Gen III/IV Interior LED upgrade

[The_Greg]

Upgrading the lights on the interior of a Gen III/IV cars is very rewarding. Its cheap (<$70 shipped from SuperBrightLEDs), easy, and the results are so nice on something that you see every time you drive the car. When I sought to do the LED interior upgrade the information needed was scarce and I had to piece it together... So to help anyone who wants to do this in the future I figured this would be a great place to combine the information. This isn't meant to be a polished how-to, but instead just an aggregate of information.

The parts needed and the colors I chose:
10 instrument panel general bulbs, white, T1.5 type (http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/subminiature-bulbs/pc74-led-bulb-high-power-instrument-panel-led/709/)
3 HVAC bulbs, white, NE05 (5mm) (http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/subminiature-bulbs/neox-led-bulb-high-power-instrument-panel-led/221/)
1 key ring bulb, red, NE04 (4mm) (http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/subminiature-bulbs/neox-led-bulb-high-power-instrument-panel-led/221/)
6 Misc bulbs, white (footwells, the lights in the rear-view mirror, and the license plate at the exterior of the car), white, 194 type, 5 SMD LED (http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/wedge-bulbs/194-led-bulb-5-smd-led-wide-angle-wedge-base/206/)

I was able to complete this with basic hand tools (allen wrenches, screw drivers, and pliers) in probably 6 total hours of work time, including the painting I did while everything was apart and goofing around testing the components to make sure the LEDs had the correct polarity. The led's need to be installed correctly, if they don't light up you need to remove them, rotate them 180 degrees, and re-install. It is not too tough of a job but its not for those who aren't confident working on interiors.


Huge politically-correct disclaimer: I did not disconnect the battery but it is irresponsible not to when working on your vehicle, especially electronics! First step should be to disconnect the battery or else you risk damage to the car, yourself, and possibly others.

This is the general procedure I followed:
Change footwell bulbs (this was so easy, not a single thing needs to be removed for access)
Remove the covers on the bulbs on the rear-view mirror (also very easy, they pry out)
You now have access to the rear view mirror bulbs, though they are held in strongly!
Remove ring around shifter
Remove shifter bezel (I actually left mine attached to the ebrake through the boot, was able to work around it)
Remove radio bezel (don't forget the hidden screw at the bottom middle)
Remove HVAC module from radio bezel (easier to test polarity of the LEDs)
You now have access to the HVAC bulbs.
Remove knee panel under steering wheel (two screws and some prying)
Drop the steering column by removing the two nuts that hold on the rearward most section
Remove the two screws holding the two pieces of the collar together (the plastic immediately behind the steering wheel, where the hazards switch is)
Remove the two pieces of the collar carefully
You now have access to the key ring bulb.
Remove (deep breath) the entire dash! This was actually pretty easy: remove the three screws that the knee panel was concealing and then it just pries off. Be careful around the radio/shifter area - you'll see that it is kind of difficult.
Remove the 4 gage cluster
You now have access to the 4 bulbs in the 4 gage cluster
Remove the 3 gage main cluster
You now have access to the 6 bulbs in the 3 gage main cluster
Remove old bulbs and install LEDs
Test all components for polarity of the LEDs. 50% chance on each one and I averaged worse than 50% on first try, go figure!
The re-assembly is exactly reversed from assembly, and almost easier!

The end result
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b312/The_Greg9/D5F19DEB-1921-412D-ABBB-9AB4B05B113B.jpg
Notice the HVAC has a little blue to it, even though I used white bulbs. The film that allows light through in the correct places has a blue tint to it.

And here is another shot with the key ring all lit up.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b312/The_Greg9/D69A2B0F-8F84-4EF0-8462-D88226E853E9.jpg

As you might have noticed, I took the time to also paint the 4 gage cluster bezel piece to kind-of mimic the Final Edition 2010 Vipers. I used Rustoleum that was compatible with Plastic. I didn't even scuff these for paint adhesion, since the paint should bond chemically. Just two thick coats.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b312/The_Greg9/8eeea807-0fc2-4b61-b03e-ad3b9ecc3954.jpg


The interior looks so much nicer now. The yellowish glow of the stock bulbs made it feel dated and not as nice like these LEDs!

[ACRucrazy]

One of my favorite upgrades to my car was LEDs inside.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s99/ACRucrazy/009%20SSG%20ACR/VCA/1150982_10151607655407643_71082798_n_zpsad2f058e.j pg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s99/ACRucrazy/009%20SSG%20ACR/VCA/1075863_10151576404572643_1093423778_n_zps6bf77b1c .jpg

[No hemi]

Nice, that's next on my mod list!!

[Slithr]

Very Nice, thanks for posting. It's amazing how much a few things really freshen up the interior. Definitely on the list of mods!

[Vital velocity]

I will need to do this!

[Vital velocity]

One of my favorite upgrades to my car was LEDs inside.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s99/ACRucrazy/009%20SSG%20ACR/VCA/1150982_10151607655407643_71082798_n_zpsad2f058e.j pg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s99/ACRucrazy/009%20SSG%20ACR/VCA/1075863_10151576404572643_1093423778_n_zps6bf77b1c .jpg
Where did you get your metal center console pieces?

[ACRucrazy]

http://www.mgwltd.com/viper2.shtml

[Torquemonster06]

4296Nice write up. Its a very easy install and well worth it in the end.. The blue is our old 06 coupe. Now I need to do the SSG ACR.....

[The_Greg]

ACRucracy, thanks for the pictures. I didn't have time to vacuum so I didn't take any footwell shots - yours show it off well. And I was on the fence about the MGW shift ring, but after seeing these it looks like I'll be ordering one!

[pony23]

I like the red guage surround. That is a nice touch. Looks fantastic.

[Revolution]

great write up where did your bulbs?

[slowhatch]

Great write-up, I've been wanting to do my gauge cluster and gauge pod for a while, just been lazy about it. I've already done all the interior ones at its a big improvement.

[cubican]

Thanks for all the links, on the brake lights if anyone wants to do a 3flash brakelight you can used these led plug and play. http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/tail-brake-turn/filter/Color,0,3,104:

[DreadLox]

4296Nice write up. Its a very easy install and well worth it in the end.. The blue is our old 06 coupe. Now I need to do the SSG ACR.....

Did my SSG in all green bulbs... Well not any of the gauge or dash lights yet. But I'll try and get a picture up soon of it at night.

Btw this is an awesome thread... Haven't had the guts to tear apart my interior to figure out how hard it was to replace all the other lights ... Your directions made it easy my friend! I just placed an order for the bulbs I haven't replaced yet :)

[The_Greg]

Thanks for all the links, on the brake lights if anyone wants to do a 3flash brakelight you can used these led plug and play. http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/tail-brake-turn/filter/Color,0,3,104:

Yes, you can change all of the outside blinking bulbs to LED's also, to get that very fast binary blink, instead of the incandescent glowing/pulsing blink. Its about $500 for EVERYTHING that blinks on the outside using V3 LEDs from VLEDs.com, which is a little steep, but they are all plug-and-play components. Information on these can be found on 'other' Viper forums... I would do a write up but not willing to fork over the money just yet.


Did my SSG in all green bulbs... Well not any of the gauge or dash lights yet. But I'll try and get a picture up soon of it at night.

Btw this is an awesome thread... Haven't had the guts to tear apart my interior to figure out how hard it was to replace all the other lights ... Your directions made it easy my friend! I just placed an order for the bulbs I haven't replaced yet :)

Glad to be of help, excited to see the green bulbs! I am thinking about purchasing some red bulbs for the footwells, and leaving the rest white as I currently have them.

[Slithr]

Haven't had the guts to tear apart my interior to figure out how hard it was to replace all the other lights ... Your directions made it easy my friend!

^This .. Threads like this make me think I can do this also (almost), still a chicken shit when it comes to pulling her apart. The red around the gauge bezels sure would look good in our red vert, I might need to gather the nerves somehow :D

Here's a photo I found of a local members SSG dash, looks good.
http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/Slithr/unt321itled_zps87a3ec6d.png (http://s1141.photobucket.com/user/Slithr/media/unt321itled_zps87a3ec6d.png.html)

[DreadLox]

^This .. Threads like this make me think I can do this also (almost), still a chicken shit when it comes to pulling her apart. The red around the gauge bezels sure would look good in our red vert, I might need to gather the nerves somehow :D

Here's a photo I found of a local members SSG dash, looks good.
http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/Slithr/unt321itled_zps87a3ec6d.png (http://s1141.photobucket.com/user/Slithr/media/unt321itled_zps87a3ec6d.png.html)

YES! Good to see! And that's in the daylight! Bet it looks sick at night, thanks for the pic :)
Now I'm antsy to get the bulbs in, they just shipped.

[Slithr]

YES! Good to see! And that's in the daylight! Bet it looks sick at night, thanks for the pic :)
Now I'm antsy to get the bulbs in, they just shipped.

Well, you know .... while you're in there

I thought this was a cool idea also, just not sure how he pulled it off.

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/Slithr/unt9087itled_zps7e069272.png (http://s1141.photobucket.com/user/Slithr/media/unt9087itled_zps7e069272.png.html)

[DreadLox]

Ok, question... I tore my dash, gauges, steering wheel, and so on apart and all is ready for when the bulbs arrive (Saturday).
My question is, drum roll.... Did any of the bulbs you all order not work? When I ordered my dome/license plate/etc, two out of all the ones I ordered didn't work. Dummy me, bought just enough this time not thinking -.-, I just want to ask so I can make another order.
(Ok my good camera is not working, so these are from my iPhone)

4392

4393

4394

[Vital velocity]

Ok, question... I tore my dash, gauges, steering wheel, and so on apart and all is ready for when the bulbs arrive (Saturday).
My question is, drum roll.... Did any of the bulbs you all order not work? When I ordered my dome/license plate/etc, two out of all the ones I ordered didn't work. Dummy me, bought just enough this time not thinking -.-, I just want to ask so I can make another order.
(Ok my good camera is not working, so these are from my iPhone)

4392

4393

4394

Im sure you did but I have to ask, did you reverse the polarity and (rotate the bulb 180 degrees) for the ones that didn't work?

[Steve M]

All of the dash bulbs I ordered worked the first time (bought from SuperBrightLEDs), but I've gotten in the habit of ordering one or two extra just in case.

[Nine Ball]

Dreadlox, did you try installing those non-working bulbs 180 degrees rotated? LED lights only work in one direction. Try flipping them around from how you had them installed.

