Anyone upgraded to LED bulbs?

25689 Views 44 Replies 14 Participants Last post by sklunk, Nov 20, 2014

ccaats

Discussion Starter · Jul 10, 2007

I was wondering if anyone had tried upgrading to LED interior (or exterior tail light) bulbs? Some guy on the Outlook forum had posted a link to the following site.

http://www.lightlens.com/ledbulbs.htm?gclid=CK77jc_qu4wCFQowUQodowt7Vw

The reason I ask is that my wife wants to get an aftermarket ceiling mounted DVD player she saw in one of the Enclaves at the dealership instead of the factory DVD as it has a bigger screen and the ability for rear seat passengers to watch DVD and still play cd's in the head/nav unit. The problem is that the courtesy/reading lamps in the unit are "blue-white" LED, which looks awesome, but doesn't match the other lights in the interior. It makes them look really "yellow". Is it safe to replace interior bulbs with LED bulbs? What about tail-light bulbs? Are they as realistic looking as factory LED tail lights?

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Smokin SRX

· #2 · Sep 16, 2007

ccaats said:
I was wondering if anyone had tried upgrading to LED interior (or exterior tail light) bulbs? Some guy on the Outlook forum had posted a link to the following site.

http://www.lightlens.com/ledbulbs.htm?gclid=CK77jc_qu4wCFQowUQodowt7Vw

The reason I ask is that my wife wants to get an aftermarket ceiling mounted DVD player she saw in one of the Enclaves at the dealership instead of the factory DVD as it has a bigger screen and the ability for rear seat passengers to watch DVD and still play cd's in the head/nav unit. The problem is that the courtesy/reading lamps in the unit are "blue-white" LED, which looks awesome, but doesn't match the other lights in the interior. It makes them look really "yellow". Is it safe to replace interior bulbs with LED bulbs? What about tail-light bulbs? Are they as realistic looking as factory LED tail lights?

OK. I've done it on my Yukon w/ mixed results. Firstly you must get a "wide angle" LED tailight bulb, or the light is only seen from directly behind you! (If it's sold as a taillight bulb you should be OK!) The cars lens reflector doesn't matter much as the LEDs can radiate straight out and miss factory reflector/defuser. Check!) Especially true if you order from a bulb supplier, who makes many types for many equipment needs, not an Auto supplier.

Next, same for interior, but not as critical and you may desire "aimed" narrow focus, LED reading bulbs. In any case check the amp draw and match fairly closely to the factory rated bulb! I put a 20 watt, LED front "running" lite in my Yukon, when factory bulb was 12 watt. Socket partially melted in 6 months time (2,500 miles), from extra heat, but fuse never blew! Check.

Other than that, the "dimming out feature" may not work right (when you close/open the doors, it's not instantly bright or dark. I perceived a small "fade" affect in my Enclave. Slight possibility of burning out that feature's electronics due to LED's wanting all the power at once. A standard filament type bulb doesn't care and will use what you give it. If the interior reading bulb in question only comes on w/ a manual switch , not the door slow, dim feature, no problem. (I can't check mine...wife has it!)

I also looked at site you mentioned (Lightlens) and they give ratings in amps/watts! Good news! Match them up (Amps/watts) right from owners manual or bulb itself! Going by the basic # IE.. 1156, 1157, 1094, etc should keep you out of trouble , and insure a good fit, except for that dimming feature that I beleive I saw. (it's not very noticeable to some)

Lastly, they looked great, but mine lasted 1 year and burned out! Wasn't your co. however. (lightlens)
Good Luck. let us know.

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ccaats

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 17, 2007

Thanks smokin'.....I had almost forgotten I posted this...LOL. We decided to order with the factory DVD, so I am not as concerned about LED interior lighting anymore (although I still wish GM had "upscaled" the Enclave a little more with LED lighting like the Caddys). I probably won't mess with it because I REALLY don't want to "invite" any electrical problems on my 'Clave. Thanks for the insight though!

lucasszy

· #4 · Oct 29, 2007

I'm in no way connected or associated with lightlens.com, but I have shopped there for YEARS, ever since they've been around, and have had great service and products from then!

Consider this a recommendation.

Lucas

Smokin SRX

· #5 · Oct 29, 2007

lucasszy said:
I'm in no way connected or associated with lightlens.com, but I have shopped there for YEARS, ever since they've been around, and have had great service and products from then!

Consider this a recommendation.

Lucas

Thks Lucas! I've been thinking about the tailight LED bulbs and am happy to have a recommendation for Lightlens. If I take the plunge I will post!

ccaats

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 30, 2007

I will let someone else be the "guinea pig"....I am too scared to cause "electrical" problems with our baby, so I will just leave her alone. Thanks for the rec though lucas

lucasszy

· #7 · Oct 30, 2007

I'd do the same, but the wife already slapped my hands and told me to keep away from her car... Im limited to changing oil and taking it to the gas station to get it filled up... And the car isnt even here yet!

