replacing map lights
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: san diego california
replacing map lights
I have the 6 LED array in my map lights, and want to replace them with blue LED lights. I have popped the cover lens off, but I am not sure how to get the existing array out and then replace the LEDs. Anyone have some tips? It sounds like a standard solder replacement, but I was not sure how to actually get the array out to work on it. Thanks everyone!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,291
Likes: 478
From: Brea CA
I have the 6 LED array in my map lights, and want to replace them with blue LED lights. I have popped the cover lens off, but I am not sure how to get the existing array out and then replace the LEDs. Anyone have some tips? It sounds like a standard solder replacement, but I was not sure how to actually get the array out to work on it. Thanks everyone!
http://www.spdkilz.com/techtipledrearviewmirror.html
A couple of tips, 1) The LED circuit boards are on short wires in the mirror housiing. They are long enough to pull out about an inch. It will take a bit of twisting and fishing to get them out and back in. 2)use a fine tip soldering iron. 3) the circuit board shows the orientation for the LED's. LED's will only light up when connected with the correct polarity.
If you have all the parts and want help doing this mod don't hesitate to contact me through PM or email. I am in North OC, CA.
Gary
gkopko@roadrunner.com
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,987
Likes: 18
From: DuBois PA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
It might be a very good idea to get with Gary on this. Using Blue with it's higher forward operating voltage will cause all the LEDs to be dimmer. One solution that I've come up with is to isolate the first LED in the line (w/resistor) then wire in the second to be the start of the string. This will require you to cut the tracks on the PCB to the first and second LEDs on the string. Gary is more then capable of doing those mods I'm sure! 
