Out of necessity I would need to change 1 license plate bulb, 1 parking light bulb & figured might as well go LED.
Might as well replace both for both places.
The previous CL posts are fairly old as many did not recommend some less expensive led bulbs available on Ebay...
Most likely the quality of LED bulbs have improved since then, yet my intentions are not do put on an elaborate light show but to just have LED bulbs I do not need to change in a week or have electronic issues.
4 - 168 Phillips LED white bulbs would cost $70. at parts stores here
which is out of the question. (I can pick up the standard 168 bulbs at Walmart for $10. if needed be.)
Any suggestions for the 168 LEDs would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have had pretty good luck with eBay bulbs although they do have their share of duds, I think my entire interior set for the RX was $15 no issues so far. Look into morimoto LED's sold by theretrofitsource, I heard they are quality for decent pricing.

 

The Retrofit Source Website has no selection for 2005 RX330 in their drop down menu, mention resistors in general.
Would prefer the 168 type bulb Plug & Play variety, if that exists.
Although I wouldn't be shocked if just changing parking & license plate bulbs to LED on a Lexus is a super complicated task to accomplish.

 

It should not be or at least for the license plate lights as mine are LED (cheapest possible bulbs also). I would be skeptical for the parking lights as those are monitored by the BECU but plates are straight forward.

 

I'm thinking this may be the answer....
close to an inch in length, I will measure a standard 168 bulb for comparison.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/272531518375?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
willing to take a gamble at $11., bonus, located in Canada!

 

Keep me posted, although not necessary, been slowly looking into the parking light LED's. CANBUS is the new trend with LED's, I haven't seen much of those until recently.

 

Try here: http://www.xenondepot.com/194-automo...lbs-s/1003.htm

Saw them on one of the ClubLexus sponsor forums somewhere. Good prices.

 

Did some more research to find some reviews in general where many consumers would post "received defective LEDs" or "did not function" most likely due to electronic issues therefore I will go old school for now.
Unsure if the RX330 will give a warm welcome to LED Parking Lights.
Bulbs of any kind are better to shop for in person, any issues can be taken care of with a short drive.
I'll be heading to a much larger city with competitive pricing with more variety in summer & look into it then.

 

I know, for certain, the 168 bulbs in the tail lights are CANbus. I was having an issue with the socket for the driver's side bulb in the hatch losing connection, tripping the dash light. It's been fine for quite some time now, so I'm not going to mess with it just yet.

 

Replaced my parking & license plate bulbs with some long life Sylvania bulbs, easier said than done as they are difficult to get at, they will not blind anyone although are bright enough.
I did purchase 2 entire LED interior packages, 30 LEDs in total for $30. this way if a few are defective, I will be covered & should have plenty of spares for down the road.
Also to avoid having to return due to defects, postage costs & the waiting time.
I removed one of the luggage compartment bulb housings (out of curiosity until I receive the LEDs) & couldn't believe the construction, the most important parts are manufactured with really flimsy tin that could be easily totaled or bent just by replacing the bulb. Go carefully for those pieces.

 

The LIC Plate bulbs are 168 right?

 

Just hard to get to.

 

You are correct on both posts, the parking lights are also 168 bulbs. I placed amber ones for the parking lights & white ones for the license plate.
I found the license plate bulbs easier to get to if both panels attached to tailgate are removed, then again if you have really skinny arms & small hands, only the bottom panel removed is most likely doable.
The parking light bulbs were worse as they are located in a difficult spot to reach & for some reason the bulb sockets were really difficult to twist to remove. Putting them back was easier.

 

Our Black Friday sale starts NOW! Today through Monday, 12/2/2019, save 20% on all LED upgrades including our Backup Light LED Bulbs by entering coupon code "BLACKFRIDAY" at checkout!


Jake H.
Diode Dynamics