IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

LED Tail Lights

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-15-06, 10:24 AM
  #1  
Lem144
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
Lem144's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: MA
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default LED Tail Lights

Ok, this is an attempt to lay this issue to rest. It seems that there is vast misinformation out there on the IS's rear lamps. Here is what I've found, and shared on Two threads. I am trying to combine it to one thread to make it easier, and perhaps attract the attention of someone who actually has the right answer, maybe some picture or diagrams or some PROOF.

I thought I found proof that the taillamps were LEDs yesterday on the press release of the new IS from Lexus. I posted this link (http://pressroom.lexus.com/Releases?p=2&criteria=%2BIS) which has the specs on it and lists LEDs. I am a bit skeptical of this sheet because things can change. For instance, the list does not include knee airbags, and we know the IS has knee airbags.

After some more debate, I decided to call the parts rep at Lexus of Norwood in MA. The parts guy stated that he thinks the IS has LEDs, then proceeded to check his information and came back and told me they were NOT LEDs - they use standard bulbs.

I propose that a couple others of you call your service Reps or Parts Reps and ask them to look it up. Let's get this settled once and for all.

It's not an opinion - it's a fact as to whether the IS has LEDs. Please post your factual information only, not what you think. I've done both, and have been wrong and I still don't know!
Old 02-15-06, 10:30 AM
  #2  
onihc
I heart Honda
iTrader: (1)
 
onihc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Angels Stadium
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

if this helps, i disassembled the center light housing while i installed my spoiler (curiosity). there was a bulb plug for the reverse light, but no bulb plugs for parking/brake lights. i did see something that resembled a circuit board. FACT: i only saw one twist on bulb plug on each assembly. Bulb plugs are not small, so they are not hard to miss.
Old 02-15-06, 10:40 AM
  #3  
chuckler
Driver
 
chuckler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: nj
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

some please put pictures that will definately solve this issue
Old 02-15-06, 11:08 AM
  #4  
MatadorIS
Pole Position
 
MatadorIS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: MA
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

After asking my dealer, they told me that the taillamps are LEDs, as a safety feature on the car.
Old 02-15-06, 11:15 AM
  #5  
Bichon
Super Moderator
 
Bichon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 5,287
Received 267 Likes on 237 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MatadorIS
After asking my dealer, they told me that the taillamps are LEDs, as a safety feature on the car.
By dealer, do you mean a salesman, service writer, technician or what?

They might have read the same product release information that Lem144 linked yesterday. Unless you are talking to a parts guy with an exploded diagram in front of him, or a service guy who has actually had one apart, I'd be leery.
Old 02-15-06, 11:16 AM
  #6  
Lem144
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
Lem144's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: MA
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MatadorIS
After asking my dealer, they told me that the taillamps are LEDs, as a safety feature on the car.
salesman or parts/service dept? salesmen can sometimes be confused....trust me I used to be one.

what dealership?
Old 02-15-06, 12:18 PM
  #7  
MatadorIS
Pole Position
 
MatadorIS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: MA
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Lem144
salesman or parts/service dept? salesmen can sometimes be confused....trust me I used to be one.

what dealership?
Both the service dept. and a salesman. In fact, the salesman mentioned it very early on in my first test drive. I think that the LED reference is also included in the big IS brochure, but I don't have a copy with me right now.

It was a dealership in Massachusetts (not Norwood), but I can't disclose the name.
Old 02-15-06, 12:23 PM
  #8  
Lem144
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
Lem144's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: MA
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MatadorIS
Both the service dept. and a salesman. In fact, the salesman mentioned it very early on in my first test drive. I think that the LED reference is also included in the big IS brochure, but I don't have a copy with me right now.

It was a dealership in Massachusetts (not Norwood), but I can't disclose the name.
Why cant you disclose the name? It's not in the brochure. It's not on the website either.
Old 02-15-06, 12:25 PM
  #9  
SilverBolt
Driver
 
SilverBolt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Oregon
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

How about reading your owners manual or popping out one of your lights? The time you have spent researching could have already solved this conspirocy.
Old 02-15-06, 12:33 PM
  #10  
Bichon
Super Moderator
 
Bichon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 5,287
Received 267 Likes on 237 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Lem144
Why cant you disclose the name?
Agreed. Sharing dealer experiences, both good ones and bad ones, is very helpful to people deciding where to purchase and service their cars.
Old 02-15-06, 12:35 PM
  #11  
Lem144
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
Lem144's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: MA
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by SilverBolt
How about reading your owners manual or popping out one of your lights? The time you have spent researching could have already solved this conspirocy.

I dont have my car yet =) It comes in May
Old 02-15-06, 12:42 PM
  #12  
TheRupp
Lexus Champion
 
TheRupp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

They aren't standard bulbs. They're LED's. Not your typical LED (they're a bit different as they don't leave trails like Infiniti's and Cadillacs do ) but they light up like LED's... no warm up or cool down on the filament, it's either on or off
Old 02-15-06, 12:44 PM
  #13  
jlin101
Lexus Test Driver
 
jlin101's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Kansas
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

If you look at the brake lights CLOSELY, you can see the individual LED's (they are not as numerous as on G35, unfortunately). The response time is noticeably shorter. On my RX330, neither the brochure nor the owner's manual lists LED brake lights (except for RX400H). On inspection, one can see a center bulb (parking light) surrounded by a cluster of LED's. LED's are the future of lighting and will be found on more vehicles to come, including the front parking lights and direction lights, as well as the headlights. I wish Lexus had used LED's for the front markers, too.
Old 02-15-06, 12:47 PM
  #14  
TheRupp
Lexus Champion
 
TheRupp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by jlin101
If you look at the brake lights CLOSELY, you can see the individual LED's (they are not as numerous as on G35, unfortunately).
They're FAR less annoying to drive behind, however

Originally Posted by jlin101
I wish Lexus had used LED's for the front markers, too.
That'd be cool. The Kia Amanti is currently the only car I know of that offers LED front markers

Edit: Add the new Porsche Turbo, but still... a Kia? Come on, that gets another

Last edited by TheRupp; 02-15-06 at 12:55 PM.
Old 02-15-06, 01:04 PM
  #15  
Lem144
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
Lem144's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: MA
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I'm still not buying the arguments. I'm sorry, I've just heard too much conflicting information. If I werent at work I'd call 5 different parts/service guys to see what they all say.


Quick Reply: LED Tail Lights



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:18 AM.