[The_Greg]

Ok, question... I tore my dash, gauges, steering wheel, and so on apart and all is ready for when the bulbs arrive (Saturday).
My question is, drum roll.... Did any of the bulbs you all order not work? When I ordered my dome/license plate/etc, two out of all the ones I ordered didn't work. Dummy me, bought just enough this time not thinking -.-, I just want to ask so I can make another order.
(Ok my good camera is not working, so these are from my iPhone)

4392

4393

4394

You tried the bulbs in both orientations? LED's need the electricity 'flowing' in the right direction. If you install the bulbs 180 degrees opposite they will not light up. Try taking them out, rotating them 180 degrees, and putting them back in. None of mine were defective. If you already tried that, then yeah try contacting them for a refund or something!

[Steve M]

And a couple more shots of what white bulbs in the gauge cluster looks like:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/IMG_1249.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/IMG_1250.jpg

[Creatre]

That looks great. Nice!

[ohlarikd]

Or go nuts and make your RB1 blue!

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/ohlarikd/VCOA%20Postings/RB1_Blue_3_zpscd8568e0.jpg

[The_Greg]

Or go nuts and make your RB1 blue!

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/ohlarikd/VCOA%20Postings/RB1_Blue_3_zpscd8568e0.jpg

Ah! didn't know you were on here. Your thread on the other site helped me a bunch but the main post was buried at like the second to last page. Thanks for being the guinea pig on most of the stuff :)

[ohlarikd]

Ah! didn't know you were on here. Your thread on the other site helped me a bunch but the main post was buried at like the second to last page. Thanks for being the guinea pig on most of the stuff :)

Yeah, still lurking about... That thread hasn't updated in a while cause I ran out of bulbs to replace. Although I did just replace my HIDs with 5000K to match the external LEDs...

LED interior upgrade makes a big difference - your's looks great!

[DreadLox]

I'll have to try the rotate trick. I get my bulbs on Saturday so I'll have to post up pics when I'm done.

[ohlarikd]

I'll have to try the rotate trick. I get my bulbs on Saturday so I'll have to post up pics when I'm done.

Yes, LED are Light Emmitting DIODEs, and diodes only flow electricity in one direction and block flow in the other.

[DreadLox]

Ok, I pretty much got all the bulbs replaced and 90% of the interior put back together. I'm really debating replacing my head unit so I'm just going to leave it apart till I replace that next week. I AM 100% satisfied and happy with the results! It was wayyyy easier than I originally thought it would be to do :)
It's A LOT OF GREEN LOL.

http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac176/DreadLox711/My%20ACR%20viper/image_zpsf0e45147.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/DreadLox711/media/My%20ACR%20viper/image_zpsf0e45147.jpg.html)

http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac176/DreadLox711/My%20ACR%20viper/image_zpscff1e918.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/DreadLox711/media/My%20ACR%20viper/image_zpscff1e918.jpg.html)

http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac176/DreadLox711/My%20ACR%20viper/image_zps7b698004.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/DreadLox711/media/My%20ACR%20viper/image_zps7b698004.jpg.html)

http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac176/DreadLox711/My%20ACR%20viper/image_zps0b2a6d46.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/DreadLox711/media/My%20ACR%20viper/image_zps0b2a6d46.jpg.html)

[Hammer]

I've been wanting to do this since I got my car (since I don't care for the dull color of the stock bulbs) but have been putting it off.
I just might have to do it now :/ lol.

[ohlarikd]

VLEDs has a 20% off sale this Easter weekend. They sell mostly Exterior V3 LED systems for our cars. They are the best that I have used - brightest, and plug and play.

[ACRucrazy]

If someone wanted to do all exterior, which ones should they get? Model numbers or links?

[ohlarikd]

If someone wanted to do all exterior, which ones should they get? Model numbers or links?

I haven't verified the links in a while, but the parts and descriptions are valid.




For front blinkers, you can choose the standard amber (for parking and blinkers), or go with switchbacks (amber turn signal, but white parking)





Description
Purpose
Quantity
Link


5K WHITE AMBER SWITCHBACK V3 TRITON LED SYSTEM | 1 PAIR 3157
Choose either: Front Amber Blinker / White Parking
1
http://www.vleds.com/v3-triton/bulb-system/v3-wa-5k.html (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.vleds.com/v3-triton/bulb-system/v3-wa-5k.html&usd=2&usg=ALhdy28lB2BmlNe3WeQU-GKn37UGXzU8RQ)


AMBER V3 TRITON LED SYSTEM | 1 PAIR 3157
OR: Front Amber Blinker / Amber Parking
1
http://www.vleds.com/v3-triton/bulb-system/v3-a.html (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.vleds.com/v3-triton/bulb-system/v3-a.html&usd=2&usg=ALhdy2_74RFsc3782e8X71Upgmup7h-afg)


AMBER V3 TRITON LED SYSTEM | 1 PAIR 3157
Rear Amber Blinkers
1
http://www.vleds.com/v3-triton/bulb-system/v3-a.html (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.vleds.com/v3-triton/bulb-system/v3-a.html&usd=2&usg=ALhdy2_74RFsc3782e8X71Upgmup7h-afg)


RED V3 TRITON LED SYSTEM | 1 PAIR 3157
Rear Red Brakes
1
http://www.vleds.com/v3-triton/bulb-system/v3-r.html (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.vleds.com/v3-triton/bulb-system/v3-r.html&usd=2&usg=ALhdy2_mLMHQQ2D7EJIKm56ermA-ZcHsxQ)


5K WHITE 10 LED DRL/FOG LIGHT BULBS HB3 9005 H10 9145 | 1 PAIR
H10 Foglight Bulbs
1
http://www.vleds.com/bulb-type/drl-fog-lights/h10-9145/5k-white-10-led-drl-fog-light-bulbs-hb3-9005-h10-9145-1-pair.html (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.vleds.com/bulb-type/drl-fog-lights/h10-9145/5k-white-10-led-drl-fog-light-bulbs-hb3-9005-h10-9145-1-pair.html&usd=2&usg=ALhdy288bAXzyogWwRbfZDI5p-YEE-u-yg)


T1.5-CWHP: PC74 LED Bulb - High Power Instrument Panel LED : Cool White
Instrument Panel
10
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/subminiature-bulbs/pc74-led-bulb-high-power-instrument-panel-led/709/ (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/subminiature-bulbs/pc74-led-bulb-high-power-instrument-panel-led/709/&usd=2&usg=ALhdy2-mAZCPcMW8cUvaLqsYZ5g31f61Zg)


NEO5-WHP: LED Bulb - High Power Instrument Panel LED : 5mm Cool White
HVAC
3
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/subminiature-bulbs/neox-led-bulb-high-power-instrument-panel-led/221/ (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/subminiature-bulbs/neox-led-bulb-high-power-instrument-panel-led/221/&usd=2&usg=ALhdy2_jML9nbghQhry7lzYnGt-nWbW6Lw)


NEO4-BHP: LED Bulb - High Power Instrument Panel LED : 4mm Blue
Key Ring
1
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/subminiature-bulbs/neox-led-bulb-high-power-instrument-panel-led/221/ (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/subminiature-bulbs/neox-led-bulb-high-power-instrument-panel-led/221/&usd=2&usg=ALhdy2_jML9nbghQhry7lzYnGt-nWbW6Lw)


WLED-WHP5: 194 LED Bulb - 5 SMD LED Wide Angle Wedge Base : Cool White
License Plate, Footwells, and Rearview Mirror
6
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/wedge-bulbs/194-led-bulb-5-smd-led-wide-angle-wedge-base/206/ (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/wedge-bulbs/194-led-bulb-5-smd-led-wide-angle-wedge-base/206/&usd=2&usg=ALhdy2_k-PH4VLDgj16km33_gUH4Kq-sMg)


WLED-A5-CBT: 194 CAN Bus LED Bulb - 5 SMD LED Wedge Base Tower - AMBER
Front Amber Side Markers in Headlight
2
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/wedge-bulbs/194-can-bus-led-bulb-5-smd-led-wedge-base-tower/1127/ (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/wedge-bulbs/194-can-bus-led-bulb-5-smd-led-wedge-base-tower/1127/&usd=2&usg=ALhdy297iVlJp0PtEhOm2a2F6BgAOq2IUg)

[ACRucrazy]

Based on my cart.

Swtichback Front w/ 3157 adapt $145
Triton Rear Amber w/ 3157 adapt $110
Triton Brake red w/3157 adapt $110
5k white frog $60

Sub $425
Easter -$85
------------
Total $340

Does that seem right? Do you need a control box for each of the Tritons? I seem to recall reading you only needed 1 control box in the system, but my mind is foggy, it was about a year ago.

Thanks again for all the help!

[ohlarikd]

Based on my cart.

Swtichback front w/ 3157 adapt $145
Triton Front amber w/ 3157 adpat $110
Triton Brake red w/3157 adapt$110
5k white frog $60

Sub $425
Easter -$85
------------
Total $340

Does that seem right? Do you need a control box for each of the Tritons? I seem to recall reading you only needed 1 control box in the system, but my mind is foggy, it was about a year ago.

Thanks again for all the help!

The switchback front will be white as a parking light, but will turn amber when the blinker is turned on. Its the same bulb. So you should NOT also order the amber front. Just the switchback front.

As for control box - I believe you get them anyway. If you have the control box on the front blinkers, you would not need them on the rear blinkers since they are connected together. But in your case, the front blinkers and rear brake lights are on different circuits... I think you need both. Anyway - you get the boxes no matter what. You can ask VLED if they are both needed - they are very responsive to email queries in my experience.

I have non-V3 rear blinkers because I had them BEFORE the V3's came out. I used the LED tower bulbs, which were fine for the rare times the blinker was on, and the control box for the front V3 switchbacks took care of the 'fast blink' issue (no resistors needed).


Derek

[ACRucrazy]

Cool, thanks for the reply, I had a typo there, but yea, I meant rear amber, not front amber.
I may have to bite the bullet and do all the exterior with the sale.

[ohlarikd]

Cool, thanks for the reply, I had a typo there, but yea, I meant rear amber, not front amber.
I may have to bite the bullet and do all the exterior with the sale.

20% is a lot, since these V3s are expensive. 20% is rare at that site. The V3s are worth it when you see them, both in performance and also the way they are made.

If you only need one set of controllers for front and rear blinkers, put the controller in the rear - much more room back there. It was a tight fit in the front around the headlight area.

[Steve M]

All aboard the fail boat!

So today I decided to tackle the turn signal bulbs - I bought some amber 3157 LEDs (tower SMD types), along with this relay to eliminate the dreaded fast flash:

http://viperspecialtyperformance.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=245

It did eliminate the fast flashing, but it did NOT cure another problem: with the LEDs installed, both brake lights would light up in unison with the blinker (so if the right blinker was on, the right front and right rear amber LEDs would flash along with BOTH sets of brake lights). That was no bueno, so I reinstalled the amber incandescent bulbs for now.

