Yet another subtle mod. LED turn signals.
01-29-2011 | 10:37 PM
#1
Thread Starter
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,899
Likes: 299
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Yet another subtle mod. LED turn signals.
What's my deal? I guess I just get more satisfaction from mods that are < $100. 
Gotta give HUGE props to the creator of this DIY thread. I wouldn't have had any clue what I was doing otherwise. https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/how-install-led-resistors-lots-pictures-3g-garage-g-079-a-637923/
Ordered the LEDs and resistors from superbrightleds.com. They weren't too expensive and seem to be good quality. Only gripe is that the wire taps they included with the resistors are horrible! The tail light wires were much much smaller than those wire taps could even come close to tapping. Went to radio shack and bought some t-taps instead. Here's the resistor and the included taps that were too big:
My reasoning for doing this mod mostly came as a result of seeing other TLs' rear turn signals from afar. The stock bulbs just look too dim and weak, especially in contrast to the bright LED tail lights. Plus, LEDs tend to grab other drivers' attention better. So for safety and for looks. The LEDs are much much better at the "getting attention" part. The install took a little over 2 hours...including the trip to radio shack. Here's the short and sweet video of the signals in action. I have more footage comparing the two, just haven't uploaded it yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUEDsi7uQ8I
Gotta give HUGE props to the creator of this DIY thread. I wouldn't have had any clue what I was doing otherwise. https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/how-install-led-resistors-lots-pictures-3g-garage-g-079-a-637923/
Ordered the LEDs and resistors from superbrightleds.com. They weren't too expensive and seem to be good quality. Only gripe is that the wire taps they included with the resistors are horrible! The tail light wires were much much smaller than those wire taps could even come close to tapping. Went to radio shack and bought some t-taps instead. Here's the resistor and the included taps that were too big:
My reasoning for doing this mod mostly came as a result of seeing other TLs' rear turn signals from afar. The stock bulbs just look too dim and weak, especially in contrast to the bright LED tail lights. Plus, LEDs tend to grab other drivers' attention better. So for safety and for looks. The LEDs are much much better at the "getting attention" part. The install took a little over 2 hours...including the trip to radio shack. Here's the short and sweet video of the signals in action. I have more footage comparing the two, just haven't uploaded it yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUEDsi7uQ8I
01-30-2011 | 12:17 AM
#5
lol stereo love
I have front and rear leds, when they blink in sync with that pulsating effect, it's beautiful
Although I do think that in the daytime when the sun is shining brightly, the traditional halogen bulb works better. In the night time, LEDs win.
I have front and rear leds, when they blink in sync with that pulsating effect, it's beautiful
Although I do think that in the daytime when the sun is shining brightly, the traditional halogen bulb works better. In the night time, LEDs win.
01-30-2011 | 04:06 PM
#6
Thread Starter
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,899
Likes: 299
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Thanks!
The hardest part was peeling the electric tape off the damn wires in the trunk. Acura was kinda sloppy about it...
The size t-tap used was 16-22 gauge i believe.
Haha glad the song could humor you both.
bforbrian, do you have to install another resistor for each LED signal or is one resistor enough for both front and rear signals? I'm thinking I'll do LED signals in front at some point.
The size t-tap used was 16-22 gauge i believe.
bforbrian, do you have to install another resistor for each LED signal or is one resistor enough for both front and rear signals? I'm thinking I'll do LED signals in front at some point.
01-30-2011 | 08:44 PM
#7
Those look good. And thanks now I am gonna be spending more money. Jk.
One question which color led did you use a red one or white? I wouldn't think you would need another resistor for the fronts either. I'm running 6ohm 100watt resistors and I have my sidemarkers in the front to blink too so I would imagine it would be ok to have just one.
One question which color led did you use a red one or white? I wouldn't think you would need another resistor for the fronts either. I'm running 6ohm 100watt resistors and I have my sidemarkers in the front to blink too so I would imagine it would be ok to have just one.
Last edited by CubanLynx84; 01-30-2011 at 08:48 PM.
Trending Topics
01-31-2011 | 09:57 AM
#12
Your Friendly Canadian
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17,434
Likes: 1,492
From: Toronto, Ontario
Haha, nice soundtrack. Looking good on the LED turn signals! Might I suggest switchbacks in front? I'm thinking about doing that.
How much were the bulbs, if you don't mind me asking?
How much were the bulbs, if you don't mind me asking?
