Rearview mirror (auto dim version) LED replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 457
Likes: 56
Rearview mirror (auto dim version) LED replacement
Hey guys, I was reading about this here and here, and decided to take this task on as I hate the LED colors they chose to put in these mirrors. It especially washes out the nice color of my mod red interior.
So I bought the white 5mm leds from oznium and followed spdkilz instructions, and got 6 new LEDs soldered in. I plugged it in and only the outer 4 LEDs are lighting up, the inner row of 2 do not. Also, the outer 4 do seem fairly on the dim side - not even as bright as the stock LEDs were.
I triple checked my polarity when installing, so I know thats not the issue. And I also doubt that i happen to have two dud LEDs in the center row, but I suppose its not impossible.
Anyone have this happen, or have any ideas whats wrong?
Thanks!
So I bought the white 5mm leds from oznium and followed spdkilz instructions, and got 6 new LEDs soldered in. I plugged it in and only the outer 4 LEDs are lighting up, the inner row of 2 do not. Also, the outer 4 do seem fairly on the dim side - not even as bright as the stock LEDs were.
I triple checked my polarity when installing, so I know thats not the issue. And I also doubt that i happen to have two dud LEDs in the center row, but I suppose its not impossible.
Anyone have this happen, or have any ideas whats wrong?
Thanks!
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Try contacting forum members TheRadioFlyer or tstar. They do a lot of work with LEDs and perhaps they can offer some tech assistance to you.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 457
Likes: 56
Try contacting forum members TheRadioFlyer or tstar. They do a lot of work with LEDs and perhaps they can offer some tech assistance to you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,294
Likes: 480
From: Brea CA
Hey guys, I was reading about this here and here, and decided to take this task on as I hate the LED colors they chose to put in these mirrors. It especially washes out the nice color of my mod red interior.
So I bought the white 5mm leds from oznium and followed spdkilz instructions, and got 6 new LEDs soldered in. I plugged it in and only the outer 4 LEDs are lighting up, the inner row of 2 do not. Also, the outer 4 do seem fairly on the dim side - not even as bright as the stock LEDs were.
I triple checked my polarity when installing, so I know thats not the issue. And I also doubt that i happen to have two dud LEDs in the center row, but I suppose its not impossible.
Anyone have this happen, or have any ideas whats wrong?
Thanks!
So I bought the white 5mm leds from oznium and followed spdkilz instructions, and got 6 new LEDs soldered in. I plugged it in and only the outer 4 LEDs are lighting up, the inner row of 2 do not. Also, the outer 4 do seem fairly on the dim side - not even as bright as the stock LEDs were.
I triple checked my polarity when installing, so I know thats not the issue. And I also doubt that i happen to have two dud LEDs in the center row, but I suppose its not impossible.
Anyone have this happen, or have any ideas whats wrong?
Thanks!
I did the white LED install years ago. It is so much better than the poor selection that GM used.
Gary
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 457
Likes: 56
The white LED's operate at a slightly higher voltage than the LED's that GM used. If you have started the car the system voltage will be above battery only (12.6 battery only, 13.8 to 14.1 with engine on (typical)), In this situation all of the LED's should be lit.
I did the white LED install years ago. It is so much better than the poor selection that GM used.
Gary
I did the white LED install years ago. It is so much better than the poor selection that GM used.
Gary
At the same time, This would be a bummer if the center lights will always be off when I open the door after the car has sat for a while and the voltage settled down to 12.5-13 volts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,987
Likes: 18
From: DuBois PA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Gary's right on (as usual), the two outer rows are tied in series so 4 Blue or White LEDs in series require more voltage then the outer rows are getting to be achieve full brightness. Red and Orange work perfectly there as they operate on slightly lower voltages.
You have to modify the board itself to get all the outer LEDs to come up to full brightness. PM me of you want to modify it yourself or have me do it for you via JW Motoring's LED services...
You have to modify the board itself to get all the outer LEDs to come up to full brightness. PM me of you want to modify it yourself or have me do it for you via JW Motoring's LED services...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 457
Likes: 56
Turns out I had a few lights not lighting up due to a bad solder job. Re did it and all is well now.
I will say - the lights do get significantly brighter once the car is running! They are in some kind of low power mode with the car off, only the center 2 are bright, but once the car is running it looks like all 6 go to full brightness. Throws quite a lot of light, much brighter and looks much better than stock.
I will say - the lights do get significantly brighter once the car is running! They are in some kind of low power mode with the car off, only the center 2 are bright, but once the car is running it looks like all 6 go to full brightness. Throws quite a lot of light, much brighter and looks much better than stock.
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