... Also often the wrong kind of LED's are used which are not tolerant to vibrations.

Both issues mean that LED 'bulb replacements' often die (starting with some flickering) quite rapidly.

Bye, Arno.

[sford]

Friend of mine with a 350z (I know, different car etc) has been sticking led bulbs where he can on his car. He gets through about 4 sets of number plate bulbs a year, they work fine for a while then they start flickering. To be honest, just buy some normal ones and be done with it. Rather fit and forget than spend every few months taking the car apart/add to the list of bits that need taking apart regularly! I bought some led side lights for my vx but never got round to fitting them, looked at it and thought it's not worth the hassle!

[Wreelybro]

Cheers Arno good info.

[Wreelybro]

Sford - I'm not bothered about changing nuberpate lights every now and then its only 4 screws. I too have a mate that changed all the lights even in the dash switches on his 350. Must be a Nissan thing lol.

[Tom220SC]

I got mine off fleabay aswell they are the same as the interior light bulb which I also changed with the same type!

[H1 HWK]

Confirmed, they will work fine and give it a nice clean white glow. Probably have to change them a bit more frequently than filament lamps though as they aren't built last.

How did you work that one out?

Typical lifespan of an incandescent bulb - 2000 h
typical lifespan of an LED bulb - 25,000 h

Experience....ebay stuff is made to price, then function, then durability. Just like Arno said, led's are much better when properly matched to the end application, but China man make cheap, the end (hope my recent alloy rad from the East is decent and lasts a while?). As long as you treat it as cheap & cheerful you won't be too disappointed. Don't mind changing mine a couple of time a year as they give off a much cleaner looking glow. Don't be fooled by thinking that something you buy from a UK supplier for five times the price will be five times as good, often the same stuff marked up for people who either need it now, or don't look further than M&S to buy pies from