LED Upgrade for Indicators

[Willemina]

I have purchased an LED bulb upgrade set for my Series 2 FHC from Classic Car LEDs Ltd (CCLL). The upgrade has not been without issue but I have managed to sort out all bar one. With the new bulbs in place the indicator lights glow when the sidelights are turned on. I spoke to CCLL and they said the problem was a poor earth. The car is not rusty in any way as I restored it completely six years ago (at some cost!), either repairing or replacing every part as it went back on the car. I have checked the rear light cluster and note there is a single earth lead attached to the rear of the sidelight bulb housing but none to the indicator. I am assuming that the earthing is being made through the cluster backplate when using a filament bulb. My question is, how can I easily improve the earth connection or is the best way to fit a resistor?

[rswaffie]

I had a similar issue with the front sidelights and rear tail lights coming on when brake lights Lit. The solution was to fit diode Bridge wires in to the tail light live circuits. Got mine from Gil at Bettercarlighting. He will be able to help you out.

https://www.bettercarlighting.co.uk/ind ... t&catId=57

[Willemina]

Hi Richard,

Thanks for the tip. I have bookmarked Better Car Lighting. I have a resistor coming tomorrow from CCL. If that doesn't work I will be in touch with Better Car Lighting. Installing the LEDs has taken a while but they do make quite a difference. I was touring Northern Spain a couple of years ago with friends of mine following in another couple of cars. They all commented that the rear lights were not very strong. When I changed the bulbs on one side I then stood back to compare the new LED against the old filament and they were certainly much brighter. Worth the effort!

Thanks,

Steve

[rswaffie]

Yes, I’ve changed all interior and instrument bulbs, along with all exterior bulbs (except headlights which I upgraded using the relay method described in the forum). All from bettercarlighting. I also used one of their led strip solutions in place of the map light. The ignition warning bulb can be changed to led, but you need a resistor kit for that. Makes a real difference.

[JerryL770]

I too have LED stop n tail lights from Better Car Lighting. One failed within the 2 year warranty period and it was replaced FOC by Gil. He recommended the diode installation in the supply side of all LED bulbs as possible feedback from poor earthing can damage the LED's.

The diodes are a bit expensive for what you get I feel, but you do get adequate instructions. I didn't use the clamp-on-the-wire connectors supplied (I hate them). I cut the feed wire, soldered the connection using heat shrink tubing to insulate. There's only 1 potential problem with this as I see it. The wire supplied, on which the diode is connected is very thin. A change back to an incandescent bulb would need it removing.

I reckon you could buy the diodes for a few pence if you knew the spec, otherwise it would cost the proverbial arm n leg to do the whole car.

[rswaffie]

Yes, I didn’t use the clamps either - horrible things!

[johnetype]

For diodes, use any of the IN400X series. As you suggest, they are pence.