DIY: LED install on interior lights, trunk, and license plate (23 pix)

[giantquesadilla]

Hey everyone. I got some LEDs the other day and installed them. I took pix in case anyone wants to know how. I know there are already a couple of threads about this. I typed this up for another forum and decided it couldn't hurt to post it here. I was able to use an expired license plate, so you can see the before/after shots w/o the numbers being blocked out. I think that helps a little.

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DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR!!
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These are the LEDs I got:
3 Festoon Dome 31mm High Power LED (Xenon White) Bulb [for the interior lights]


2 T10 W5W Flank High Power LED (White) Wedge Bulbs [for the license plate]
(note how they are angled, so the LED points directly down at the plate)


1 168 194 Wide Angle 12 LED (Xenon White) Wedge Bulb [for the trunk light]


Replacing the front interior lights is a fairly simple thing to do. Simply use a screwdriver (coated in duct tape, so you don't scratch your car) to pry off the plastic coverings.

From there, simply remove the old bulb and throw in the new one.

(old LED in place)

(new LED in place)
Before:
(oops. i forgot to take a before picture. I think you know what it looks like though)
After:

Comparison:

(note the gardener on the far right )

Same process with the rear dome light:
before:

after:


To do the license plate, you need to remove the trunk lid covering. There are four clips that you can get off with a phillips-head screwdriver.
Once you remove those, it will look like this:

Remove the wires from the light, by pressing the two side clamps.
Remove the housing from the car, by pressing the other two side clamps.

Old Vs New Light:

Simply pull the old bulb out of the housing and put the new one in.
Here are some comparisons:



and of course the final product:



The trunk light was probably the hardest, because I encountered a few unexpected errors.
The trunk light is fairly simple to remove, but I have heard of a lot of people breaking it so be careful!!! I took a flathead screwdriver and pried it out from the right (passenger) side. After that, you can disconnect the wire and take the whole housing out of the trunk.

The first problem was that the new bulb didn't fit. The bulb housing is specific to the little incandescent bulb. It was no problem though. I simply took some pliers and adjusted the thin-metal housing. (and by adjusting I mean broke off the pieces that center the little bulb). For you visual learners, here's an after pic:

And here is the 9 LED bulb in the housing:


The second issue I had was that once installed, the light didn't shine straight down. It shined in all directions. It was so bright, that light was coming up where my center brake light is. To solve this, I took some aluminum foil and made a reflector. Not only did it stop the extra light from shining through, it also made the trunk brighter.
before:

after (no foil):

after (with foil):


This was a cheap and simple mod. I would recommend it.

[cypress]

good DIY, gonna do the liscense plate mod. cheap and easy.

[J_Bone]

Looking good!

Where did you purchase those?

[J_Bone]

I found them.....

Would this work better for the trunk?? It comes with 24 or 36 LED's.
Or would that be too bright?


T10-PCB-Wxx White LED Lamp
12VDC Wedge Base (9mm 194/168 size) with 1-1/2 inch square circuit board
With 24 or 36 Super White LEDs
Designed for overhead lighting in boats, campers, box trucks, etc.
Wide 100 degree beam pattern

[giantquesadilla]

Not sure. I was going to get something like that, but I decided just to go for a regular bulb (which didn't turn out really great). I don't think it can be too bright . If I were you, I would take measurements and make sure if it would fit inside the little plastic light case in the trunk. If it fits, I would try it.

BTW: I got them off eBay

[JZILLA]

giant could you add a link to where you got them and the part #s cause everytime I try to get them I just end up getting confused with which ones to buy ie how many leds and how many will fit and the sizing changes please help thanks

[squidmaster]

Looks very nice I think I will order mine now!

[giantquesadilla]

Sure no problem. The ebay user is warden_jp (I think he was mentioned on this site or another site in a different thread. maybe not).
This is his eBay store: eBay Store - warden jp2002: White, Multiple LED series, High Power LED series
At the top of my DIY I put all of the names (exactly as he put them) of each LED.
You can use this link to find out the different sized bulbs on your car: OSRAM SYLVANIA - Replacement Guide - Start

I hope that all helps!

[squidmaster]

very nice ordering now :]

[giantquesadilla]

Cool! Post pix when you get them installed. (If you got them from the same eBay member I got them from, the USPS makes you sign for them for some reason so you have to be at home or go to the PO)

[Duce2k]

Great DIY

[giantquesadilla]

thx. By the way, I did not get any 'bulb burnt out' error messages for these LEDs. You may get them if you do headlights, DRLs, brake lights, signals, or side markers though.

[dnv]

Very nice, I'm thinking of getting my dome + maps done soon. Thanks for the DIY.

+REP

[cmv]

I did similar with good results. Nice write up & pictures.

Your tags are VERY expired

[giantquesadilla]

^hahaha. That's not mine. I found that a few years back. I just used it so I wouldn't have to block out my numbers, defeating the purpose of taking the picture.

[giantquesadilla]

UPDATE: One of my License plate LEDs went out the other day. A few days later, it came back on. Today it was working and it turned back off. I took a closer look and the light is a dud. It flickers, and is not nearly as bright as the others. I am going to see if he will give me a replacement. Also, I am working on getting LEDs for the brake lights, side markers, turn signals, and backup lights.

[dtexan]

I purchased some of the LEDs from ebay and had the same problem with the flickering. The best place I have found to purchase these lights is at truck stops they have ever size you need and so far no complaints with quality

[giantquesadilla]

I am finally doing the rest of my bulbs. Here is what I will be buying:
Front Parking Light/ Front Turn Signal: 1157A
Rear Turn Signal: 7440
Tail Light: 168
Stop Light: 7443
Back up Light: 7440
Rear sidemarker: 194

Total:
2X 1157A
4X 7440
2X 168
2X 7443
2X 194
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By the way, the guy who I bought the defective LED from is going to send me a replacement at no charge.
Also, he does not stock 1175A (amber).

[07mugencivic]

sweet

[mojo_jojo77777]

nice diy