Replace turn signals/brake light with LED bulbs

[Pete Munroe]

Tried to replace the tail lights with two LED's I picked up at Pep Boys.

MY ERA has what I would suppose a pretty much standard lighting system and uses 1157 bulbs and bi-metallic type blinker switch.

Problem as far as I can tell is LEDs are so efficient the current draw is TOO LOW to make the turn signal blinker operate. They ARE bright, just won't activate the blinker.

Looked on line and for many applications that didn't have LEDs to start off with, you need to add a resistor in series to increase the current draw. The load is high enough that the resistors have to be tough ones equipped with a heat sink...sort of like a ballast resistor.

With the resistor in series with the light, the current draw is higher, and then the blinker gets hot enough to work.

Besides the expense, when you add the resistor the light output of the LED drops. So the point was what...? Sort of back where you started.

VERY disappointed as the LED are VERY bright when all the power goes to the light, but the resistor apparently drops it way down.

ANy one if there is an "easy solution" like a electronic blinker circuit instead of the old bi-metallic spring?

Research on the web before you spend $40 for 4 LEDs...I have two bulbs for sale...they were $10 each...

PS...my electrical knowledge is limited, so read up. Your situation may be different..

[PoppyMod]

Originally Posted by Pete Munroe

Tried to replace the tail lights with two LED's I picked up at Pep Boys.

MY ERA has what I would suppose a pretty much standard lighting system and uses 1157 bulbs and bi-metallic type blinker switch.

Problem as far as I can tell is LEDs are so efficient the current draw is TOO LOW to make the turn signal blinker operate. They ARE bright, just won't activate the blinker.

Looked on line and for many applications that didn't have LEDs to start off with, you need to add a resistor in series to increase the current draw. The load is high enough that the resistors have to be tough ones equipped with a heat sink...sort of like a ballast resistor.

With the resistor in series with the light, the current draw is higher, and then the blinker gets hot enough to work.

Besides the expense, when you add the resistor the light output of the LED drops. So the point was what...? Sort of back where you started.

VERY disappointed as the LED are VERY bright when all the power goes to the light, but the resistor apparently drops it way down.

ANy one if there is an "easy solution" like a electronic blinker circuit instead of the old bi-metallic spring?

Research on the web before you spend $40 for 4 LEDs...I have two bulbs for sale...they were $10 each...

PS...my electrical knowledge is limited, so read up. Your situation may be different..

Hi,

Check with www.mustangproject.com. They sell two types one is electronic and the other is as noted:

"Our standard electronic kits are silent. However, we have a new flasher module now available MP-FLA-CLICK which gives you that vintage clicking sound!"

Good Luck!