So what gives? The coupe and convertible tail lights are different (the coupes have the same tail lights that all Viper coupes have had) - they use 3 x 3157 type red LEDs per side, and there are no issues with them as long as the turn signals are standard bulbs. Put just one LED in the mix and it all goes to hell.

Is the wiring the same between the convertibles and the coupes? The only options to fix this are to:

A. Add load resistors (don't want to do that)
B. Use the V3 bulbs, which are super expensive but have the required load built in (I'm not currently willing to plunk down that much change just to get those last 4 bulbs to cooperate)

Any thoughts or others that have had similar experiences with the turn signals?

[DreadLox]

Ok, quick question.... I assume that the mileage display is also linked to the LED's? Mine isn't lit up anymore -.- ... So I'm guessing I put the LED in that spot the wrong direction lol. I didn't notice until I had everything back together.

[ohlarikd]

Ok, quick question.... I assume that the mileage display is also linked to the LED's? Mine isn't lit up anymore -.- ... So I'm guessing I put the LED in that spot the wrong direction lol. I didn't notice until I had everything back together.

If I recall, there is a bulb for the odometer, so yeah, I think its in backwards. Guess its coming apart again... But it will take half the time this go around I bet.

[ACRucrazy]

Just placed an order for switchbacks, fogs, rears and brake lights. 3 of the 4 are on back order. 20% off sale must have been good. Only the fogs were on backorder when I checked yesterday.

[ohlarikd]

Just placed an order for switchbacks, fogs, rears and brake lights. 3 of the 4 are on back order. 20% off sale must have been good. Only the fogs were on backorder when I checked yesterday.

Excellent! The V3's seem to go on backorder pretty regularly. But worth the wait.

[The_Greg]

Ok, quick question.... I assume that the mileage display is also linked to the LED's? Mine isn't lit up anymore -.- ... So I'm guessing I put the LED in that spot the wrong direction lol. I didn't notice until I had everything back together.

Yes, the ODO is supposed to light up, and yes, its one of the 6 bulbs you replaced on that panel. Man, if I were you, I'd be asking if I really need it to light up haha!

[Ripper]

Dumb question ... can these be dimmed like the stock bulbs using the turn signal stalk ? They seem a bit on the bright side in the pics.

[Steve M]

Yes they can since the Viper uses a PWM dimmer.

[Viper Specialty]

All aboard the fail boat!

So today I decided to tackle the turn signal bulbs - I bought some amber 3157 LEDs (tower SMD types), along with this relay to eliminate the dreaded fast flash:

http://viperspecialtyperformance.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=245

It did eliminate the fast flashing, but it did NOT cure another problem: with the LEDs installed, both brake lights would light up in unison with the blinker (so if the right blinker was on, the right front and right rear amber LEDs would flash along with BOTH sets of brake lights). That was no bueno, so I reinstalled the amber incandescent bulbs for now.

So what gives? The coupe and convertible tail lights are different (the coupes have the same tail lights that all Viper coupes have had) - they use 3 x 3157 type red LEDs per side, and there are no issues with them as long as the turn signals are standard bulbs. Put just one LED in the mix and it all goes to hell.

Is the wiring the same between the convertibles and the coupes? The only options to fix this are to:

A. Add load resistors (don't want to do that)
B. Use the V3 bulbs, which are super expensive but have the required load built in (I'm not currently willing to plunk down that much change just to get those last 4 bulbs to cooperate)

Any thoughts or others that have had similar experiences with the turn signals?


As posted on the other site:

This is definitely a first. I can tell you without question it does not apply to any Verts, nor have I heard from any Coupe owners that there is a problem- but again, I have no idea who many are that buy these and for what use.

Based on what you are saying, the problem is obviously a back-feed somewhere in the system. The Brake Lamps are being fed by the turn signal. It is likely how the system is grounded or the selection of parts you are using. I will take a look at the wiring diagram for a coupe and report back. Edit: Just looked. All grounds on the rear tail are common per side on the coupe, just like the Vert. This means that a few things could be causing this:

1. Poor chassis ground. All current at that small level should be going directly to ground, but for some reason it is back-feeding your brake lamps. Check grounds on each side.

2. Non-polarized brake lamp bulbs. {We don't use these for this reason} Polarized bulbs would be incapable of back-feeding like you are describing.

3. Load-resisted turn signals. {We don't use these for this reason} These will pass enough current to upset things, especially if mixed with non-load resisted brake lamps and non-polarized bulbs.

4. Any chance the coupe has "repeater" side markers like the front of the coupe/vert have from the factory? This incandescent bulb may be causing an issue as well. I honestly cannot recall if it does or not, and have all Verts here at the moment.

Also, just curious, what exactly did you alter or omit from the front turn signals in order to get them properly working? I assume the ground was altered or the outer bulb is being left out when adding the four primary LED's in the corners? Make sure that you have the "small" outer turn signal unplugged at this time to make sure it is not related to the back-feed, which it could be if it is still incandescent or bi-polar. This is highly unlikely to be the cause, but just figured its worth a quick "unplug" to isolate.

[Steve M]

#2 is the culprit here most likely...I had to do some digging to figure out if they were polarized or not, and they apparently aren't.

All of the bulbs in the car are LEDs minus the turn signals (4 bulbs total). The front side markers are LEDs, but are the CAN/BUS variety so they function correctly when the turn signals and hazzards are on:

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/miniature-wedge-base/194-can-bus-led-bulb-5-smd-led-wedge-base-tower/1127/

There was nothing I omitted to get them working properly again - the only thing I could do was replace all four turn signal bulbs with the incandescents.

At this point, I'll just live with my mistake - I'd have to replace all 6 brake light bulbs, and that adds up quick. Guess that's what I get for mixing and matching stuff...your relay definitely did what it was supposed to do though. From what I can see, there don't appear to be a whole lot of polarized 3157 LED bulbs out there...why is that?

[Viper Specialty]

#2 is the culprit here most likely...I had to do some digging to figure out if they were polarized or not, and they apparently aren't.

All of the bulbs in the car are LEDs minus the turn signals (4 bulbs total). The front side markers are LEDs, but are the CAN/BUS variety so they function correctly when the turn signals and hazzards are on:

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/miniature-wedge-base/194-can-bus-led-bulb-5-smd-led-wedge-base-tower/1127/

There was nothing I omitted to get them working properly again - the only thing I could do was replace all four turn signal bulbs with the incandescents.

At this point, I'll just live with my mistake - I'd have to replace all 6 brake light bulbs, and that adds up quick. Guess that's what I get for mixing and matching stuff...your relay definitely did what it was supposed to do though. From what I can see, there don't appear to be a whole lot of polarized 3157 LED bulbs out there...why is that?

Hey Steve,

I am fairly sure you nailed the issue.

We do wire up our fronts differently, as with the switchback, we keep the Amber outer OFF during parking light illumination as to "white out" the front. The CAN-Bus versions end up working on opposite formation if I recall compared to our end result.

That said, double check on the repeaters for the rear, if they are indeed wired that way. If those are still incandescent, they may cause you an issue of one type of another even after the brakes are sorted.

Also, make sure your LED's don't have load boxes/resistors, those are NOT good for the LED specific relay [nor your issue]

[Hammer]

And a couple more shots of what white bulbs in the gauge cluster looks like:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/IMG_1249.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/IMG_1250.jpg

That does look some sharp!
I had quite a difficult time deciding what to go with, I REALLY love the look of the blue gauges and always loved blue lights or the blue glow given off by them. I figured they would be too hard on the eyes though and after surveying some friends, family and people on Instagram, I decided to go with the white!

It's just nice and clean looking, the way it should have came from factory! These pictures make me excited for them to arrive!

[Alex Mills]

And a couple more shots of what white bulbs in the gauge cluster looks like:

Looks great! I might have to think about replacing the yellow-tinted standard bulbs in mine...

One question though: are they too bright? I normally run mine on max brightness since I always have my headlights on, even during the day, and I want to be able to see my radio's display. I imagine that would be blinding at night and I'd need to spin the dial to turn down the lights.

[ohlarikd]

#2 is the culprit here most likely...I had to do some digging to figure out if they were polarized or not, and they apparently aren't.

All of the bulbs in the car are LEDs minus the turn signals (4 bulbs total). The front side markers are LEDs, but are the CAN/BUS variety so they function correctly when the turn signals and hazzards are on:

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/miniature-wedge-base/194-can-bus-led-bulb-5-smd-led-wedge-base-tower/1127/

There was nothing I omitted to get them working properly again - the only thing I could do was replace all four turn signal bulbs with the incandescents.

At this point, I'll just live with my mistake - I'd have to replace all 6 brake light bulbs, and that adds up quick. Guess that's what I get for mixing and matching stuff...your relay definitely did what it was supposed to do though. From what I can see, there don't appear to be a whole lot of polarized 3157 LED bulbs out there...why is that?

Actually, almost ALL LED bulbs ARE polarized, which means they work in only one direction. You must have non-polarized ones then? I highly doubt that, I have never seen one. Can you list the exact rear tail light bulbs you have?

The marker light in the front: Incandescent bulbs light in either direction. When parking lights are on, the polarity of the marker light socket is in one direction, lighting an incandescent solid. When you turn a blinker on, the polarity in the socket reverses and also blinks (blinks opposite of main blinker). The non-polarized incandescent works in both situations as normal, since it can take either polarity. However, when you place an ordinary LED in there, which works in only one direction, you will either get the marker light and no blinker, or a blinker and no marker light.

The CANBUS LED bulb you have works not because its CANBUS, but because it is NON-Polarized, just like an incandescent. It works in both directions like stock. If you want the 'white out' effect, put a normal LED in there and it will not function as a marker light, but will blink (when installed in the right direction). Choice is yours. It has no effect on your rear brake lights though.

I actually don't know what is wrong with your rear brake lights...

[ohlarikd]

I have a 2005 Viper. The wiring in that car is very standard, not really any magic in the wiring diagram (other than the strange marker light situation). There is that Body Control Module that does have some interaction, but it seems to be unrelated.

I think you have an 08? Did the Gen4 cars go to a CANBUS system? Maybe the wiring is different than the Gen3 cars in that sense. Try taking out the CANBUS marker lights, and put back the stock incandescents. I am not verses in Gen4 wiring. Worth a quick try.

[The_Greg]

Looks great! I might have to think about replacing the yellow-tinted standard bulbs in mine...

One question though: are they too bright? I normally run mine on max brightness since I always have my headlights on, even during the day, and I want to be able to see my radio's display. I imagine that would be blinding at night and I'd need to spin the dial to turn down the lights.

They are a little brighter. At night, I dim them at the stalk by about two clicks. But they are completely dimmable!

[Steve M]

Looks great! I might have to think about replacing the yellow-tinted standard bulbs in mine...

