ZR-1 Net Registry Forums - License plate LED bulb upgrade

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- - License plate LED bulb upgrade (http://zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=27986)

Re: License plate LED bulb upgrade

Quote:

Originally Posted by efnfast (Post 264049)

Hmmm, good point.

Yeah, I see why you would have worried with your old plate that they took away.....Bob

Re: License plate LED bulb upgrade

Nice ...

;)

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Re: License plate LED bulb upgrade

#24 @ superbright LEDs. I will say they are not as bright in the side markers, the design of the bulb does not utilize the OEM reflector in the side markers.. Also the front turn/Park bulbs will require a resistor if replaced. I am still working on a solution without resistors as to me, the point of LED is less current, add the resistor and you have more draw again

Re: License plate LED bulb upgrade

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=- (Post 264281)

Every bulb in my '91 is now an LED, except for the front park/turn signals which I have not replaced for the reason Jeff mentioned. I assume a digital flasher (with the ground lead embedded) inserted in the four-way flasher would solve that problem, but I have yet to try it since the four-way flasher is so difficult to access. When I installed Corvette HID's replacement LED tail lights, I had to use an electronic flasher in the signal light flasher (which is much easier to access that the four-way flasher) to allow the signal lights to function properly, but that alone would not prevent the signal lights/flashers from operating erratically when I tried LEDs in the front.

Re: License plate LED bulb upgrade

No the flasher will not fix it but will be needed. The problem is the way the side marker and park/turn bulbs are wired

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Re: License plate LED bulb upgrade

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=- (Post 264302)

No the flasher will not fix it but will be needed. The problem is the way the side marker and park/turn bulbs are wired

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Ah, I'll delve into the wiring diagrams further as well.

Re: License plate LED bulb upgrade

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZR1North (Post 264303)

Ah, I'll delve into the wiring diagrams further as well.

I will save you the hassle. The side markers run 12v in both directions. Parking lights off, when turn signal is on the side marker is also on. Parking lights on the voltage travels the opposite way and when the turn signal it on the side maker turns off (opposite).

I have not really looked to see what can be done to keep the function the same.

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Re: License plate LED bulb upgrade

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=- (Post 264305)

Thanks Jeff - great analysis; no wonder the flashers and signal lights were erratic when I tried the LEDs in the front park/signal light sockets. I am going to delve into this further as well. Looks like some digital switching circuitry (to address the AND-OR functions) might be required between the lights and the control signals.

Re: License plate LED bulb upgrade

This is from an 88, probably the same in later years but maybe not

GM used the filaments of the bulbs to their advantage, if I apply 12v to both sides of the bulb it will be off, but with LEDs that does not work, since the Bulb is basically a short, the new LEDs are not.

IF I were to place the LED in the front of my car and remove the front Side marker it will work in both cases

I have a 2 relay (per side) solution which might be the best I am going to get. it will change the wiring of the marker light and a ground will need to be added, But it would work.

Also in current OEM state, if you put LEDs in the front side marker, they will only with parking lights OR Turn signals, not both ( due to GM Design)