I would like to replace all the external lights (turn light, back up light.. etc) to LED. do i need to install resistor? and where can i find the bulb size for my car? thanks
This Thread may be of some help. I just replace the map lights in the front and the door courtesy lights with the same LED (no resistor required) - direct replacement. I also replaced the dome light with a 6xLED flat SMD. I got them from Amazon. I just searched for "Prius LED".
thanks for the info. but i'm looking for external light.. parking light, turn light and backup lights
You don't need the resistors IF you replace the flasher relay. You can find those Toyota 8-pin relays on e-bay. With that said, I don't know if anyone has actually verified the relays work on the v but they do in the GenIII and I am confident they would in the v.
is it the CF18-08 / Newer Toyotas / 39mm x 33mm x 27mm relay? http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/LED-Flasher-Auto
I really can't speak for the v but the HB uses a "8-pin Toyota relay flasher"... type that into e-bay search and you will see what I mean.
When you ask about resistors, I assume you are planning to use LED replacement bulbs. These contain internal resistors or current limiting electronics. If you roll your own, obviously you need some sort of current limiter or you will fry the LEDs. On the other hand, if you are asking about parallel resistors for the flasher relay, then yes, you will need them, or you will need to replace the flasher with one intended for LEDs. Tom
I believe the bulb sizes are specified in the big fat manual that should have come with your new Prius v. I think I remember seeing them there. (I haven't read through mine yet though...)
so you are saying that if i buy LED replacement bulb online it will contain internal reisistors so i don't need to change the flasher relay? thanks
No, I am not saying that. Replacement bulbs will contain an internal resistor or electronic current limiter to make the LED work properly, but they will not necessarily contain a shunt resistor for the flasher relay. You will need to evaluate the flasher relay on a case by case basis. The difference, for those interested in the details, is that all LEDs require a current limiter to keep from popping like a fuse. Regular incandescent lamps are self-regulating, but not LEDs. LEDs have very little series resistance, and once they reach a threshold voltage, current avalanches through them. The current limiter keeps this avalanche down to a manageable level. Conventional flasher relays contain an internal timer powered by the current going through the relay. Since LEDs typically use very little current, the flasher relay never gets enough juice to operate. One way of fixing this is to attach a parallel shut resistor to the LED, allowing extra current to flow. This is wasteful from an energy standpoint, but the amount of energy is tiny. The other solution is to replace the flasher relay with one that can operate with lower current levels, i.e., one specifically rated for LEDs. Tom
thank you tom for all the detail. but i still have one more question. if i just want to change the parking light (which doesn't flash) to LED, do i still need to change the flash relay? thanks
No, just a simple bulb change will work. The flasher relay is only necessary to make the turn signals flash. Tom