One question though: are they too bright? I normally run mine on max brightness since I always have my headlights on, even during the day, and I want to be able to see my radio's display. I imagine that would be blinding at night and I'd need to spin the dial to turn down the lights.

The pictures make them look brighter than they actually are - they might be a bit brighter than the stock bulbs, but not by much, and the dimmer is fully functional, so you can always turn them down.


I have a 2005 Viper. The wiring in that car is very standard, not really any magic in the wiring diagram (other than the strange marker light situation). There is that Body Control Module that does have some interaction, but it seems to be unrelated.

I think you have an 08? Did the Gen4 cars go to a CANBUS system? Maybe the wiring is different than the Gen3 cars in that sense. Try taking out the CANBUS marker lights, and put back the stock incandescents. I am not verses in Gen4 wiring. Worth a quick try.

I want to say that it is a CAN BUS system, but I'm really not sure...if it isn't fully CAN BUS, it is at least a hybrid of some sort.

[Ripper]

Yes they can since the Viper uses a PWM dimmer.


They are a little brighter. At night, I dim them at the stalk by about two clicks. But they are completely dimmable!

Thanks Guys !! Going to order a set for the gauges... these look GREAT !

[Viper Specialty]

I have a 2005 Viper. The wiring in that car is very standard, not really any magic in the wiring diagram (other than the strange marker light situation). There is that Body Control Module that does have some interaction, but it seems to be unrelated.

I think you have an 08? Did the Gen4 cars go to a CANBUS system? Maybe the wiring is different than the Gen3 cars in that sense. Try taking out the CANBUS marker lights, and put back the stock incandescents. I am not verses in Gen4 wiring. Worth a quick try.

Body wiring on Gen-4 is identical to Gen-3 in this regard.

[ohlarikd]

Body wiring on Gen-4 is identical to Gen-3 in this regard.

Ok - if the wiring is the same, leave the CANBUS bulbs, and then swap out those Brake bulbs. I looked them up (he sent me a link), and they do appear to employ a NON-Polarized circuit. On paper, they should work. But, replace them with the incandescents to see if the issue goes away. If it does, you could write to the manufacturer. As another test, buy a cheapo polarized 3157 LED to see if the issue persists.

[Steve M]

Ok - if the wiring is the same, leave the CANBUS bulbs, and then swap out those Brake bulbs. I looked them up (he sent me a link), and they do appear to employ a NON-Polarized circuit. On paper, they should work. But, replace them with the incandescents to see if the issue goes away. If it does, you could write to the manufacturer. As another test, buy a cheapo polarized 3157 LED to see if the issue persists.

I'll have to save that one for a rainy day - for now, the stock relay and stock incandescent turn signals front and rear allow the turn signals and hazzards to function properly, even with my odd ball LED brake lights.

I wish the coupe brake lights didn't take 6 bulbs...otherwise, I'd consider the V3s for that application.

[ohlarikd]

Does anybody have a scan of the rear light wiring diagram? That would help maybe. I only have the front diagram.

Steve M - as for V3s, I only used them in the brake lights, where they really counted. So you only really need one pair. Blinkers could be cheaper towers, and the rest don't blink (like reverse lights and the other rear marker light)

[Steve M]

Does anybody have a scan of the rear light wiring diagram? That would help maybe. I only have the front diagram.

Steve M - as for V3s, I only used them in the brake lights, where they really counted. So you only really need one pair. Blinkers could be cheaper towers, and the rest don't blink (like reverse lights and the other rear marker light)

That's where the coupes and convertibles are different though - the brake lights on the coupes take 3 x 3157 bulbs per side for the brake light function, so you have to buy 6 total 3157 bulbs for the brake lights alone.

You can kinda see the divisions in the housing in this pic (sorry they aren't lit):

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/LicensePlateFrame.jpg

So for the coupe rear, it takes the following:

6 - 3157 bulbs (red - brake lights)
2 - 3156 bulbs (white - reverse light)
2 - 3157 bulbs (amber - turn signal)
2 - 194 bulbs (red - side marker)
2 - 194 bulbs (white - license plate)

[ohlarikd]

That's where the coupes and convertibles are different though - the brake lights on the coupes take 3 x 3157 bulbs per side for the brake light function, so you have to buy 6 total 3157 bulbs for the brake lights alone.

So for the coupe rear, it takes the following:

6 - 3157 bulbs (red - brake lights)
2 - 3156 bulbs (white - reverse light)
2 - 3157 bulbs (amber - turn signal)
2 - 194 bulbs (red - side marker)
2 - 194 bulbs (white - license plate)

Holy Crap! I never noticed that. I assumed they were all the same back there, but never looked. How do you end up with 3 bulbs for a 2 function brake light? The Vert only takes one measly brake bulb per side, so I can see how it would get very expensive for you.

A wiring diagram seems to be in order then, to better understand your issue.

[Steve M]

Yep - the brake light housings are brake lights only. The coupe rear side markers are on the side in separate housings:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/IMG_1297_zps3e682395.jpg

[ohlarikd]

Yep - the brake light housings are brake lights only. The coupe rear side markers are on the side in separate housings:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/IMG_1297_zps3e682395.jpg


Damn, love that color combo!!

[ACRucrazy]

Sooo.... looks like I need to order 4 more red LEDs for the rear. :(

[Steve M]

Sooo.... looks like I need to order 4 more red LEDs for the rear. :(

Sounds like it :(

[Viper Specialty]

Can someone please post a video of a Coupe from a rear 3/4 view with the turn signals flashing? I am betting that the side market is a repeater, and hence may be a part of this oddball issue.

Side note- Steve, if you can post a video of your car displaying the problem I would LOVE that too.

Something here does not add up...

[Steve M]

No video (I KNEW I should have taken one before I reverted back to its current state), but I just went out and tested mine in its current configuration, which is as follows:

Brake light bulbs - 3 x non-polarized 3157 red LED towers (per side)
Reverse Lamp - 1 x non-polarized 3156 white LED tower (per side)
Turn Signal - 1 x 3157 amber incandescent bulb (per side - stock relay installed at the top of the steering column)
Side Marker - 1 x 194 red LED (per side) - pretty sure these are polarized bulbs

Key ON, parking lights OFF, turn signal ON - rear turn signal flashes turn signal lamp only (rear side marker remains off); front turn signal flashes (front side marker flashes in unison with turn signal bulb)

Key ON, parking light ON, turn signal ON - turn signal flashes turn signal lamp only (rear side marker remains lit - does not flash with turn signal); front turn signal flashes (front side marker flashes opposite the turn signal bulb (when turn signal is lit, side marker is off, and vice versa))

[ohlarikd]

No video (I KNEW I should have taken one before I reverted back to its current state), but I just went out and tested mine in its current configuration, which is as follows:

Brake light bulbs - 3 x non-polarized 3157 red LED towers (per side)
Reverse Lamp - 1 x non-polarized 3156 white LED tower (per side)
Turn Signal - 1 x 3157 amber incandescent bulb (per side - stock relay installed at the top of the steering column)
Side Marker - 1 x 194 red LED (per side) - pretty sure these are polarized bulbs

Key ON, parking lights OFF, turn signal ON - rear turn signal flashes turn signal lamp only (rear side marker remains off); front turn signal flashes (front side marker flashes in unison with turn signal bulb)

Key ON, parking light ON, turn signal ON - turn signal flashes turn signal lamp only (rear side marker remains lit - does not flash with turn signal); front turn signal flashes (front side marker flashes opposite the turn signal bulb (when turn signal is lit, side marker is off, and vice versa))

First - that operation seems CORRECT. That is exactly how my Vert operates.

But I thought the issue was the brake lights? Are they behaving correctly in these scenarios?

Your 3 red 3157 towers are NON-Polarized, according to the website. They will work plugged in in either direction.

[Steve M]

The issue with the brake lights is only when I install LEDs in the turn signals - that's when the brake lights start flashing with the turn signals. With incandescent turn signal bulbs front and rear, everything functions correctly, including the LED brake lights.

The answer is to either leave the incandescent turn signal bulbs in place, or install load resistors in the turn signal circuit if using LEDs for those bulbs. Originally, I was hoping I could simply install the LED turn signal bulbs along with Dan's modified relay to fix the hyper flash issue - the brake light back feed was the problem I wasn't expecting.

[ohlarikd]

The issue with the brake lights is only when I install LEDs in the turn signals - that's when the brake lights start flashing with the turn signals. With incandescent turn signal bulbs front and rear, everything functions correctly, including the LED brake lights.The answer is to either leave the incandescent turn signal bulbs in place, or install load resistors in the turn signal circuit if using LEDs for those bulbs. Originally, I was hoping I could simply install the LED turn signal bulbs along with Dan's modified relay to fix the hyper flash issue - the brake light back feed was the problem I wasn't expecting.Ah, didn't notice the incandescent turn signal bulbs in your list. Read it as LED for some reason. Well, at least you know the set up in this configuration seems to be operating correctly. But we all know incandescent turn signals stink.

Have you actually tried load resistors and confirmed it works? It may not actually solve the issue.

One thing you could do is buy one set of V3 Switchback 3157 LEDs for the front parking/turn signal lamp. First of all, it looks infinitely cooler when white as a parking lamp. Second, it comes with a built in load that is plug and play.

"Smaller Control Module with built in Resistor. No Hyperflash! The load can easily be activated or removed if desired via fuse on the control box harness."

Third, you can use the 3157 Amber LEDs that you already have in the rear since the one load on the V3 is good enough to take care of front and rear. If it doesn't work, you still have a cooler set up... But yes, they are mega expensive now.Again - if someone had a wiring diagram, the issue with the rear brake bulbs must make some kind of sense.The question

[ohlarikd]

Originally, I was hoping I could simply install the LED turn signal bulbs along with Dan's modified relay to fix the hyper flash issue - the brake light back feed was the problem I wasn't expecting.

Let's say backfeed is there. Heck, I might have it as well but never noticed since I have polarized LEDs for brake lights.

If you put 5 incandescents in the brake lights, and 1 LED, will you get the backfeed issue? Find the minimum LEDs you need to create the issue, then replace them with the cheap POLARIZED LEDs I keep mentioning.

Do you know if the AMBER LEDs are polarized? You can try those. Or go to eBay and order some $5 3157 polarized LEDs.

You are going to need to do something here I think.

