I read the posts about changing the tail light assemblies to LED lights -- i.e., replacing the whole fixture-- not something I'm going to do!
But can one replace the incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs? Looking at the options online, it appears the bases are identical.
Thanks in advance!
-Judy Dewey
Egin, Idaho
2003 RK
Judy,
Yes and No.
It depends on the light bulb and how the plugs are wired and if they are on the Canbus system (Chassis Computer Communication system).
My 1988 MB, was built with 1157 Taillights, 194 Marker and Clearance lights, and 2458 Front Turn Signals, No Canbus.
The 194 Marker and clearance lights swapped with red and amber LED including the Ford Front Marker lights, Little hard to install in sockets. Worked.
The 1157 (metal base) Peterson Tail lights Swapped , No problems. All Works.
The Front 2458 Front turn signals, trouble. Flasher worked with the Headlight and Parking lights off. But not(Flasher) with Headlights and Parking lights on. And the new lights would not shine. So returned Front turn signals to normal. Maybe Chevrolet CK wiring pattern, which does not work with LED's
Flashers still work.
Reduced the Amperage draw by 4 amps.
See this thread:
LED Tail Lights (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=36975.msg235592#msg235592)
I replaced the rear bulbs, lined the housings with reflective foil, and replaced the flasher.
Easy to do once I gathered the parts. Big improvement.
Rich
You will need This electronic turn signal flasher when using LED tail lights.
Amazon.com: Grote 44892 3 Pin Flasher (North American (JSO) Pinout) : Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001V5RKI8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&tag=scmcldo-20$)
I buy most LEDs from M4 LED, a supplier of many types of LEDs
M4 LED Products (https://m4products.com/)
Larry
Thank you, Rodney, Rich, and Larry! Very helpful!
-Judy Dewey