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Switching to LEDs - anything to watch out for?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Gouda Cheez, Feb 1, 2014.

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  1. Gouda Cheez

    Gouda Cheez Junior Member

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    Hello all, I'm considering switching some of my exterior lights (parking lights, turn signals, and a few others) to LED bulbs. Is there anything I should be concerned about before doing so? I know sometimes LED bulbs can cause problems and I wasn't sure if that was the case for the Prius. Thank you in advance!
     
    #1 Gouda Cheez, Feb 1, 2014
  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    With turn signals, you will get the hyperflashing associated with the low resistance LEDs.

    You can get an LED compatible flasher relay and install it, but it's a PITA to reach the oem relay up and behind the steering wheel.
     
    #2 xliderider, Feb 1, 2014
    sfv41901 likes this.
  3. Gouda Cheez

    Gouda Cheez Junior Member

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    This is great - thank you. Any other input is welcome, too.
     
    #3 Gouda Cheez, Feb 1, 2014
  4. Gouda Cheez

    Gouda Cheez Junior Member

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    With bulbs that run all of the time (ex: parking lights).... is it ok to swap from a regular bulb to an LED?
     
    #4 Gouda Cheez, Feb 1, 2014
  5. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Yes, no problem. Common bulbs converted are parking lights and license plate bulbs.

    SCH-I535
     
    #5 xliderider, Feb 1, 2014
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #6 JimboPalmer, Feb 1, 2014
  7. Gouda Cheez

    Gouda Cheez Junior Member

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    Yes. Was actually considering switching the parking lights in the headlight housing to Amber. Saw a few pictures around here and it looked very nice. Another option would be a 'super white' color to match the HIDs I was (eventually) planning to get. Not trying to go too exotic :)
     
    #7 Gouda Cheez, Feb 1, 2014
  8. MarcSmith

    MarcSmith Active Member

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    to piggy back on this thread.... has anyone switched to 100% LED inside the cabin? I haven't done a search yet but I will...

    Also I have heard that there are some LED bulbs that have the built in resistance so not to get the "quick flash".
     
    #8 MarcSmith, Feb 1, 2014
  9. Gouda Cheez

    Gouda Cheez Junior Member

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    Thought about doing that as well.
     
    #9 Gouda Cheez, Feb 1, 2014
  10. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Amber, yellow, and 6000K bulbs are common for the parking lights. Stay away from red or blue and you'll be ok.

    SCH-I535
     
    #10 xliderider, Feb 1, 2014
  11. Gouda Cheez

    Gouda Cheez Junior Member

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    Thanks. I was thinking amber to match the signals up front and it would provide a nice contrast from the HIDs.
     
    #11 Gouda Cheez, Feb 1, 2014
  12. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    Watch out for Division 16
    Division 16 — Implements of Husbandry​
     
    #12 xpcman, Feb 1, 2014
  13. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Yes, many of us have. I just used vendors that were already convenient to me, without comparing reviews of what others used and reported here. There are very many sources available.
     
    #13 fuzzy1, Feb 1, 2014
  14. Gouda Cheez

    Gouda Cheez Junior Member

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    #14 Gouda Cheez, Feb 2, 2014
  15. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Yes, but for parking lights, maybe not so much. Reason is, parking light bulbs point straight up, those bulbs you linked send most of the light forward. You might want a bulb with some SMD LEDs mounted on the sides for your parking lights.

    SCH-I535
     
    #15 xliderider, Feb 2, 2014
  16. Gouda Cheez

    Gouda Cheez Junior Member

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    #16 Gouda Cheez, Feb 2, 2014
  17. Gouda Cheez

    Gouda Cheez Junior Member

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    #17 Gouda Cheez, Feb 2, 2014
  18. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    I have changed only the interior lights, partly to reduce the risk of a dead 12V battery if something accidentally gets left on. I've done it before on past cars, a friend with a recent new car (not a Prius) was plagued with this issue the entire first week of ownership.

    Your link above is similar to an older style I used for the map and vanity lights. For the door puddle lights, and trunk light in another car, I used something similar to this: 194 LED Bulb - 6 SMD LED Wedge Base DAC
     
    #18 fuzzy1, Feb 2, 2014
  19. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    #19 32kcolors, Feb 2, 2014
  20. Gouda Cheez

    Gouda Cheez Junior Member

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    I've thought about that as well. Looks good. Could always go with the 168/194 ambers in there as well if I wanted to go that route.
     
    #20 Gouda Cheez, Feb 2, 2014
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