[Chorps]

Sooo.... looks like I need to order 4 more red LEDs for the rear. :(

Heh...I was drafting off of ACRucrazy and copied his order for my ACR :D. Does that mean that in addition to the 4 more red LEDs for the rear, that I'll need 2x 3156 White for the reverse lights too? Just want to revise my order before they ship (backordered) because additional shipping to Canada isn't so much fun. :P

1 pair of 5k White V3 for reverse lights?
http://www.vleds.com/v3-triton/bulb-system/v3-w-5k.html

2 additional pairs of Red V3 Triton for brake lights?
http://www.vleds.com/v3-r.html

I currently have on (back)order:
Rear blinkers
AMBER V3 TRITON LED SYSTEM | 1 PAIR
V3_A-C

Rear brake light (need another 2 pairs?)
RED V3 TRITON LED SYSTEM | 1 PAIR
V3_R-C

Front blinkers
5K WHITE AMBER SWITCHBACK V3 TRITON LED SYSTEM | 1 PAIR
V3_WA_5K-C

Fog lights
5K WHITE 10 LED DRL/FOG LIGHT BULBS HB3 9005 H10 9145 | 1 PAIR B/O

[Unorthodox]

LED's are a nice upgrade to these cars!

[Viper Specialty]

No video (I KNEW I should have taken one before I reverted back to its current state), but I just went out and tested mine in its current configuration, which is as follows:

Brake light bulbs - 3 x non-polarized 3157 red LED towers (per side)
Reverse Lamp - 1 x non-polarized 3156 white LED tower (per side)
Turn Signal - 1 x 3157 amber incandescent bulb (per side - stock relay installed at the top of the steering column)
Side Marker - 1 x 194 red LED (per side) - pretty sure these are polarized bulbs

Key ON, parking lights OFF, turn signal ON - rear turn signal flashes turn signal lamp only (rear side marker remains off); front turn signal flashes (front side marker flashes in unison with turn signal bulb)

Key ON, parking light ON, turn signal ON - turn signal flashes turn signal lamp only (rear side marker remains lit - does not flash with turn signal); front turn signal flashes (front side marker flashes opposite the turn signal bulb (when turn signal is lit, side marker is off, and vice versa))

It does indeed sound like the side marker is a repeater, and while not likely related to your primary issue, is is causing the function of the side markers to change when parking light status changes. The fix would be to alter the wiring harness slightly, in the same way we change the fronts to deal with this issue.

If I have a newer coupe come through here, I will try and sort this all out for the Coupes. Its going to come down to a proper bulb selection and perhaps a minor wiring mod... thats about it.

[ohlarikd]

It does indeed sound like the side marker is a repeater, and while not likely related to your primary issue, is is causing the function of the side markers to change when parking light status changes. The fix would be to alter the wiring harness slightly, in the same way we change the fronts to deal with this issue.

Dan - I don't see any issue with the way his side markers, both front and back, are behaving. Sounds like stock functionality. Marker light status does indeed change when parking lights are on - its in the wiring diagram. Polarity reverses in front marker when parking lights are on, which is why it alternates.

But I agree a coupe needs to be evaluated, I have no idea. Some one send me a coupe to test.

[Steve M]

It does indeed sound like the side marker is a repeater, and while not likely related to your primary issue, is is causing the function of the side markers to change when parking light status changes. The fix would be to alter the wiring harness slightly, in the same way we change the fronts to deal with this issue.

If I have a newer coupe come through here, I will try and sort this all out for the Coupes. Its going to come down to a proper bulb selection and perhaps a minor wiring mod... thats about it.

Define repeater for me - the way I'm thinking of it, the front side marker (contained within the headlight assembly) is a repeater, but the rear side marker (separate housing from the brakes and reverse/turn signal housings) is not.

[Viper Specialty]

Dan - I don't see any issue with the way his side markers, both front and back, are behaving. Sounds like stock functionality. Marker light status does indeed change when parking lights are on - its in the wiring diagram. Polarity reverses in front marker when parking lights are on, which is why it alternates.

But I agree a coupe needs to be evaluated, I have no idea. Some one send me a coupe to test.

The fact that in one mode the marker flashes, and in the other, it no longer does, it suspect. That does not sound correct to me- granted I could be wrong. That is akin to what the front repeater does when it no longer functions correctly if you add the wrong LED type to the mix.

- - - Updated - - -


Define repeater for me - the way I'm thinking of it, the front side marker (contained within the headlight assembly) is a repeater, but the rear side marker (separate housing from the brakes and reverse/turn signal housings) is not.

Repeater is when a pair of bulbs flash opposite rather than in tandem, like the OE front turn/park.

[Steve M]

The fact that in one mode the marker flashes, and in the other, it no longer does, it suspect. That does not sound correct to me- granted I could be wrong. That is akin to what the front repeater does when it no longer functions correctly if you add the wrong LED type to the mix.

- - - Updated - - -



Repeater is when a pair of bulbs flash opposite rather than in tandem, like the OE front turn/park.

Based on that definition, the rear in mine is NOT a repeater. To clarify, with the parking lights off and the turn signal activated, the REAR side marker does nothing (stays off). With the parking lights on and the turn signal activated, the REAR side marker stays lit (but does not blink).

I really need to take a few videos...I don't think I'm describing things very well.

[ohlarikd]

Based on that definition, the rear in mine is NOT a repeater. To clarify, with the parking lights off and the turn signal activated, the REAR side marker does nothing (stays off). With the parking lights on and the turn signal activated, the REAR side marker stays lit (but does not blink).

I really need to take a few videos...I don't think I'm describing things very well.

That appears to be normal operation. For my Vert at least.

[ohlarikd]

This is how my front blinker and marker work.
1) Starts with parking light off, marker off
2) Turn on blinker. Both parking light and marker light blink together. Turn off blinker.
3) Turn on parking lights. Parking light turns white. Marker light still on.
4) Turn on blinker now. Switchback Parking light turns yellow, and marker light will blink in alternating (repeater) fashion. This is because polarity changes in socket when blinker is on.


https://vimeo.com/54195619

[Viper Specialty]

Based on that definition, the rear in mine is NOT a repeater. To clarify, with the parking lights off and the turn signal activated, the REAR side marker does nothing (stays off). With the parking lights on and the turn signal activated, the REAR side marker stays lit (but does not blink).

I really need to take a few videos...I don't think I'm describing things very well.

Check to see if your REARS are operating similarly to the FRONTS in the video posted above [when fitted with all incandescent lamps and OE flasher]

[victoryman100]

I know it is probably in this thread somewhere, but ill be darn if I can find it. What are you guys doing with the radio lighting? I have all my LEDS in place and looks awsome. But, now my radio lighting looks like crap next to all the new LEDs. What color bulb and type does it take, and are u guys doing it your self or sending them out somewhere? If so , how much? thanks.
.

[Steve M]

The factory radio would be a job for a pro, or someone with a lot of patience and experience soldering small electronics.

I have an aftermarket head unit that I can change the color on at will.

[victoryman100]

Or go nuts and make your RB1 blue!

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/ohlarikd/VCOA%20Postings/RB1_Blue_3_zpscd8568e0.jpg
I want my radio to look like this, How is it done? My dash LEDs are white as well.

[victoryman100]

The factory radio would be a job for a pro, or someone with a lot of patience and experience soldering small electronics.

I have an aftermarket head unit that I can change the color on at will.That might be the way I have to go. Thanks

[ohlarikd]

I know it is probably in this thread somewhere, but ill be darn if I can find it. What are you guys doing with the radio lighting? I have all my LEDS in place and looks awsome. But, now my radio lighting looks like crap next to all the new LEDs. What color bulb and type does it take, and are u guys doing it your self or sending them out somewhere? If so , how much? thanks.
.

I did this conversion myself. But honestly, Dan at Viper Specialty will do the conversion for $144. To me, that is totally worth it.

http://viperspecialtyperformance.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=247

It took me a lot of trial and error to get the right LEDs, resistors, and soldering done so that it all fit back together. I think I took the radio apart 20 times. In the end it looks great though. If you are not patient and good with soldering, send it to Dan.

I basically de-soldered the incandescent bulbs and soldered in properly sized LEDs with resistors. I used white at first but it didn't look right. I then ended up putting the blue bulb covers onto the LEDs to make them blue which made them look perfect. I had to control hot spots in the light pipe with blue electrical tape. The whole things was a pain.

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/ohlarikd/VCOA%20Postings/LED_Resistors_zps11d3e2a4.jpg

[victoryman100]

I did this conversion myself. But honestly, Dan at Viper Specialty will do the conversion for $144. To me, that is totally worth it.

http://viperspecialtyperformance.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=247

It took me a lot of trial and error to get the right LEDs, resistors, and soldering done so that it all fit back together. I think I took the radio apart 20 times. In the end it looks great though. If you are not patient and good with soldering, send it to Dan.

I basically de-soldered the incandescent bulbs and soldered in properly sized LEDs with resistors. I used white at first but it didn't look right. I then ended up putting the blue bulb covers onto the LEDs to make them blue which made them look perfect. I had to control hot spots in the light pipe with blue electrical tape. The whole things was a pain.

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/ohlarikd/VCOA%20Postings/LED_Resistors_zps11d3e2a4.jpg
WOW! Off to Dan she goes.. lol No way am I tackling that job. Thank you so much for saving me and my radio. Congrats to you though, you did an awsome job, and looks fantastic!

[ohlarikd]

The picture I posted up there... I think that was round 1. The white LED bulbs were too big. I replaced them with smaller ones in Round 2, which turned out to be exactly the same size as stock, and fit perfectly into the light pipe sockets. Also, the stock blue bulb covers fit over the LEDs, so I was able to make the white bulbs blue when I saw that the white light did not match well with the blue HVAC controls. The HVAC has to be blue, it is built in.

The blue covers on the stock bulbs look green because the incandescents give off a lot of yellow light, so it mixes to green. But pure white LEDs with the same covers is a true blue.

Again, pain. Send to Dan!

Smaller bulbs below. Some tape on LED before putting the blue cover on (reduce hot spot). You can see the blue covered bulbs in background.


http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/ohlarikd/VCOA%20Postings/RB1_Blue_1_zpseea44650.jpg

[The_Greg]

WOW! Off to Dan she goes.. lol No way am I tackling that job. Thank you so much for saving me and my radio. Congrats to you though, you did an awsome job, and looks fantastic!

FWIW, the head unit I put in was $100. It changes to all colors of the rainbow (buttons AND text display adjusted individually), has a separate mic that I routed up by the rear view mirror, can take Bluetooth calls, Bluetooth music, rear and front USB inputs for MP3/Smartphone players, and it sounds better than the stock radio (but not by much).

[ohlarikd]

FWIW, the head unit I put in was $100. It changes to all colors of the rainbow (buttons AND text display adjusted individually), has a separate mic that I routed up by the rear view mirror, can take Bluetooth calls, Bluetooth music, rear and front USB inputs for MP3/Smartphone players, and it sounds better than the stock radio (but not by much).

Well, true. I don't listen to the radio or anything in this car. The RB1 is hardly a good radio. I just like the stock look, and just wanted the lights to match.

