DIY LED Puddle Lamps
#34
I had my 450 for 3 hours before I took it apart to change out the fogs and puddle lights. Thanks for the great tutorial and pictures. No issues at all and I did it in the parking lot of the rink while waiting for kids practice to end. Dont be afraid of this at all.
Last edited by InRBigness; 11-30-11 at 02:19 PM.
#37
I finally sucked it up today and gave it a shot. I was SO afraid of breaking something, but finally said ****** it. Easier than I could have ever imagined.
LED used [High powered 6k V-LED]
Results - VERY bright puddle lamp.
LED used [High powered 6k V-LED]
Results - VERY bright puddle lamp.
#38
Where to get leds
I went to V-leds first because that is the place mentioned most on here, but almost every time I tried to put something in the basket, it was out of stock! Are there any other good one stop shopping places?
#39
Pole Position
They have the best products that's why they keep going out of stock. I waited one month before my puddle lights came in. Well worth it if u ask me. I first tried eBay but it was all cheap china crap.
#40
yeah if you cheap out and get ebay crap then you better get some extra cause they will go out on you. they do work for a little while but the soldering is crap which is the main reason they go out and then burn out. the longest i have some leds from ebay was like a year but i didnt get the cheap ebay ones i got the ones that were still cheap but not as expensive as vleds.
#41
[QUOTE=Sevn86;7272187]They have the best products that's why they keep going out of stock. I waited one month before my puddle lights came in. Well worth it if u ask me. I first tried eBay but it was all cheap china crap.[/QUOT
Good to know. Quality is always worth waiting for. I'll just be patient. Thanks
Good to know. Quality is always worth waiting for. I'll just be patient. Thanks
#42
No, I don't play soccer!
I've had V-LEDS bulbs for two years now (interior, puddle and reverse lights) and after plenty of use, they're still going. Only the vanity lights failed and they're never used. Don't know why Do yourself a favor and order extra 194s so you have them laying around.
#44
I am considering doing some of these changes and am little concerned about the work itself. Specifically the interior lights that have lenses in front of them. For example do you have to remove the entire overhead console or can the lens be removed separately. The same hold true for the vanity lights, door lights, etc. Can someone who has accomplished the change please comment? Thanks in advance for the help.
#45
No, I don't play soccer!
cafpaf, it's easy to remove the lights with a flexible plastic card like the ones you get from a supermarket to release the tabs holding the lens cover/light in place. Try a few to see which one works best. I used a plastic card instead of a screwdriver to displace pressure in order to avoid damaging the plastic or lens covers. It can also be moved around corners easily.
Below are instructions in order of easiest to most difficult:
Door and cargo area - Using the card, slip it between the lens and panel on the short side (typically the side facing the front of the RX). Unplug the light to make accessing the cover over the bulb easier.
Front dome - Remove lens cover only with the card. Important, pull the bulb straight down. Do not twist it. It may loosen the socket.
Vanity lights - Slip card underneath light (not lens) on the short side closest to the rear view mirror. The light will release on that side and can be removed if needed.
Footwell - Remove lens only with the card. Use needle nose pliers to remove/install new bulb. Have a flashlight handy and something comfortable to rest on because this requires a bit of contortion in a dark space.
Rear dome - Remove lens cover only. The card didn't work so I used a long thin metal tool to release the tabs. Patience is key to avoid damaging anything Needle nose pliers are needed to remove/install the bulb.
Below are instructions in order of easiest to most difficult:
Door and cargo area - Using the card, slip it between the lens and panel on the short side (typically the side facing the front of the RX). Unplug the light to make accessing the cover over the bulb easier.
Front dome - Remove lens cover only with the card. Important, pull the bulb straight down. Do not twist it. It may loosen the socket.
Vanity lights - Slip card underneath light (not lens) on the short side closest to the rear view mirror. The light will release on that side and can be removed if needed.
Footwell - Remove lens only with the card. Use needle nose pliers to remove/install new bulb. Have a flashlight handy and something comfortable to rest on because this requires a bit of contortion in a dark space.
Rear dome - Remove lens cover only. The card didn't work so I used a long thin metal tool to release the tabs. Patience is key to avoid damaging anything Needle nose pliers are needed to remove/install the bulb.