GENERAL KNOWLEDGE ABOUT LED BULBS

What is an LED?

An LED is a light emitting diode that is used in a variety of applications as a source of light. When a suitable voltage is applied on to the two leads of a light emitting diode, it creates an effect known as “electroluminescence” which will result in a light source that is integrated on our products.

How do I know how bright these LED bulbs are?

In the automotive industry, the brightness of an LED bulb is usually categorized by “luminous flux”(lumens) which is the unit of measurement of light that is visible to the human eye. You should review the lumen rating to determine the total visible light output of the LED lamp.

What is color temperature and how do I match my headlamps with my fog lights?

Color temperature refers to the color of the light emitted from the lamps. The temperature of the light will determine the color of the light. The color temperature is measured in kelvins(K) and should be considered when trying to purchase a specific color of LED lamps.

What is CK/SRCK and standard configuration and why should I check my sockets?

Standard and CK/SRCK are two types of dual-filament (3157 & 7443) sockets for turn signal applications. The ground terminals and leads are located in a different position and may cause a short on the circuit if the proper LED bulb is not installed. You should contact your vehicles local dealer or test the sockets (using a test lamp) to determine what your vehicle is equipped with.

What is a dual-filament bulb?

A dual-filament bulb is a lamp that supports to levels of light intensities; low and high intensity. A good example will be a tail and brake light setup. Tail light is the low intensity filament and brake light would be the high intensity filament.

What bulb size should I use?

The bulb size that should be used depends on the original bulb installed, or what the vehicle’s owner’s manual indicates for the application you are working on. Most cases, you can easily identify the bulb size by simply consulting the owner’s manual. You may also compare the factory bulb to our product to determine if it is suitable replacement size.

What color LED bulb should I use?

The color of the bulb should ALWAYS be within the legal limits of the laws of the road when operating an automotive vehicle. You should go based off the part number on the bulb or even check the vehicles owner’s manual. The manual and factory bulb will, usually, have a part number which indicates the type of filament bulb, bulb size and color (white, amber, or red). (Ex. 7444NA, & 3157A / NA=Natural A=Amber) You should also consider the color of the lens on the housing assembly. For safety, the color of the LED bulb should correspond to the color of the lens so that the color is vivid and noticeable to other drivers. If the lens is clear, you should follow what the manual.

Why is my bulb flickering/dimming as soon as I install them and turn them on?

Some vehicles are equipped with a computer system that will monitor your vehicles lighting applications. They are designed to notify a driver of problem or fault with the functionality of a lamp. The system may recognize the low power draw of your LED bulb as a problem or fault. It may cause a lamp out indicator on your dashboard and sometimes cause the lamp to flicker or dim because its recognizing the lamp as an open circuit(faulty/burned bulb). A load resistor or decoder should be installed by tapping onto the ground and lead wires of the socket. These components will ‘trick’ the computer system (CAN bus, BCM, etc. )into believing that you have a functioning bulb installed.

Why is my turn signal flashing faster than normal?

This is a very common malfunction with turn signal applications when upgrading to LED. The issue is known as “hyper-flashing”. Hyper-flashing occurs when the flasher relay (controls rate of flashing on the turn signals) cannot detect the power going to the turn signal. Since LED bulbs are more efficient, there is a substantial decrease in power draw. A load resistor should be installed on to the lead (turn signal) and ground wires. Load resistors will simulate a power draw that resembles your factory halogen bulbs(20W-27W) to normalize the rate of flashing with your LED bulbs. Another option, if possible, is to upgrade the factory flasher relay module with an electronic LED flasher relay which will work with a low power draw. Factory equipped ‘thermal flasher relays’ cannot be upgraded so the proper load should be applied to the sockets using resistors.

What should I do if my LED bulbs do not fit?

This depends on the type of fitment issue you are experience. You should consult your owner’s manual to confirm the size or part number. The manual has information that your vehicles manufacturer has included and is more reliable than any other source, guide or reference available online. You may also contact your local dealer to request the information. If there is minimal labor involved, checking the factory bulb, and comparing it to the LED bulb you are trying to install is the best method to confirm that the bulb size (and dimensions) are accurate and suitable for your vehicle. Once you have determined the reason for the fitment issue, you should install an LED bulb based off the information you have learned.