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Replace tail bulbs with LED's

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Old Feb 7, 2017 | 06:46 AM
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Default Replace tail bulbs with LED's

Hey guys,

I am going to swap my tail lights with new FX4 lenses. While I am at it, I thought it would be wise to add LED bulbs. In your opinions, is it worthwhile swapping all three bulbs on each side with LED's, or just the reverse light bulbs? Looking online, would all three bulbs be the same model number in order to change up to LED's, or are the reverse and the other two different sizes? Thanks
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Old Feb 7, 2017 | 06:56 AM
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Originally Posted by tomasulo
Hey guys,

I am going to swap my tail lights with new FX4 lenses. While I am at it, I thought it would be wise to add LED bulbs. In your opinions, is it worthwhile swapping all three bulbs on each side with LED's, or just the reverse light bulbs? Looking online, would all three bulbs be the same model number in order to change up to LED's, or are the reverse and the other two different sizes? Thanks
I believe your reverse and tails are different bulbs on the 09-14's. LEDs are great if you spend the money and get a good product. I think you're 3157 tail and 921 reverse.

You're going to need to add resistors otherwise you'll have hyperflashing.

I personally use sylvania zevo for my tails. I like how they direct all of the light toward the reflector. They are brighter then stock and work great for me.

Diode Dynamics would also be a great choice.

LEDs cost a lot more than incandescent bulbs, just keep that in mind.
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Old Feb 7, 2017 | 07:17 AM
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Originally Posted by 2008__XL
I believe your reverse and tails are different bulbs on the 09-14's. LEDs are great if you spend the money and get a good product. I think you're 3157 tail and 921 reverse.

You're going to need to add resistors otherwise you'll have hyperflashing.

I personally use sylvania zevo for my tails. I like how they direct all of the light toward the reflector. They are brighter then stock and work great for me.

Diode Dynamics would also be a great choice.

LEDs cost a lot more than incandescent bulbs, just keep that in mind.
Thanks! I think replacing reverse lights is the right step first....as you say, needing resistors and the cost of doing the other two, would increase. I looked up the Sylvania's that you use, they look very high quality, and I can see how they direct all the light toward the reflector. Pricey though, but may go with that option! Cheers
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Old Feb 7, 2017 | 07:27 AM
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Originally Posted by tomasulo
Thanks! I think replacing reverse lights is the right step first....as you say, needing resistors and the cost of doing the other two, would increase. I looked up the Sylvania's that you use, they look very high quality, and I can see how they direct all the light toward the reflector. Pricey though, but may go with that option! Cheers
Sylvania are probably one of the cheapest decent options. I'd recommend something brighter for reverse. I like the sylvania zevo as tail lights the most.
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Old Feb 7, 2017 | 09:23 AM
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No resistors needed. You can reprogram the BCM with FORScan.
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Old Feb 7, 2017 | 09:39 AM
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If you do use resistors, avoid the splice connectors they sell at Autozone, they suck. I'd highly recommend Posi-Tap connectors. They came with my AMP Research step boards are i think do a better job connecting wires without cutting all the way through them.
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Old Feb 7, 2017 | 10:08 AM
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I have LED's front and rear for my 2011 and used FORScan to turn off the warnings (hyperflash). Do a thread search for it.
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Old Feb 7, 2017 | 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by 2008__XL
Sylvania are probably one of the cheapest decent options. I'd recommend something brighter for reverse. I like the sylvania zevo as tail lights the most.
What would you recommend for reverse LED's? I have two LED flood spot lights that I just installed under my bumper, for night time backing up, which work awesome. I don't need super bright LED's for reverse, but the brighter the better never hurts. Let me know. Thanks.
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Old Feb 7, 2017 | 11:33 AM
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Reverse LEDs I use give off plenty of light. Each is about 350 lumens of white light 6000K.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...Specifications
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Old Feb 14, 2017 | 12:07 AM
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I recently installed the 21 Led red bulbs from Vleds on my 2009. These bulbs are much brighter than the OEMs. I have their V3 Triton amber bulbs installed in the front which I use for DRL's, very happy with them. Prior to Vleds product I had tried many other suppliers but nothing comes close to the quality of Vleds products (IMO). Yes they are abit pricey but we all know you get what you pay.
So when I planned to upgrade the tail lights, it had to be Vleds.
These bulbs are a direct fit and I used their VLR-3 resistors (1 on each side) and everything works great. A very quick and easy installation.

http://www.vleds.com/shop-applicatio...ulbs-4057.html
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