Changing position light and license plate bulbs to LEDs

[Northernstar]

Going to order some LEDs to replace the position light and license plate bulbs. Since this is the first time changing to LEDs, just want to have some advices on what kind of LEDS to get?

There are quite a few different kinds on ebay. Do I just get any LED that can replace W5W for position light and C5W for license plate light? Is there anything that I should pay attention to?? I dont want to oder on ebay and only to find out the LED doesnt fit into the socket = =b

Thanks!

[murcod]

It depends on how bright you want them and what temperature colour?

The expensive Osram type are probably the best - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-OSRAM-C5 ... 484ee9c1ab or http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-OSRAM-C5 ... 484b2c15e6

Cheaper bulbs may not last as long due to them often using a simple resistor in the circuit to control voltage/ current to the LED. The supply voltage varies (depending on you battery state of charge) so they can often fail.

Be careful replacing any safety related bulbs as the LED equivalent may not meet legal requirements for brightness.

[murcod]

Oh yeah, check the measuremnts of the bulbs carefully too - I noticed a lot of Ebay "C5W" bulbs are longer or shorter than the factory fitted bulb (which I measured last week at 37mm long.) Anything significantly longer or shorter might not fit.

[Northernstar]

Thanks! But for the ones you posted, it says they are for off road only and are not approved for public roads.....does it matter?? As for the length, I can't seem to find the length of the bulb on the posting page either so how do I know if it is the correct length??

[murcod]

I think you'll find (well where I live anyway) that aftermarket LED bulbs are illegal. With the Osram bulbs if they saw C5W they'll be the correct size (I believe it's 36mm length.)

[Northernstar]

Is 36mm for license plate light or both??

[murcod]

Licence plate lights - I pulled one out and measured it.