Lucas

GreatDon

· #8 · Jul 13, 2011

Hi Guys. Just got my Buick Enclave 2011 for a 2 weeks now. The interior lights sucks big time. Any got the LED interior lights working with no problems?? Any DIY on taking out the front dome light unit? Thanks

rbarrios

· #9 · Jul 13, 2011

there are 2 Acadia members who have installed LED lamps in the interior.
they posted the results with pics.

rbarrios

· #10 · Jul 13, 2011

heres the thread- with pics on removing and adding stuff.

you have to be a member to view pics-

http://www.acadiaforum.net/forum/index.php?topic=5974.0

sidewinder

· #11 · Jul 14, 2011

i thought about replacing the tail lights with LED but haven't found any suitable replacements and most stuff from ebay seems like a crap shoot... interior lights are already pretty bright especially with cashmere.

sklunk

· #12 · Jul 14, 2011

sidewinder said:
i thought about replacing the tail lights with LED but haven't found any suitable replacements and most stuff from ebay seems like a crap shoot... interior lights are already pretty bright especially with cashmere.

I was thinking about trying it too. In my opinion there is no reason the Enclave should not have LED lights if it wants to play in the luxury market. Here is a good place for individual bulbs:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/vehicle/2009/buick/enclave/9/472

If you click on the stock bulb number on the left side it will give you a bunch of color options with pricing. You may need to wire a load resistor into the turn signals to keep the BCM from thinking you have a bulb out (click on the "Flashers and Load Resistors" button near the green checkout button and look at the RL-650). Anybody want to be a guinea pig?

cfedor

· #13 · May 19, 2013

sklunk said:
I was thinking about trying it too. In my opinion there is no reason the Enclave should not have LED lights if it wants to play in the luxury market. Here is a good place for individual bulbs:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/vehicle/2009/buick/enclave/9/472

If you click on the stock bulb number on the left side it will give you a bunch of color options with pricing. You may need to wire a load resistor into the turn signals to keep the BCM from thinking you have a bulb out (click on the "Flashers and Load Resistors" button near the green checkout button and look at the RL-650). Anybody want to be a guinea pig?

Just did all my interior today.
The DVD/screen was the hardest, But I got it. Screen down - 4 hex head 1/4" screws - loosened but don't take them all the way out. There are threaded washers on the inside to retain them. Once those are loosened, then just pull the front corners down and the left and right side - there are those spring type retainer push clips. I left mine hanging from all the wires to remove the passenger side first, changed that bulb, left the whole unit hanging and got to the drivers side light assy. screws easier, changed the drivers side and screwed those 3 screwes back in then back to the passenger side. I used these in all my overheads - WOW what s difference! http://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-White-8-LED-3020-SMD-T10-Bulb-Car-Wedge-Light-Lamp-/190836382522?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&nma=true&si=taRAkmdQmDHFFyVsTJnpKhD7bP8%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
And here is a pic of the finished product:

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cfedor

· #14 · Aug 28, 2013

Does anyone have an idea what a LED replacement is for the front Amber turn signal 12772NA? I cannot seem to find a direct replacement, anywhere or a number that crosses over. I ma looking for an Amber LED as a replacement. Also, if I change the front and rear incandescent turn signal bulbs, do I need load resisters for all 4 lamps(2 front, 2 rear)? Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. I have changed out everything but these last 4, and have not encounter a "light out" error.

JaviCXL

· #15 · Aug 28, 2013

cfedor said:
Does anyone have an idea what a LED replacement is for the front Amber turn signal 12772NA? I cannot seem to find a direct replacement, anywhere or a number that crosses over. I ma looking for an Amber LED as a replacement. Also, if I change the front and rear incandescent turn signal bulbs, do I need load resisters for all 4 lamps(2 front, 2 rear)? Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. I have changed out everything but these last 4, and have not encounter a "light out" error.

The front part 12772NA is essentially the part 168, 194, 2825.

If you do end up replacing them with LED's you will need a resistor.
Those are the only ones I did not touch everything else I replaced with LED's.

bocoogto

· #16 · Aug 28, 2013

What do these LED bulbs do that the OEM ones don't? The only differences I know of is less energy consumption which is insignificant in a car and the color of the light emitted---bright white.

Have you noticed cars or trucks with LED exterior lights usually have several that don't light? This is true of aftermarket LED's and OEM LED's. Isn't it true that, in most cases, the whole LED assembly needs to be replaced instead of individual emitters?

cfedor

· #17 · Aug 28, 2013

JaviCXL said:
The front part 12772NA is essentially the part 168, 194, 2825.

If you do end up replacing them with LED's you will need a resistor.
Those are the only ones I did not touch everything else I replaced with LED's.

:nono: 194 bases are different than the 12772NA. They are more like the H11 fog lights.

cfedor

· #18 · Aug 29, 2013

bocoogto said:
What do these LED bulbs do that the OEM ones don't? The only differences I know of is less energy consumption which is insignificant in a car and the color of the light emitted---bright white.

Have you noticed cars or trucks with LED exterior lights usually have several that don't light? This is true of aftermarket LED's and OEM LED's. Isn't it true that, in most cases, the whole LED assembly needs to be replaced instead of individual emitters?

I like the brighter, crisper, cleaner looking white color. The LED lamp - yes - just like you would with a regular single incandescent bulb, but not the whole lamp housing assembly. ALL of my LED's light, in all of the applications I have replaced the incandescent bulbs - haven't had an issue with them at all.

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cfedor

· #19 · Aug 29, 2013

Interior bulbs used were 194 LED 8 SMD
License plate was a "T" type 12 SMD
Reverse was a 194 24 SMD
Outer rear tails was a 194 LED 20 SMD - as were also used in the front headlamp upper markers
Front DRL's are a 3157 LED 27 SMD

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ttl35esq

· #20 · Aug 29, 2013

Looks great. where did you get the reverse 24smd lights?

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