LED 3rd Brake Light/Cruise Control and Other Lighting Questions

[gingerdude]

I see bits and pieces of this mentioned around, but I am unclear of the solution. So I have tossed all LEDs in the exterior lights. I see the brake lights are very slightly lit at night when they are off and the cruise control does not function. Otherwise everything else is good. I was able to solve hyperflash with the EP28 flasher. This is the last issue. Do I need to throw a resistor somewhere?

Also, while HIDs would be nice, I don't want to do that much work. Any thoughts on the Nighthawks, XtremeVision, or Silverstars?

Finally, my heads and tails are in great shape (not leaking, oxidized, or pulling apart). I'm going to silicone around the edges where they seal. Any other recommendations to keep them nice as long as possible?

 

[rickisrad]

silverstars burn out quickly and are expensive. HID kits are cheaper and not hard to install with a wiring harness.

use Collinite 845 on the headlights and tails to keep them from oxidizing.

 

[gingerdude]

Yeah but I can't just do HIDs without the projectors, it will drive me nuts. It's just more then I want to do. So I'm sticking with halogens. I got some Phillips XtremeVisions for a decent price, going to give them a shot. I realize the life isn't nearly as long, but I'm going to unplug the DRL module and see how long they go.

I'm basically done with my LED conversion. I just wanted the quicker on time and more modern looking flash. I converted everything but the Headlights, fogs, and backup lights. I got some really bright LEDs for the backups but the lens just doesn't seem to focus the LED very well. The stock bulb just seems to light up more. So that's why I didn't do the reverse. I'm thinking about tossing a 3457 in them to brighten them up some more. I've always thought they were kinda dim.

I figured coating the lenses with something would help. Thanks!

 

[green97]

You are wasting money that could be spent on a set of projector retrofits by dicking around with different light bulbs. Save your money and listen to those of us who have been there done that. I felt the same way but the stock headligths no matter what suck.

I have solved internal moisture problems by using silicone on the seams so I can vouch for that too. Wax helps keep the lenses in top shape.

 

[The Guz]

I see bits and pieces of this mentioned around, but I am unclear of the solution. So I have tossed all LEDs in the exterior lights. I see the brake lights are very slightly lit at night when they are off and the cruise control does not function. Otherwise everything else is good. I was able to solve hyperflash with the EP28 flasher. This is the last issue. Do I need to throw a resistor somewhere?

Also, while HIDs would be nice, I don't want to do that much work. Any thoughts on the Nighthawks, XtremeVision, or Silverstars?

Finally, my heads and tails are in great shape (not leaking, oxidized, or pulling apart). I'm going to silicone around the edges where they seal. Any other recommendations to keep them nice as long as possible?

Put a load resistor on each of the corner lights. It will solve the cruise control issue. I had to do that when I went diode dynamics on all exterior bulbs and the 3rd brake lights as well. The flasher solves the hyperflash issue but not always the cruise control. Sort of defeats the purpose but it works and the LED's look much more modern.

To keep the lights staying looking nice, you can put any type of synthetic sealant on a regular basis. The UV coating is what you are protecting. Better yet invest in the x-pel headlight kit. It will protect the lights from the coating failing with the UV protection in the film along with protecting against road rash.

With regards to the light bulbs. If you have the money either retrofit some projectors in it or invest in some classy retrofits to use HIDs properly. If not then the Phillips Xtreme Vision's are good bulbs.

 

[Bronco Boy]

And then there's me.... LED's in the front lights and 3rd brake light, Spyder tails in the rear (which have built in load resistors), and working cruise control.

I agree with everybody on the headlights, save for a retrofit. You will not be disappointed. I ran Piaa Xtreme white bulbs before the projectors, and they were ok, but not much better than stock.

 

[gingerdude]

I had some coupons I used to get the bulbs so it only ended up being like $16 said and done. I have a bulb out so I was already in for the money anyways. A few more dollars, so it's worth a shot. If they suck I think I'm out like $7 tops. Perhaps eventually I'll cave and get HIDs when I have some extra cash. I do like the look.

I ordered some resistors as well. I noticed if I put one normal bulb back into the 3rd brake light my cruise comes back, even with the other LED bulb. So that's definitely the issue.

I've seen people with other cars just clear coat their lenses. Anyone have experience with that? Maybe it would last longer then just a sealant?

 

[The Guz]

I've seen people with other cars just clear coat their lenses. Anyone have experience with that? Maybe it would last longer then just a sealant?

There is already a UV coating on the lights. Regular upkeep keeps them looking good for a long time. If the coating fails you can restore them and re-clear them or use a ceramic type headlight coating on them to keep them from yellowing.

 

[gingerdude]

Alright, I got a resistor mounted on the ceiling of the inside of the trunk and connected to the third brake light in parallel. Seems to have solved my cruise control problem. Also got the headlights in and they seem acceptably brighter.

I added silicone to the light seals. It seems like they did a s**t job with the glue from the factory because they weren't even fully glued in parts. The fronts seemed to seal up really well, but the backs the silicone is just falling back off. I tried to keep it thin in the back because you can see it, but the fronts I gooped on because you can't see it. Guess I'll have to try something else for the back...