01-31-2011 | 11:20 AM
#13
Chapter Leader (San Antonio)
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,022
Likes: 435
From: Houston, Texas
Most likely you will have to take off your rear bumper, but there is another way to take it off without it. I've done it both ways, and the rear bumper is too easy to take off to risk having problems doing the "faster way".
01-31-2011 | 02:33 PM
#19
A number of things:
The 6 ohm resistors will work for EITHER the front or rear. If you want to do both you can either purchase another set of 6ohm resistors or buy a single set of 3ohm resistors which will work for both front and back.
The rear turn signal bulbs are accessible from inside the trunk---no need to pull the bumper, although you will have to pull back the interior liner.
The OEM filament bulbs are not as "clean" a blink as the LEDs, which are more of an instant on-instant off effect. Its very subtle, but you can see the difference.
Use the red LEDs in the rear. Using white may make the lights look pale---almost pink.
The 6 ohm resistors will work for EITHER the front or rear. If you want to do both you can either purchase another set of 6ohm resistors or buy a single set of 3ohm resistors which will work for both front and back.
The rear turn signal bulbs are accessible from inside the trunk---no need to pull the bumper, although you will have to pull back the interior liner.
The OEM filament bulbs are not as "clean" a blink as the LEDs, which are more of an instant on-instant off effect. Its very subtle, but you can see the difference.
Use the red LEDs in the rear. Using white may make the lights look pale---almost pink.
01-31-2011 | 05:17 PM
#21
Thread Starter
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,899
Likes: 299
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Those look good. And thanks now I am gonna be spending more money. Jk.
One question which color led did you use a red one or white? I wouldn't think you would need another resistor for the fronts either. I'm running 6ohm 100watt resistors and I have my sidemarkers in the front to blink too so I would imagine it would be ok to have just one.
One question which color led did you use a red one or white? I wouldn't think you would need another resistor for the fronts either. I'm running 6ohm 100watt resistors and I have my sidemarkers in the front to blink too so I would imagine it would be ok to have just one.
I used red LEDs. As someone else mentioned, if you use white, they won't be as bright and will look pinkish. The general rule is to use LEDs that are the same color as the lens.
You guys sure love Edward Maya. I'm not sure about switchbacks. I like them, but I don't really have a desire for blacked out or cleared headlights. I'm weird like that. I think I will however, do amber LEDs up front for the parking lights/signals.
The bulbs were very reasonable. I think like $13 per bulb. Grand total with resistors and shipping was just under $50.
Check the 3G Garage (AKA Service Department that is stickied).
Most likely you will have to take off your rear bumper, but there is another way to take it off without it. I've done it both ways, and the rear bumper is too easy to take off to risk having problems doing the "faster way".
Most likely you will have to take off your rear bumper, but there is another way to take it off without it. I've done it both ways, and the rear bumper is too easy to take off to risk having problems doing the "faster way".
Haha thanks guys. The song was playing on my XM when I got out to record the video.
Subtle mods are key.
A number of things:
The 6 ohm resistors will work for EITHER the front or rear. If you want to do both you can either purchase another set of 6ohm resistors or buy a single set of 3ohm resistors which will work for both front and back.
The rear turn signal bulbs are accessible from inside the trunk---no need to pull the bumper, although you will have to pull back the interior liner.
The OEM filament bulbs are not as "clean" a blink as the LEDs, which are more of an instant on-instant off effect. Its very subtle, but you can see the difference.
Use the red LEDs in the rear. Using white may make the lights look pale---almost pink.
The 6 ohm resistors will work for EITHER the front or rear. If you want to do both you can either purchase another set of 6ohm resistors or buy a single set of 3ohm resistors which will work for both front and back.
The rear turn signal bulbs are accessible from inside the trunk---no need to pull the bumper, although you will have to pull back the interior liner.
The OEM filament bulbs are not as "clean" a blink as the LEDs, which are more of an instant on-instant off effect. Its very subtle, but you can see the difference.
Use the red LEDs in the rear. Using white may make the lights look pale---almost pink.
Great mod indeed. Something no one will notice isn't stock unless you tell them.
01-31-2011 | 05:18 PM
#22
Thread Starter
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,899
Likes: 299
From: Grand Rapids, MI
As requested, here's the video comparing them and another demo. No music this time...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1mGTy-wG08
Mods: Can this thread be added to the garage under the "G-040: LED signal taillight" entry? It's not a DIY by any means, but I think it'll help others looking to do this mod. I searched high and low for a video demo of this and couldn't find one on here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1mGTy-wG08
Mods: Can this thread be added to the garage under the "G-040: LED signal taillight" entry? It's not a DIY by any means, but I think it'll help others looking to do this mod. I searched high and low for a video demo of this and couldn't find one on here.
