LED Replacement Results

[Frontier719]

I finally got around to replacing the LEDs under the gear selector and the AC controls. The results are mixed. While the gear selector lights up well, the AC controls don't light up fully.

I bought some pretty cheap LEDs off eBay (4 for $1.99 with free shipping). The install only took about 10 min.


Overall, better than the dead light bulbs that were in there before. But I'd recommend sticking with the traditional LEDs that come stock on the vehicle, or get the type of LED that have multiple light sources built into one LED
--sorry my terminology sucks--I'm not well versed in the realm of light bulbs haha

 

[0xfded]

It helps to use a diffuser with LEDs behind the AC panel. Try using scotch tape, wax paper, or something like that to smear out the hot spots.

I ended up having to modify my LEDs a bit, bending them 90 degrees so they throw light against the white plastic instead of dumping it into the panel. That plus some plastic diffuser works pretty well.

At some point, I'm going to try converting my instrument panel to use an LED strip, though. I want more light back there, without a bunch of obvious hotspots.

 

[xspsi6]

Do you have a link to the ones you bought?

 

[0xfded]

Do you have a link to the ones you bought?

If you're asking me, I got these off Amazon, for my '98:

Amazon.com: Jtech 10 x T5, 5050 SMD LED Red Car Lights Bulb: Automotive

No problems with them at all. No burnouts, all 10 worked great. Those are red, but that brand has other colors too.