My 2005 did not come with the RB1. It was from a Jeep. So I had no problem tearing it up.

[Ninjakris]

I ordered all my interior LED's a couple days ago, so I'll be doing this project in the next week or so. I did all the same colors as the OP, but choose red lights for the foot wells as my car is red. I also have a aftermarket stereo and can change the colors just like Greg pointed out. I can't wait. I also ordered some LED fog lights with last weekends sale, but they are on back order.

[The_Greg]

I ordered all my interior LED's a couple days ago, so I'll be doing this project in the next week or so. I did all the same colors as the OP, but choose red lights for the foot wells as my car is red. I also have a aftermarket stereo and can change the colors just like Greg pointed out. I can't wait. I also ordered some LED fog lights with last weekends sale, but they are on back order.

Oooh, please post pics when you are done. I am already thinking about doing the footwells red also!


Well, true. I don't listen to the radio or anything in this car. The RB1 is hardly a good radio. I just like the stock look, and just wanted the lights to match.

My 2005 did not come with the RB1. It was from a Jeep. So I had no problem tearing it up.

Nothing wrong with that, and really - good job on the work you have done to the RB1! But, it should be said that there are WAY better options out there than the RB1 if people are willing to go for non-stock radios.

[ohlarikd]

Check to see if your REARS are operating similarly to the FRONTS in the video posted above [when fitted with all incandescent lamps and OE flasher]

Just checked my rear lights. Although my rear markers are still incandescent since they do not blink, there was no reason to replace them.
1) Parking light OFF, Blinker Off, Marker Off. Obviously.
2) Parking light OFF, Blinker ON - Marker OFF.
3) Parking light ON, Blinker Off - Marker ON STEADY.
4) Parking light ON, Blinker ON - Marker ON STEADY.

Sounds like Steve's car is normal operation on rears, when compared to a Vert at least.

[Ripper]

Anybody have some good pics of the LED Fogs installed?


Received all my interior LED's yesterday.. will be a fun weekend installing




Oh, and thanks a TON ohlarikd for posting up the links to find these ! :dude3:

[ohlarikd]

Anybody have some good pics of the LED Fogs installed?

I tried taking pictures of fogs before, but it just looks like a very bright light. Seeing color temp differences is tough to capture. I can say the fogs look much better in 5K. However, they are way too bright. They are so bright that I never turn them on anymore, sadly. I had bought 13W fogs, pictured below. If they made something lower power I would do that.

I actually hate the Viper fogs in general since they are so gigantic. Considering retrofitting some projector fogs, or just getting ACR cover plates.

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/ohlarikd/VCOA%20Postings/VLEDs_1.jpg

[Ripper]

Wow ! Those are big , bet they are pretty bright. I'm with you.. the fogs are way too big.

How about these ? I am thinking of trying them

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/h-series-bulbs/hb3-led-bulb-9-led-daytime-running-light/149/

Probably not very bright at only 40-lumens , but might look decent at night

[ohlarikd]

Wow ! Those are big , bet they are pretty bright. I'm with you.. the fogs are way too big.

How about these ? I am thinking of trying them

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/h-series-bulbs/hb3-led-bulb-9-led-daytime-running-light/149/

Probably not very bright at only 40-lumens , but might look decent at night

So H10 is 9145. Seems to be the same plug as 9005, which happens to be an HB3 :) So confusing.

Those seem like 8000K though, way blue.

I found these neat LEDs. No side lights, almost like mini projectors. But I need 5000K, not 6000K. I was thinking paint the chrome reflector in gof to black (plastidip), then use these (if they were 5000K...)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261097883316?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Ripper]

So H10 is 9145. Seems to be the same plug as 9005, which happens to be an HB3 :) So confusing.

Those seem like 8000K though, way blue.

I found these neat LEDs. No side lights, almost like mini projectors. But I need 5000K, not 6000K. I was thinking paint the chrome reflector in gof to black (plastidip), then use these (if they were 5000K...)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261097883316?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT


I am an confused with all of it too ... haha

The plugs do look the same .. I didn't notice the 8K color,... crap... oh well, I ordered them and will report back with how they look.. if they even fit.


Nice ebay find! If they are not super high power , the difference between 5 and 6K might be negligible. Might be worth a try !

[DreadLox]

I have green low beams, and green fog lights that I got with them.... My viper has the fog delete kit tho, lol so forget that. Anyway, how hard is it to change the headlight bulbs? Do you have to remove the front fenders?
Also does anyone have a link or know of a good high beam bulb that is green? I couldn't find one.

[ohlarikd]

I have green low beams, and green fog ligts that I got with them.... My viper has the fog delete kit tho, lol so forget that. Anyway, how hard is it to change the headlight bulbs? Do you have to remove the front fenders?
Also does anyone have a link or know of a good high beam bulb that is green? I couldn't find one.

Do they make green HID bulbs??

Inner fender plastic, front half off. 3 nuts to remove inner headlight cover (covers low and high beam bulbs). HID bulb is right there.

[Viper Specialty]

Just a few images...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/t1.0-9/1471941_10101409246790088_1847012048_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/923564_10101663372330468_7145603377398110676_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10176104_10101648264626428_6942721477010272373_n.j pg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/t1.0-9/1477717_10101438069888368_630758895_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/601070_10101438069903338_1061622786_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/p417x417/1465240_10101438069898348_222389996_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/1465236_10101438069983178_1680196292_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/p417x417/1467487_10101453387885978_250358587_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/r90/1472884_10101453387910928_482700735_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t1.0-9/1472882_10101453387846058_1807784488_n.jpg?oh=e6b3 e8d299a4749bfe38160c14386228&oe=53C68315

[Viper Specialty]

Do they make green HID bulbs??

Inner fender plastic, front half off. 3 nuts to remove inner headlight cover (covers low and high beam bulbs). HID bulb is right there.

No such thing as a Green HID. By definition, HID is an arc lamp [multi-wavelength "White Light"], and is subject to the color temp scale. LED's on the other hand are single wavelength, and subject to the visible light spectrum by individual wavelength [color]

http://www.mediacollege.com/lighting/colour/images/colour-temperature.gif
http://www.beercolor.com/color_basics1_files/image002.jpg

The short answer is that you would need Green LED headlights or Green color filters for the HID housing.

[DreadLox]

These are the bulbs I got

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00F06HKWU/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?ref_=pe_385040_30332190_TE_3p _M3T1_ST1_dp_1

Idk how good they are, they got decent reviews on some other sites

[Viper Specialty]

These are the bulbs I got

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00F06HKWU/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?ref_=pe_385040_30332190_TE_3p _M3T1_ST1_dp_1

Idk how good they are, they got decent reviews on some other sites

I would be leery of this, they are mixing alternate gases/dissolved solids to cause the shift or they have color filters to achieve such results. In either case, do not expect OEM level performance or lifespan.

[DreadLox]

Yeah I figured as much, I'll probably try them out and let everyone know how they are.... But that won't be for a bit

[ohlarikd]

Yeah I figured as much, I'll probably try them out and let everyone know how they are.... But that won't be for a bit

Well for that price, guess it can't hurt. I assume these are for show? You will get pulled over instantly for them, and I also don't think that color will provide adequate visibility at night.

[DreadLox]

Yeah it's just for show, and I don't drive it at night anyhow. I'm sure the visibility would be interesting to say the least haha.

[Ninjakris]

I got back from a work trip and had a sweet brown box waiting for me. 2 hours later and I had the whole interior done. The OP post was very helpful and I followed his parts list to the T. The only thing I did differently is order a couple extra red LED's for the footwells. I think I had about a 60% success rate in installing the LED's the first go around.


http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps41e777ab.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps41e777ab.jpg.html)
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsb2a02655.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsb2a02655.jpg.html)
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps46950c1f.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps46950c1f.jpg.html)
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsaca356ff.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsaca356ff.jpg.html)

[BillyC]

Yeah it's just for show, and I don't drive it at night anyhow. I'm sure the visibility would be interesting to say the least haha.

I like green too.
Why not install Halo's?
Best of both worlds.4584
I have plazma halos, but would not rec because look a little too bright and are not dimmable.
I have LED's on a Prowler, and about as bright and dimmable.

[The_Greg]

Ninja, saw your post on the VOA facebook - Nice work!

[DreadLox]

I like green too.
Why not install Halo's?
Best of both worlds.4584
I have plazma halos, but would not rec because look a little too bright and are not dimmable.
I have LED's on a Prowler, and about as bright and dimmable.

Where did you get the halos done or ordered from? They look great

And ninja, those pics are great! I'm assuming you are happy with the outcome?

[BillyC]

Where did you get the halos done or ordered from? They look great

And ninja, those pics are great! I'm assuming you are happy with the outcome?

I got both Plasma and LED halos at Oracle in Houston.
BillyC

[Hammer]

My LEDS arrived yesterday morning just before I left to get my windows tinted!
I went to work in the afternoon and got home just before midnight when I decided to tackle this!

Have to give major thanks to a The_Greg for the awesome write-up including the links to the LED's themselves!

Thanks to everyone else who posted up as well, especially DreadLox for your pic with the dash apart so I could see where the clips were located on it!

For anyone looking at doing this job, it can definitely be a pain in the ass, just take your time and you'll get through it!

Dash apart:
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x202/hammerchuk/A12B3C79-035E-47F3-B5EE-90D01412E7C6.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/user/hammerchuk/media/A12B3C79-035E-47F3-B5EE-90D01412E7C6.jpg.html)
Lights on lowest setting:
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x202/hammerchuk/840E2743-13D3-46C2-AD0C-51C5DD58AB55.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/user/hammerchuk/media/840E2743-13D3-46C2-AD0C-51C5DD58AB55.jpg.html)
Lights on bright:
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x202/hammerchuk/BE8F20BF-03B9-4B44-A892-189B64CEA56E.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/user/hammerchuk/media/BE8F20BF-03B9-4B44-A892-189B64CEA56E.jpg.html)

[Chorps]

So I just installed the red V3 3157s in my rear brake lights, and amber V3 3157s in my rear turn signals, and I'm getting the dreaded fast flash. I haven't touched the fronts yet, but I'm hoping to get around to it this fall for the fogs etc. The reverse lights are V3 3156.

They are all V3s. Should I get Dan's kit to fix this, or do I need to do install the front blinkers (5K WHITE AMBER SWITCHBACK V3 TRITON LED) to fix this? Everything seems to work great otherwise.

[ohlarikd]

So I just installed the red V3 3157s in my rear brake lights, and amber V3 3157s in my rear turn signals, and I'm getting the dreaded fast flash. I haven't touched the fronts yet, but I'm hoping to get around to it this fall for the fogs etc. The reverse lights are V3 3156.