Last edited by cjTL; 01-31-2011 at 05:24 PM.
01-31-2011 | 07:38 PM
#24
Moderator
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
iTrader: (6)
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 78,016
Likes: 20,033
Looks good...I actually bought LED's for the rear and didn't feel like the output from a distance was much different. I think the reflector does most of the work here.
Maybe I got crappier ones though!
Maybe I got crappier ones though!
01-31-2011 | 08:21 PM
#27
The electric wires in our car are arranged in series (for those of you that took physics.....) so the ohms are additive (as opposed to a parallel arrangement). R1+R2. To achieve 6 ohms front and back I would imagine you would need a 3 ohm resistor for an effective 6 front and back.
And for those of you who don't know the difference, have you not seen the rear turn signals for the most recent generation of 5-series, 3-series, Audi A6, etc? It creates a more pulsating effect. Again, I think traditional halogen is brighter in the daytime when the sun is bright but at night, LEDs really shine.
And for those of you who don't know the difference, have you not seen the rear turn signals for the most recent generation of 5-series, 3-series, Audi A6, etc? It creates a more pulsating effect. Again, I think traditional halogen is brighter in the daytime when the sun is bright but at night, LEDs really shine.
02-01-2011 | 10:49 AM
#28
Thread Starter
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,899
Likes: 299
From: Grand Rapids, MI
The electric wires in our car are arranged in series (for those of you that took physics.....) so the ohms are additive (as opposed to a parallel arrangement). R1+R2. To achieve 6 ohms front and back I would imagine you would need a 3 ohm resistor for an effective 6 front and back.
And for those of you who don't know the difference, have you not seen the rear turn signals for the most recent generation of 5-series, 3-series, Audi A6, etc? It creates a more pulsating effect. Again, I think traditional halogen is brighter in the daytime when the sun is bright but at night, LEDs really shine.
And for those of you who don't know the difference, have you not seen the rear turn signals for the most recent generation of 5-series, 3-series, Audi A6, etc? It creates a more pulsating effect. Again, I think traditional halogen is brighter in the daytime when the sun is bright but at night, LEDs really shine.
02-04-2011 | 01:58 PM
#30
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver, Canada
Looks good!
Quick question: Is there a reason you went with the HP3 bulbs rather than the brighter LX3 ones? I am going to install and want to know if the LX3 might be TOO bright for turn signals?
Thanks
Quick question: Is there a reason you went with the HP3 bulbs rather than the brighter LX3 ones? I am going to install and want to know if the LX3 might be TOO bright for turn signals?
Thanks
02-08-2011 | 10:52 AM
#32
The 60MT may be a bit too big for the rear turns.
V-LEDs has just released their newest line of "Platinum" bulbs---might want to check them out: http://www.v-leds.com/7443-7440-LED/...orLanding/true
V-LEDs has just released their newest line of "Platinum" bulbs---might want to check them out: http://www.v-leds.com/7443-7440-LED/...orLanding/true
02-08-2011 | 02:22 PM
#34
Thread Starter
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,899
Likes: 299
From: Grand Rapids, MI
The fronts aren't LEDs. They're bulbs.
02-08-2011 | 02:55 PM
#37
Rev High; Drive Happy
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,076
Likes: 398
From: Scarborough, Ontario
The 60MT may be a bit too big for the rear turns.
V-LEDs has just released their newest line of "Platinum" bulbs---might want to check them out: http://www.v-leds.com/7443-7440-LED/...orLanding/true
V-LEDs has just released their newest line of "Platinum" bulbs---might want to check them out: http://www.v-leds.com/7443-7440-LED/...orLanding/true
Those new "Platinum" bulbs look sweet! I love those 'amber' ones. They look more yellowy though (which I like).
Do you know the size of the VLeds? I think their 7443s (for the fronts) were too large. Does the 7440 just plug and play?
From what I recall, those who got switchbacks and such from VLeds had to make their opening bigger.
03-07-2011 | 10:52 PM
#40
Rev High; Drive Happy
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,076
Likes: 398
From: Scarborough, Ontario
Just shoved a 60 SMT LED in the rear turn signal.
Granted all of it didn't go in cause it was still attached to the harness... it fit. Looked like it could go in all the way.
Granted all of it didn't go in cause it was still attached to the harness... it fit. Looked like it could go in all the way.