DIY Trunk LED Light Strip Guide
#46
Lexus Test Driver
Ted - Any particular reason why you decided to go with Warm White (~3,000k) versus the White (~5,000k)? I think most guys want to change to a whiter color light. However, in my case I just wanted higher lumens (light output), but wanted to stay with the original light's warm color.
#47
Ted - Any particular reason why you decided to go with Warm White (~3,000k) versus the White (~5,000k)? I think most guys want to change to a whiter color light. However, in my case I just wanted higher lumens (light output), but wanted to stay with the original light's warm color.
#50
Lexus Test Driver
#51
Lexus Test Driver
Just got around to installing the Diode Dynamics SMD12 Board in Warm White (~3,000°K Color @ 70CRI per specifications on 5050-size Epistar SMD chips). What a huge difference in light output compared to the 194 bulb!
The only 'issue' I had was the Diode Dynamics (included) socket adapter (to fit the OEM 194 bulb socket) did not make very good (continuous) contact and the SMD12 LED Board operated On & Off intermittently with a slight movement of the harness wiring. It took a few attempts to slightly move/bend the adapter's two bare wire contacts where the LED light stayed On without unexpectedly going out.
Nice little inexpensive mod that may come in really handy if searching through the trunk is needed on a dark night...
The only 'issue' I had was the Diode Dynamics (included) socket adapter (to fit the OEM 194 bulb socket) did not make very good (continuous) contact and the SMD12 LED Board operated On & Off intermittently with a slight movement of the harness wiring. It took a few attempts to slightly move/bend the adapter's two bare wire contacts where the LED light stayed On without unexpectedly going out.
Nice little inexpensive mod that may come in really handy if searching through the trunk is needed on a dark night...
#52
Just got around to installing the Diode Dynamics SMD12 Board in Warm White (~3,000°K Color @ 70CRI per specifications on 5050-size Epistar SMD chips). What a huge difference in light output compared to the 194 bulb!
The only 'issue' I had was the Diode Dynamics (included) socket adapter (to fit the OEM 194 bulb socket) did not make very good (continuous) contact and the SMD12 LED Board operated On & Off intermittently with a slight movement of the harness wiring. It took a few attempts to slightly move/bend the adapter's two bare wire contacts where the LED light stayed On without unexpectedly going out.
Nice little inexpensive mod that may come in really handy if searching through the trunk is needed on a dark night...
The only 'issue' I had was the Diode Dynamics (included) socket adapter (to fit the OEM 194 bulb socket) did not make very good (continuous) contact and the SMD12 LED Board operated On & Off intermittently with a slight movement of the harness wiring. It took a few attempts to slightly move/bend the adapter's two bare wire contacts where the LED light stayed On without unexpectedly going out.
Nice little inexpensive mod that may come in really handy if searching through the trunk is needed on a dark night...
Also, has anyone tried the Diode Dynamics SMD12 Board option on a 2015 GS?
#53
Lexus Test Driver
That's really not needed, and I probably shouldn't have even mentioned anything about the bare wire contacts. It was just a simple matter of spreading the little wire contacts with a small screwdriver so they made a snug contact. All GS 350's use the 194 bulb in the trunk, which is nowhere near enough light for a trunk. The Diode Dynamics SMD 12 Board is definitely the the way to go, and a huge (and much needed) improvement in light output. The 'Warm White' color I chose (~3,000°K) is perfect, I think.
#54
That's really not needed, and I probably shouldn't have even mentioned anything about the bare wire contacts. It was just a simple matter of spreading the little wire contacts with a small screwdriver so they made a snug contact. All GS 350's use the 194 bulb in the trunk, which is nowhere near enough light for a trunk. The Diode Dynamics SMD 12 Board is definitely the the way to go, and a huge (and much needed) improvement in light output. The 'Warm White' color I chose (~3,000°K) is perfect, I think.
When you installed the bulb, the SMD 12 Board fit perfectly inside the light cover? Did you have to do any other modifications to make it work or was it simply pull out the old bulb, plug in the SMD 12 board and put the cover over it?
Also, what do you think of this: I've been reading another topic "DIY Puddle Light LED" and some of the guys are changing their trunk light bulb with this one instead.
Last edited by djkidd; 12-24-14 at 07:30 PM.
#55
Lexus Test Driver
Thanks for the info! I probably bugging you with my next question, but I'm still a little hesitant to do anything to my new baby.
When you installed the bulb, the SMD 12 Board fit perfectly inside the light cover? Did you have to do any other modifications to make it work or was it simply pull out the old bulb, plug in the SMD 12 board and put the cover over it?
When you installed the bulb, the SMD 12 Board fit perfectly inside the light cover? Did you have to do any other modifications to make it work or was it simply pull out the old bulb, plug in the SMD 12 board and put the cover over it?
#56
Lexus Test Driver
Also, what do you think of this: Amazon.com: Sylvania 168/194/2825 Premium White LEDriving Bulb: Automotive
I've been reading another topic "DIY Puddle Light LED" and some of the guys are changing their trunk light bulb with this one instead.
I've been reading another topic "DIY Puddle Light LED" and some of the guys are changing their trunk light bulb with this one instead.
Personally I don't care for bright puddle lights myself. They mainly direct their light onto the side of the door. It's not really efficient in my opinion...and anything brighter just makes it looks even more inefficient.
#57
Sorry, I should have already explained the process. You are correct - just snap off the lens and unplug the 194 bulb. Then attach the supplied adapter lead to the 194 bulb socket and the other end of the adapter to the LED. Give it a wiggle to make sure the 194 socket to adapter is making good contact. The back side (actually upper side) of the LED board has double-face tape that adheres to the top of the OEM light housing. It fits perfectly without any modifications to the light fixture or the LED board. Snap the lens back on and it's finished. Takes only a few minutes. Well worth the money and time.
#58
Lexus Test Driver
You are awesome! Thanks so much for that info. Definitely took the butterflies out of my stomach about doing this. I'm going to go ahead and pull the trigger on the SMD 12 board (fingers crossed for me to get it sometime next week). I'll do before and after pics too for anyone else looking to do this. Thanks again!!
#59
With the help of bclexus, I was able to get my SMD-12 board working. I actually blew a fuse either taking out the 194 bulb or plugging in the SMD-12 board initially (for the newbs, don't worry, changing a fuse is easy enough for a 5 year old to do).
The difference was tremendous! Here are the before and after pictures (pardon the mess, I still tend to use my trunk like a somewhat organized college kid):
Before:
After:
The difference was tremendous! Here are the before and after pictures (pardon the mess, I still tend to use my trunk like a somewhat organized college kid):
Before:
After:
#60
Lexus Test Driver
Wow! What a difference!
My trunk is full of golf clubs...
My trunk is full of golf clubs...