Hi all

I blew a sidelight recently on my GP 1.4 sporting '56, and thought that I'd give some LED 501 bulbs a try, as I like the modern look of the daytime running lights of recent cars.

Try as I might, the cheap set that I bought on fleabay won't work, I'll plug one side in and it's fine, but as soon as I connect the second they both dim and start flashing!

I put this down to cheap bulbs, so I bought a set for a tenner in Halfords, but to the same end! The techs said if they're doing that then the car doesn't like them. I get an error message on the dash with both sets of bulbs.

Does anyone know why this is or how I can remedy it? Do I need a special type of bulb to suit the canbus system?

Many thanks in advance

Jack

Hi,
The problem is because the system is designed for filament bulbs, not LEDs. Also note that LED replacements for filament bulbs in exterior lights are illegal for road use as they are not (E) marked and approved. See https://www.osram.com/osram_com/tools-and-services/services/faq/automotive-lighting/index.jsp for more info. If it was leagal Osram would be selling them.

Robert G8RPI.

Ok thanks for the advice!