Thread: LED Crazy
View Single Post
Old 10-02-07, 06:02 AM   #22 (permalink)
Brian894X4
250+ Club

 
Brian894X4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Oregon
Posts: 993
Here's an update on the engine compartment LEDs. I wasn't sure how they'd stand up to the heat of the engine, plus water spray from washing the engine and the weather. But so far, so good. They still work. It's really nice to just be able to flip a switch and check the oil and other fluids in otherwise pitch dark conditions without having to fiddle with a flashlight.

The LED tail lights seem to work just fine. And they do appear to be slightly brighter than the stock lights. But the real advantage is that I can leave my parking lights on at night with no affect on the battery, which has some advantages when camped out on a spur logging road somewhere. If some drunk idiot comes down that road, at least they'll see that someone is there instead of being surprised.

However, I've noticed that the LED brake lights have some affect on the AM reception. On certain stations, when I hit my brakes, the radio goes static and I can only assume it's the LEDs affecting this, but I'm not sure why.

As far as the SBL door lights and their longevity, I would guess the problem with those is the constant on/off for short durations somehow wears on the circuitry. Even if they only last a year or so, I'd gladly replace them with new ones as the door lights are awesome.

My only complaint so far is that the George map light is really a little too bright. While stationary and needing to light up the entire front interior it's flat out amazing, but while driving, its too bright. If there was a way to turn up and down the brightness, it would be perfect.

I don't have pictures, but I've also since wired in some courtesy LEDs from SBLs to light up my custom center console area, so I can see my equipment and drink holders while driving at night.

__________________
1995 FZJ80, modified for regional expeditions. Click here for more...

My main website:
In Search of History Expeditions
Foreign Toyota 4x4s
Military Toyota 4x4s
Brian894X4 is offline   Reply With Quote