Tail light melted again - no contact - whats the fix
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Rock Crawling
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 401
Likes: 55
From: MD
Tail light melted again - no contact - whats the fix
What is the fix for this. I would like a once and done solution even if that mean modifying the existing housing to accept a different socket that uses leads. Or mount a LED type on the outside and thread the leads thru.
I cant seem to find any LED break and running lights that are small enough.....
Thoughts?
I cant seem to find any LED break and running lights that are small enough.....
Thoughts?
Pro Wrench
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 393
From: SE Washington State
Here is what I did. I use LED replacement bulbs I bought from AutoZone. Sylvania or Osram made to replace 5/21 or 21 watt incandescent bulbs (codes 1056 and 1057 as I recall). Correct brightness, equivalent wattage, but much cooler so will not burn or melt the sockets. I am sure LED replacement bulbs are available at other stores too.
I replaced all the bulbs, but really only needs the tail lights (dual filament 5/21 W, 5W running plus 21W brake), because running stays on continuously at night, then when the brakes are on totals 26 Watts and causes the melting. Reverse light doesn't need LED, unless driving in reverse for hours. Turn signal doesn't need LED, blinking helps it stay cooler, but LED will last longer than incandescent. The turn signals still flashed properly with the LEDs, so I didn't need to add load resistors.
Hope this helps.
I replaced all the bulbs, but really only needs the tail lights (dual filament 5/21 W, 5W running plus 21W brake), because running stays on continuously at night, then when the brakes are on totals 26 Watts and causes the melting. Reverse light doesn't need LED, unless driving in reverse for hours. Turn signal doesn't need LED, blinking helps it stay cooler, but LED will last longer than incandescent. The turn signals still flashed properly with the LEDs, so I didn't need to add load resistors.
Hope this helps.
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Rock Crawling
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 401
Likes: 55
From: MD
thanks Johnzo - yeah I should have installed LED bulbs, problem now is the housing is warped and will not allow socket to seat correctly to make contact. And holy cow are prices ridiculous.... when I replaced the assembly before it was $40 now people want $130.....
TReK
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,764
Likes: 617
From: NYC
Pro Wrench
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 393
From: SE Washington State
thanks Johnzo - yeah I should have installed LED bulbs, problem now is the housing is warped and will not allow socket to seat correctly to make contact. And holy cow are prices ridiculous.... when I replaced the assembly before it was $40 now people want $130.....
Puts it in perspective
. Eventually there won't be any more to find
.
Thread Starter
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Rock Crawling
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 401
Likes: 55
From: MD
Ive ordered some AC Delco sockets with leads and intend on modifying the housing and connecting the leads via spade connectors to the exposed traces on the back of the housing. Also think Im going to install reflective tape inside the housing to hopefully cut down on the warping.
Im unclear on the real solution with LED bulbs. "Hyperflash and load equilizer" - also reading they are not as many lumens.
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