I just bought an LED bulb from Autozone to replace the original dome light bulb in my 1995 Corolla because it's too dim.
I just tried the LED and it will not light. The original bulb still works fine.
Is it possible this is simply a bad LED? Or could it be that it won't work without adding a resistor? I searched this forum and it seems that others have switched to an LED for the dome light with no problems.
Try turning it around and inserting it the other way.
Okay - I never would have thought the way you insert an LED would make a difference (especially since both ends are identical).
So, I went out to try it and after dropping the tiny booger twice (using a flashlight, mind you) and spending several minutes looking for it each time, I finally inserted it properly and YES, IT WORKS!
Problem is, not only is not NOT brighter, it changes colors! Who the heck would want their dome light to do that???
And the package says "BRIGHTER"??? I don't think so. Well, back to Autozone tomorrow to return it. I think it was the only type they carry for my 3175 original. Guess I'll need to order one online.
Thank you for your help and fast response, Christopher!
Hmmm.... Well, it definitely looks very interesting and I'm sure it's very bright too! I'm afraid since I had trouble installing a simple LED bulb, (just like the original), this might be a little difficult for me.
Does it require rewiring the dome light? If so, I'm not sure I should attempt that. Sorry, these LEDs are very new to me.
Yeah, any LEDs you get locally at Auto Zone or Pep Boys or Advance Auto is trash. Even Ebay is better because you have a wide selection and waaay cheaper price.
You should get the dome lights with those tiny LEDs on it, like bitter posted. They are plug and play, as you can see the multiple bases in the pictures. Just use the one that connects!
But the Ebay link Bitter posted has this description: Light Panel 48 SMD LED+Interior Bulb+T10+BA9S Adapter. I don't understand how to make this panel work in place of my bulb.
I am looking at this LED at Amazon: 31mm Festoon 12 LEDs SMD LED Bulb White for 3022, DE3022, 3175, DE3175. Two for $13.89. It looks like it would work. And the reviews were good.
LEDs are polarized, meaning the current has to flow a certain way for them to work (since they are diodes after all). I just used a blue xenon one from Pepboys in my Corolla it gave off a whitish light that complimented the blue interior nicely with some improvement in brightness, but an LED like bitter linked will be even brighter and cost less.
The Following User Says Thank You to cipher93 For This Useful Post:
Have people actually used these How's the lifespan? I bought a 13 LED USB light and the leds were burning out at the tune of 1 every couple hours of use.
I've been using them in two of my own cars for over a year now with no issues, my Mom has been using 2 of the smaller ones in the front of her Mazda3 for about 6 months now as well without issue.
I've had my dome lights on for extended periods of time, 1/2 hour at a time more than once. They draw very little power and create almost no heat so leaving the dome light on for long periods causes no problems. Not to mention, they're so cheap that if you get a bad one or one burns out just buy another for $3. Heck, buy two now so you have a spare.
Good deal, I've bought a few dozen things from them over a couple years. Shipping takes about a week, they're good to respond to questions too. They offer other sizes and styles, the regular LED kind is brighter by about 20-30 Lumen, but it's also thicker and may not fit in some cars. Visibly the difference is nothing I can see unless they're side by side. The smaller sizes may fit better in cars with smaller dome lights or with map lights. You could cut the wires off the adapters and use them for foot well lighting cheaply as well since they are adhesive backed.
I finally got the LEDs after 3 weeks - I guess it took long because they came from Hong Kong plus the holiday season. No big deal.
And they look AWESOME!!!! I installed them as soon as I got home. I used my own self-stick velcro pieces because I didn't realize they were adhesive backed until I reread your post just now but they fit fine.
My husband says now he wants one for his 2008 Ford F150!
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
LED Dome Bulb Won't Work
Linear Mode
