when you go to acura's RDX site, and click on the gallery, the bottom right photo appears to be of LED tails. at least the left of the two lights appears to have LEDs behind it, but the lenses are distorted so it's hard to tell. anyone who's seen it in person know? or has it already been widely accepted that there are definitely LEDs on this ride?

 

I think everything so far (including prototype shown) has had LED

 

What's the big deal with LED tail lights? Appearance?

 

Not sure on looks, but I think they will last longer than a normal bulb, so you probably won't ever have to replace it during the life of the car.

 

Probaly (just by guess) Tails will be LED, blinkers will not

 

I think they've shown them to be more effective at what they are designed to do-- catch the eye of the driver behind you. Anyone?

 

I personally really like the look of the LED's. They are really bright and they have a faster response time as well. And as mentioned they do last much much longer than incandescant bulbs so you won't have to change a burnt out bulb. I hope Acura does use the LED's for the RDX.

 

Some are too bright for me, especially at night. I have no problem seeing incandescant bulbs. They do light a fraction of a second faster but that is so minor that I don't think it is a real world advantage. Yes they last longer, but good luck replacing one if it does fail. On hybrids, LEDs use less power, so that can be an advantage on a car running on batteries. The real thing is purely looks and the fad appeal.

 

LEDs have a proven track record of reliability. LED as a lighting source has a very low failure rate compared to other lighting sources (i.e., used in emergency exit signs) . They can just make LEDs bigger nowadays. They last like a decade (of continuous use).

There are other benefits to them as well, as a car designer you don't need as deep of light cavity. An incandescent bulb sticks out more, LEDs can be flat.

 

I'll be the first to admit that I don't see as well as I used to at night. I'm glad that my LEDs are brighter just in case someone like me is following my car..... IMO they are added value to many customers so I welcome them.

 

The perimeter of the tails may be LEDs but the center appears too diffuse and appears to be incandescent.

 

The prototype really looks like it has incandescent lighting at the rear. Hopefully the production model will sport LED's.

 

They do not look like LED lights. I'm guessing they're reserving LEDs for the MDX, TL, and RL. And giving the RDX and TSX regular tail lights.

 

They don't appear like LEDs to me either. But note that the front headlights aren't production ready either. I doubt we'll see that bluish surround on the projectors.

 

Acura ended up skimping on the LED tails right? Does anyone know of an LED replacment for the incandescents(if they are in use)? Sure you won't get the notable LED layout, but I like the clean response of the brake lights.

Mike

 

by putting in led bulbs u can burn out the switch and poof, no more tails

 

LED's consume much less power than incandescents so I find that highly unlikely.

Mike

 

i did it in my van - it blew out the switch - the consume less, but where does the remainder go? i dont know much about electronics, and can only tell you what i know from experience

 

The failure of the switch was likely a coincidence.

They consume less and the remainder stays in the charging/battery system where it is either stored or diverted to other systems.

Mike

 

Did you also add a resistor to each LED? If not, then you would have shorted out the circuit, as the LEDs themselves don't provide a resistance, and would have resulted in a super-high (near infinite) current. You absolutely must add resistors with LEDs.

 

Excellent point. Sorry.

Mike

 

see - thats why im an idiot - i put resistors on the turn signal LEDs but not on the rear lights. ended up that my switch blew, the brake lights worked but the parking lights were gone, had to change the switch - my poor van... i changed the switch after the first ticket i got, i could get away with driving on the highway because i would press the remote start button on my compustar and they would come on, i would have to do it over again once i hit the break, it was a pain in the ass, but a lesson as well... no need to apologize - we all learn something new everyday hehe, peace

 

Good LED replacements have the resistance built in.

 

Infiniti had an ad in C&D that said the reason why all their cars have LED's is because they light up a fraction of a second faster, witch they said results in the driver hitting the brakes faster. They gave a 16ft stopping advantage to the car behind at HWY speeds. But its and ad, take what you want from it.

 

So, has anybody replaced with LEDs lately? Any good sources?

 

I have the 15 led from superbrightleds on my TSX for 1.5 yrs. No blown switch yet.

 

As far as I know, the resistor is for the signals lights only. That way the electrical system senses the resistance and lights does blink faster.

 

I did my license plate lights (baby steps!!!) last night with superbright led's. It was easy to do and they look cool.

I'm going to do the courtesy lights and interior lights at some point as well.

 

I did all the interior lights. I used:

WLED-WHP Pure White High Power

from SuperBrightLEDs for the courtesy lights, map lights, and cargo light (and the license plate lights)

and

3022-x9 LED Festoon bulb

from the same place for the main interior light. I love the look.


BTW, I think the 9 LED is bright enough. It is not as bright as the original bulb, but it is ok, and it matches the others.

I think the map lights are brighter than the stock bulb. Same with the courtesy and license light.

 

If you are buying your replacements online, would you point me to where, please. I want to do the plate, and interiors as well.

 

http://www.superbrightleds.com/1157.htm

 

BTW, the LED's have been in for a few months now with no issues.