General LED bulbs

[frankharrison]

I've just started replacing the normal bulbs on my multipla for LED replacements.
I'v changed all except High beam, Low beam, and front Fog/Driving Lamps.
All are working well with the only thing noticed is a speeding up of indicator lamps.
The car seems to be running better as well. Possibly because the lights are not taking as much battery power as before, and therefore electronics componants running better.
My Multi seems to start better as well.

Well HAPPY

Thinking of doing my trailor next

Frank

 

[SGThirkell]

I've just started replacing the normal bulbs on my multipla for LED replacements.
I'v changed all except High beam, Low beam, and front Fog/Driving Lamps.
All are working well with the only thing noticed is a speeding up of indicator lamps.
The car seems to be running better as well. Possibly because the lights are not taking as much battery power as before, and therefore electronics componants running better.
My Multi seems to start better as well.

Well HAPPY

Thinking of doing my trailor next

Frank

Hi Frank,
It's all good
The reason though that the indicators have changed speed is that the indicator circuit is designed to run on the resistance through all the bulb filaments. LED's don't have a similar resistance, as such, and this is why alot of people have had to add a resistor to each LED lamp to make the speed correct. Sounds like you may have got away with it if it's not too fast though.
Like you say, they take alot less current, run cool and last ages longer than a bulb.
Well done.

 

[Jon mabbitt]

Where did you get them from was it off eBay been looking at led bulbs for ages but didn't think much of it till now. Are they any brighter than the bulbs

 

[M1kbee]

Had a quick look and if you want to slow the flashing you need a load resistor.

This explains it quite well:
http://www.ebay.com/gds/Load-Resistor-Use-With-Automotive-LED-Bulbs-/10000000010793386/g.html

Planning on changing all of mine soon.

 

[widemouthfrog]

I've just bought a selection of LED bulbs to try out on my Multipla. I changed the wedge base number plate and boot interior lights, which are very good. Also the brake lights, which are very good as well and don't require a load resistor.

As mentioned, changing over to LED lamps for indicators is a bit more involved. The lack of load that LEDs apply to the conventional flasher relay made mine flash at about twice the rate it would normally, which is an MOT failure. If you're changing over to LED lamps to reduce draw on the electrical system, fitting load resistors completely defeats the object of the exercise. I wanted to change mine because I was getting fed up with blown bulbs, but even so I think the idea of fitting load resistors is barmy. They cost as much as the lamps and add unnecessary complexity.

It's far better to change the flasher relay for a solid-state type. These can cope with any combination of filament and LED lamps, and preserve the power savings for the tree huggers amongst us . The one I bought even mimics the 'clicks' of conventional relay.

I can post links to the ones I bought if anyone's interested. Everything came from ebay. I prefer not to put links for ebay items into forum threads as anyone reading this in 12 months time will find it about as much use as a handbrake in a canoe.

 

[slobo]

I can post links to the ones I bought if anyone's interested. Everything came from ebay. I prefer not to put links for ebay items into forum threads as anyone reading this in 12 months time will find it about as much use as a handbrake in a canoe.

Post away, I'm interested.

:slayer:

 

[widemouthfrog]

Number plate/interior lamps (white):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/270877858051?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
These are single sided - the LEDs are mounted only on one side of the pcb and shine sideways relative to the lamp axis. This is just what's required for the number plate and interior boot lights. Because LED lamps only work when a forward current is applied, the risk was that they would only work when pointed away form the number plate! However, we're lucky; they illuminate the number plate very clearly and are a huge improvement over the original wedge-base lamps. They've been in for about a month now and have given no problems. Because they shine sideways, I don't think they'd be much good for the front side lights. Recommended, but see the comment at the end of this post*

Brake lamps:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251362559186?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
These are very bright. They just (and only just) fit through the hole in the back of the Multipla lamp cluster. Not particularly well made, but do the job. Because the lens for the brake light part of the Multipla lamp cluster is patterned/frosted with a strange 'bubble' pattern, the lit surface of the lens is evenly illuminated and quite a bit brighter than a standard 21W single filament lamp. No load resistor built in, but as the Multi doesn't run CANBUS, this isn't a problem. Recommended, but see the comment at the end of this post*. Because the lamp contacts are coaxial (single centre contact on base of lamp + metal outer casing) they aren't affected by incorrect current direction. Hopefully these will be fit & forget.

Indicator lamps:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251362555883?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
Just like the above brake light lamps, but orange. Two points to note:
1. As mentioned in the above posts, you'll either need to fit load resistors to make them flash at the correct (1Hz) rate when using a conventional indicator relay, or fit an electronic relay.
2. Because the Multipla lamp cluster lens for the indicators is clear and not frosted, the lamp is clearly visible from the back of the car. These LED lamps are quite directional, so the light spread across the lens (and reflector) isn't great. Qualified recommendation, but see the comment at the end of this post*

Indicator relay:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261111166687?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
Does the job and is a direct replacement for the original relay. Restores correct flash rate without the need for load resistors. Slightly odd synthetic indicator 'click' noise. Delivery took a while for this item.

* - None of these lamps appear to carry an 'E' mark so strictly speaking aren't legal for road use. That said, it would take an eagle-eyed pedant of an MOT examiner to pull you up on this point, except perhaps in the case of the rear indicators, because the lamps are clearly visible through the cluster lens. With ever more stringent pass criteria for MOTs, I think this may be something added to their (DfT) hitlist in future, especially as LED lamps gain in popularity.