They are all V3s. Should I get Dan's kit to fix this, or do I need to do install the front blinkers (5K WHITE AMBER SWITCHBACK V3 TRITON LED) to fix this? Everything seems to work great otherwise.

I think there is an installation problem, or defective. All V3's have a method to combat fast flash. In your case:

"NEW! Control Module with built in Resistor. No Hyperflash! The load can easily be removed if desired."

I have an older style system, but read the instructions and make sure you have this set up properly. Otherwise, send an email to VLED guys, they are very responsive and helpful. I have a first generation kit and it did not hyperflash.

[Chorps]

Heh. You are right. Forgot the resistor. Need to RTFM, everything else went so easily I forgot to check that the resistors are optional on the flashers (but included in all the kits).

[Timnineside]

Awesome thread! Just ordered mine up with some Red accents!

[Redx]

Does superbrightled or vleds have any Black Friday deals going on?

Been thinking of using the 4500lm h10 from vleds for the fogs, are these totally overkill?
http://www.vleds.com/lmz-ultra.html

[ohlarikd]

Does superbrightled or vleds have any Black Friday deals going on?

Been thinking of using the 4500lm h10 from vleds for the fogs, are these totally overkill?
http://www.vleds.com/lmz-ultra.html

Those are already $50 off as an introductory sale, so that is great. As fogs I say NO. The fogs have a lens that shoots light everywhere and you will blind everyone in the next two states.

VLEDS does have a Black Friday sale though, it will come. I think its 20% off the entire site. Sign up for emails.

[Redx]

Those are already $50 off as an introductory sale, so that is great. As fogs I say NO. The fogs have a lens that shoots light everywhere and you will blind everyone in the next two states.

VLEDS does have a Black Friday sale though, it will come. I think its 20% off the entire site. Sign up for emails.

Thanks for the heads up, i subscribed.

Would you recommend this one http://www.vleds.com/9005-5k-mtg2.html or stay basic with http://www.vleds.com/6k-white-10-led-drl-fog-light-bulbs-hb3-9005-h10-9145-1-pair.html ? I want to match my stock HID's and the switchbacks.

[intense]

I did my dash in blue a couple of years ago and thinking about a change. I'd really like to do red. Anyone done red and have pics?

[Vprbite]

Damn you guys posting pics. Now I have to do this. I think it's only fair that you guys pay for it since you are the ones who made me have to have it.

[Timnineside]

Huge thanks to the Greg for the thread and Hammer for some Double Din info!

I did my LED's today. Super simple. I ended up cross-referencing some numbers over to eBay. I believe I was under $50 total shipped for all the bulbs and I even have a few extra's.

The key ring was work the work along. This entire process took me about hour start to finish however I left a bit of the car apart as I have to change some things and I am doing the double din radio mod as soon as it shows up.

I also snagged a few extra 194's in LED red and white to I can change the floor lighting between red and white.

7791779277937794

[98intrigue]

One of the first things I did when I got mine...along with painting the inner gauge bezels to match my car.

http://i58.tinypic.com/21aydyt.jpg

[The_Greg]

One of the first things I did when I got mine...along with painting the inner gauge bezels to match my car.

http://i58.tinypic.com/21aydyt.jpg

Do you have pictures of the paint in daylight? I think the dash lighting is washing out the color and we're not getting the full effect.

[98intrigue]

Do you have pictures of the paint in daylight? I think the dash lighting is washing out the color and we're not getting the full effect.

I don't have any daylight pictures, but here's a better representation of what it really looks like.
http://i61.tinypic.com/2gwhoc1.jpg

[Chorps]

The parts needed and the colors I chose:
...
6 Misc bulbs, white (footwells, the lights in the rear-view mirror, and the license plate at the exterior of the car), white, 194 type, 5 SMD LED (http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/wedge-bulbs/194-led-bulb-5-smd-led-wide-angle-wedge-base/206/)

Just to verify for anyone who has ordered this from superbrightleds, for this last one, you did not need any of the accessories (empty sockets etc), just the bulbs?

[The_Greg]

Just to verify for anyone who has ordered this from superbrightleds, for this last one, you did not need any of the accessories (empty sockets etc), just the bulbs?

Not needed. Just the bulbs!

[Chorps]

Not needed. Just the bulbs!

Awesome thanks!

[Vprbite]

Anyone have any thought on VLEDs vs SuperBrightLEDs vs EBAY cheepies? Are they selling the exact same part made in the same factory in China or is it a get what you pay for scenario? Does one of the companies make up for being slightly pricier than EBAY with great customer service? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[ohlarikd]

VLED Sale

http://www.vleds.com/promo?mc_cid=41e593aafc&mc_eid=c32c6ee8a2

[Redx]

Superbrighled.com cyber weekend code: FCY14

[TexasTonka]

Great information!

[ohlarikd]

Anyone have any thought on VLEDs vs SuperBrightLEDs vs EBAY cheepies? Are they selling the exact same part made in the same factory in China or is it a get what you pay for scenario? Does one of the companies make up for being slightly pricier than EBAY with great customer service? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Sorry for late reply. VLED makes their own lights basically. Little bulbs you can find anywhere, but the V3 turn/brake bulbs and LED Headlights are their own. They claim to design and build them, and I have never seen anything like them anywhere else.

Superbrightleds is good for regular bulbs, and they can be compared to some eBay places - hard to say given so many choices. But for turn/brake lights, I only recommend VLED. My opinion, but I have not looked at any other options in the last 6 months or so.

And VLED has GREAT customer service, I've spoken/emailed them many times, and they helped me troubleshoot.

[ohlarikd]

Thanks for the heads up, i subscribed.

Would you recommend this one http://www.vleds.com/9005-5k-mtg2.html or stay basic with http://www.vleds.com/6k-white-10-led-drl-fog-light-bulbs-hb3-9005-h10-9145-1-pair.html ? I want to match my stock HID's and the switchbacks.

You are looking for Fog bulbs to match your HIDs and switchbacks? Fogs are tough, only because they end up being so bright. So I would go with the lowest power, but match the color temp, 5K or 6K. Your stock HID bulbs are actually 4.3K so they will appear more yellow than the 5K/6K switchbacks. I replaced my HIDs with 5K but they still do not look quite as pure as the LEDs.

I've been tempted to try the LED bulbs, but I just can't imagine that they would be any good compared to HID [edit: no D1S bases for them, so no]

[Steve M]

Sorry for late reply. VLED makes their own lights basically. Little bulbs you can find anywhere, but the V3 turn/brake bulbs and LED Headlights are their own. They claim to design and build them, and I have never seen anything like them anywhere else.

Superbrightleds is good for regular bulbs, and they can be compared to some eBay places - hard to say given so many choices. But for turn/brake lights, I only recommend VLED. My opinion, but I have not looked at any other options in the last 6 months or so.

And VLED has GREAT customer service, I've spoken/emailed them many times, and they helped me troubleshoot.

I've had a similar experience...I went with Super Bright LEDs for all of my interior and other small bulbs (74 and 194 sizes), but sourced my exterior bulbs from elsewhere (for the tail lights). VLED does make good stuff, but you pay for it.

[Redx]

Crap, did my superbright order yesterday and forgot to add the bulb for the tail light(small marker bulb inside the tailight for the vert).

What size is this and is it canbus like the front marker?


EDIT:
Looks like its a 194 size, ill have to do some testing when the order arrives if its canbus or not.

[TexasTonka]

Very cool thread! Thanks to the OP for a perfect list on materials and quick run down of install. Took me a total of 3 hours to do the tear down and install all the lights. Unfortunately i found a few cracks in the dash panel around the pressed in nuts for the radio bezel and the previous owner stripped two of the out as well when he installed the radio. Glad I found them though, a little bit of JB Weld and 15 hours of cure time and those babies will be set to go back in! Like the look a lot.

I do have one suggestion to the original post, on my ACR I should have ordered 7 of the misc 194 bulbs, not 6. There is a light in the rear hatch of my ACR that I found when installing the licence plate lights. Mine was burned out but I tried one of the LED and it was great. I'll order one more when I do the exterior lights.

[ohlarikd]

Crap, did my superbright order yesterday and forgot to add the bulb for the tail light(small marker bulb inside the tailight for the vert).

What size is this and is it canbus like the front marker?


EDIT:
Looks like its a 194 size, ill have to do some testing when the order arrives if its canbus or not.

It should not be CANBUS as I have never heard anyone say the rear marker was at this point. I put the CANBUS light in the front marker because it blinks and needs to work in BOTH polarities like an incandescent. The only non-polarized LED out there was this CANBUS, so I took a chance and it worked. But it was not because of any CANBUS architecture in the car.

[TexasTonka]

All buttoned up and complete. One piece of advice is the steering column should be torqued to 150 in-lbs. Some of you out there are as technical as I am so thought I would throw that out there.

[Redx]

NM..... edited

[Redx]

anyone try and upgrade the high beams? sylvania calls for a 9005

considering this for the high beams http://www.vleds.com/shop-bulb-numbers/9005-hb3/9005-ultra-lmz.html

[TexasTonka]

anyone try and upgrade the high beams? sylvania calls for a 9005

considering this for the high beams http://www.vleds.com/shop-bulb-numbers/9005-hb3/9005-ultra-lmz.html

Havent tried it but if you do please take install pics and notes. Interested in it.

[Steve M]

anyone try and upgrade the high beams? sylvania calls for a 9005

considering this for the high beams http://www.vleds.com/shop-bulb-numbers/9005-hb3/9005-ultra-lmz.html

Space is pretty tight there...not sure you'd be able to fit all of that and clear the fender liner.

[Redx]

Don't currently have the wheels off again, but if im not mistaken they were behind another panel on the headlight to access the bulb?

Plenty of room on the module from the vled switchbacks on the frame panel underneath headlight. Word of warning with Vled, the connectors were pure fucking junk, broke half the tabs, on two connectors the pins weren't pushed all the way into the plug. Highly recommend to upgrade to duetsch connectors(or even weatherpack) if you have the means to do so. Otherwise, the VLED's looks great and install was a breeze minus a few hiccups with their wiring.

On another positive note, morimoto is releasing a TJ foglight kit in LED, should be the same mount and size as the viper(from what i measured/reasearched). At that point i can take the 9005 foglight bulb and put in the highbeam.

[Redx]

Just finished the led conversion, thanks to the_greg and ohlarikd for the write ups. One thing i will suggest is on the write up is to remove the whole center console section its another 7 screws and you dont have to screw around removing the dash. Also beware after installing the dash and lifting the column back into place to watch for the winsdhield wiper harness doesnt get caught. Mine did and i broke the plastic tab, still fits firmly and a bit of electrical tape works.

