Replacing Light Bulbs

65cobra1 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 01:50 PM

I tried "Search" here plus the same on another forum but must be using the wrong words.

My tail lights are a little dim and I was told that LEDs will not fit my model. It was suggested that if I switch the flasher to the bottom and the running / tail lights to the top, they might be brighter due to their position.

So, I crawl into the trunk, and yank on the bulb holder...No luck...Tried twisting...same.

I didn't want to force the bulb holders because my usual result is "SNAP!"

Do I have to take off the entire fixture to replace or move the bulb holders around? (It looks like there are two nuts holding it in place)

Suggestions will be very welcome.

Thanks, Ivan

CWizard · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 05:34 PM

Ivan - Two things: 1.Twist the bulb holder CCW, as viewed from inside the trunk, to remove.
2. LED bulbs work fine. Get the red ones.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/specs/115x-xLX3.htm
Jerry

65cobra1 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWizard

Ivan - Two things: 1.Twist the bulb holder CCW, as viewed from inside the trunk, to remove.
2. LED bulbs work fine. Get the red ones.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/specs/115x-xLX3.htm
Jerry

Hi Jerry,
Thanks, now that I know they had to be twisted, I put some muscle on them was able to switch the bulbs. I was told that the factory has a habit of installing the bulb fixtures in reverse which, due to the design of the plastic lens, doesn't work as well as in the reverse.

Surprisingly, after the switch, they appeared to be noticeably brighter.

The reason I couldn't use the LEDs had something to do with the color of the lens. I'm guessing that the lens color frequency will cancel out the frequency emitted by the LED.

I was told this (About the switch and the LED incompatibility) by the honest vendor of the LED bulbs. Guess who is first on my vendor list for any future buys?

I appreciate your help.
Regards, Ivan

RedBarchetta · #4 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 07:02 PM

Ivan, another trick that you can do with the steel SPF bulb receptacles is take them off (easy...two nuts) and paint the insides white. Creates more glare and a brighter glow through the lens.

-Dean #747

GlynMeek · #5 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 08:01 PM

If you use LED's for any kind of 'flashing' unit (e.g. indicator lights), they may not work correctly due to resistance differences between them and regular bulbs , you MAY also have to replace the flasher units (approx $60!!), so just be careful (learned from experience...lol)

Glyn

65cobra1 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

Ivan, another trick that you can do with the steel SPF bulb receptacles is take them off (easy...two nuts) and paint the insides white. Creates more glare and a brighter glow through the lens.

-Dean #747

Hi Dean,
Good idea...If they still are not bright enough during daylight, I'll do that...Easy fix...Thanks,
Ivan

65cobra1 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlynMeek

If you use LED's for any kind of 'flashing' unit (e.g. indicator lights), they may not work correctly due to resistance differences between them and regular bulbs , you MAY also have to replace the flasher units (approx $60!!), so just be careful (learned from experience...lol)

Glyn

Hi Glyn,
That's what I was told when I was checking on the cost of LEDs...Along with the fact that the lens color frequency nullifies the color of the LED.
Thanks,
Ivan