I purchased the Vled VX3 9005 for the high beams, http://www.vleds.com/shop-bulb-numbers/vx3-9005-9145-h10-hb3-2800lm-led-headlight-fog-light-1-pair.html i will report back if they fit or not. It will be a tight fit since the igniter sits in its spot. At worst, ill just throw them in the fog lights if they dont fit.

[Steve M]

Just finished the led conversion, thanks to the_greg and ohlarikd for the write ups. One thing i will suggest is on the write up is to remove the whole center console section its another 7 screws and you dont have to screw around removing the dash. Also beware after installing the dash and lifting the column back into place to watch for the winsdhield wiper harness doesnt get caught. Mine did and i broke the plastic tab, still fits firmly and a bit of electrical tape works.

I purchased the Vled VX3 9005 for the high beams, http://www.vleds.com/shop-bulb-numbers/vx3-9005-9145-h10-hb3-2800lm-led-headlight-fog-light-1-pair.html i will report back if they fit or not. It will be a tight fit since the igniter sits in its spot. At worst, ill just throw them in the fog lights if they dont fit.

Cool...let us know how that last part goes.

[Bluecoupe]

Has anyone installed blue gauge LEDS? I have seen the footwell in blue, but not gauges. Any photos please?

[Redx]

Cool...let us know how that last part goes.

The VX3 9005 is a bust, it "could" be made to fit. The "bulge" of the backside of the bulb where the module is integrated interfered with the mounting with the actual housing of the headlight itself and made it cockeyed and not straight beam, the housing also hit the igniter for the HID's when the back of the light cover is reinstalled. Now, i could relocate the igniter, but since the bulge hit the housing it didn't make it worth it to use. I also tried to put the h10 fog bulb(the one mentioned earlier in the thread) in the high beam spot but since its a 90 degree bulb it still hit the module, and wasnt brighter than the halogen it replaced. Looks like were stuck with a plain 9005 halogen for high beams.

Now i tried to stuff the VX3 in the fog light, they fit, but are obnoxiously bright and asking for trouble. They also hit the backside of the foglight access covers. Not a total waste, ill stuff them in my wifes rav 4 lol.

However i did install VLED 3156 reverse bulbs, these are killer bright.
http://www.vleds.com/shop-bulb-numbers/3157-3156-led/3156-white-5k-ho.html

LED of LH stock on RH
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b8/gschiewe/CC177645-4270-4547-895F-390587BE27CB.jpg (http://s16.photobucket.com/user/gschiewe/media/CC177645-4270-4547-895F-390587BE27CB.jpg.html)

[Steve M]

Thanks for the update...I might have to pick up a pair of those back-up lights.

[ohlarikd]

Thanks for experimenting! I had many-a-failure in the beginning as well.

One thing I'd like to see someone try is the 5000K LED headlight bulbs. It may seem odd replacing HIDs with an LED, but who knows? The HIDs, even though I bought a 5000K bulb, doesn't quite match color with the 5000K switchback white parking lights.

[Redx]

Agreed, maybe if Vled has another sale I might pick up the d2s 4500 lm bulbs, till then I've think I've spent enough on bulbs lol

[Steve M]

Tee hee hee...

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Red%20vs.%20Green_zpsacauwdkv.jpg

[BillyC]

Port & Starboard?
NICE!


Tee hee hee...

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Red%20vs.%20Green_zpsacauwdkv.jpg

[Steve M]

Port & Starboard?
NICE!

I was thinking Christmas, but that works too.

[Timnineside]

For anyone searching the threads (and not willing to do the work) I do sell these kits together. Pick your colors and I have all the LEDS in stock (for the most part and while they last!) On sale now for $80 for all interior, mirror (map), dash, gauges, floor and license plate. http://www.bolt-on-mods.com/shop/dodge-viper-led-light-upgrade-dodge-viper-2003-2010

I'm working on exterior options now. Running into issues as discussed before but making progress.

-Tim

[Steve M]

Finally finished converting the window/door lock/mirror switches from the dim OEM green to "holy shit, that's bright" red LEDs. I will say this: there's a reason that Viper Specialty charges $195 to change these over. They are a PITA from start to finish, and requires some decent soldering equipment (hot air rework station HIGHLY recommended).

Pardon the dirty carpet...it'll get vacuumed when it finally stops being winter around here.

Driver's side door lock and mirror switches:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Drivers%20Mirror%20and%20Door%20Lock_zps7ju2ovc9.j pg

Window switches (sorry, no more Christmas/nautical theme):

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Window%20Switches_zpsp7idjwi0.jpg

Passenger side door lock:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Passenger%20Door%20Lock_zpsdqkztwq4.jpg

And various shots of the interior:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Interior%201_zpsywxwf4yg.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Interior%204_zpsaypa5663.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Interior%203_zpsohpynt2o.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Interior%202_zps74en0urq.jpg

[Vombomb]

How in Zues' name did you remove the mirror bulbs... I can't get them out...

[saxon_schmauderer]

What size LED's are the various switches? (Windows, Door Locks, Mirror Adjuster)? Also wondering what size LEDs and resistors were used for the radio mod? Thanks guys.

[Steve M]

How in Zues' name did you remove the mirror bulbs... I can't get them out...

Very gently with a pair of needle nose pliers.

[Vombomb]

Guess my needle nose aren't needley enough... :p I got one out using a little slice of sheet rubber, the other one... the other one is doing some last stand braveheart crap...

[saxon_schmauderer]

Steve, What size LED is that switch?

[Ripper]

Excellent work Steve

Off topic , what camera are you using? Man those pics are crystal clear in the lighting conditions.

[Steve M]

What size LED's are the various switches? (Windows, Door Locks, Mirror Adjuster)? Also wondering what size LEDs and resistors were used for the radio mod? Thanks guys.

Window Switch:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/IMG_0141%201024x768_zpspzl4retr.jpg

All surface mount components - this is what requires a hot air rework station. The LED is a 1206 reverse mount SMD LED...here's a link to the one I ended up using:

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/LTST-C21KRKT/160-2024-1-ND/3711415

Door Lock:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Door%20Lock%201_zpshv2hn5pl.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Door%20Lock%202_zpsg83qnz2t.jpg

These use a single 3mm (T1) through hole LED. Nothing fancy here, just a PITA to disassemble the switch to get to the back side of the board to desolder/resolder the new LED.

Mirror Switch:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Mirror%20Switch_zpsexyjul50.jpg

This is the one that haunted me - it also uses 4 x 3mm (T1) through hole LEDs, but getting it apart is a PITA. I originally tried desoldering all of the pins to disassemble it, but ended up pulling pads and traces in the process. This picture is from the switch that I ruined. I ended up having to order another one ($50 mistake), but I got it right on the second try. The other circuit boards marked the polarity...this one did not. I got the polarity wrong the first time around.

If anyone is serious about pursuing this particular mod, let me know and I can give you some pointers that might help. There is a STEEP learning curve to disassembling the door lock and mirror switches.


Excellent work Steve

Off topic , what camera are you using? Man those pics are crystal clear in the lighting conditions.

Nothing fancy - it's a Canon G7 point and shoot that my wife and I have had for years...no flash, no tripod, just held it. It does a really good job all considering.

[saxon_schmauderer]

Thank you Steve! You are the man! That looks like a total pain in the ass BTW. Luckily it looks like the easiest switch to remove is the hardest to solder. I have my door panels off right now so I figured I would replace the LEDs while they were out.

[Steve M]

I lost a couple nights of sleep over these damn switches...it is seriously a PITA. The door panels definitely have to come off for the door locks...you can wiggle the mirror switch out without having to totally remove the door panel (you have to remove all of the screws and push pins, but not actually unclip the top clips), and the window switches are pretty easy to get to.

Pay special attention to this picture - the arrows point to terminals that hold the circuit board in place:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Door%20Lock%20Disassemble_zps9ot7kipi.jpg

You have to gently bend the pins together to release them...it'll end up looking like this slightly mangled mess when you get it right:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Door%20Lock%20Disassemble%202_zpsd7fzkwe8.jpg

Once you are done soldering everything, you have to bend the pins back to reseat the board. DO NOT REASSEMBLE THE DOOR PANEL UNLESS YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY SURE THE SWITCH/LED WORKS PROPERLY. Almost found this out the hard way.

[saxon_schmauderer]

By the way for those who care, I just purchased a new AC control unit from Ebay and I am going to try to disassemble it to see if there is any way to remove the stock blue film that is on there. I would like a all white dash. Fingers crossed.

[saxon_schmauderer]

Do you have a picture or a rough drawing of the polarity of the Mirror Adjustment switch? If not I can pay with it, but don't want to end up making a 50$ mistake also :P Thanks again Steve!

[Steve M]

I can post something up by this evening.

[Vombomb]

Holy god what a pain in the butt... but I got it finally :p
Before:
9724
9725

After:
9726
9727
9728

[The_Greg]

Holy god what a pain in the butt... but I got it finally :p
Before:
9724
9725

After:
9726
9727
9728

The mirror bulbs were a PITA for me too. I wanted to crush them and pull them out by the base but managed to get them with just a small screwdriver and a little bit of strategic wiggling/pulling/prying.

I'm always happy to see people working through this. Makes me feel like I'm contributing to the community beyond my $0.02 opinion.

[Vombomb]

The mirror bulbs were a PITA for me too. I wanted to crush them and pull them out by the base but managed to get them with just a small screwdriver and a little bit of strategic wiggling/pulling/prying.

I'm always happy to see people working through this. Makes me feel like I'm contributing to the community beyond my $0.02 opinion.

I was soooooo pissed! This and I missed the ONE SCREW that is at the bottom under the HVAC panel, that was just driving me insane wondering wtf was holding it on... lol. Not gonna lie I was cussing the original write up, screaming at my phone going: "YOU MISSED A DAMN STEP, WHY WOULD YOU NOT TELL ME -oh here it is..."

I would put in the write up: Used duct tape to grip those damn mirror bulbs, or risk losing sanity and scaring your neighbors who most likely will cal 911 to report a domestic dispute...

[The_Greg]

I was soooooo pissed! This and I missed the ONE SCREW that is at the bottom under the HVAC panel, that was just driving me insane wondering wtf was holding it on... lol. Not gonna lie I was cussing the original write up, screaming at my phone going: "YOU MISSED A DAMN STEP, WHY WOULD YOU NOT TELL ME -oh here it is..."

I would put in the write up: Used duct tape to grip those damn mirror bulbs, or risk losing sanity and scaring your neighbors who most likely will cal 911 to report a domestic dispute...

Well you should have removed the shifter/e-brake/cupholder bezel first, and then it should have been easily spotted. Nonetheless, glad you didn't break the panel and I added a bit in the first post about not missing that screw.

[Vombomb]

Well you should have removed the shifter/e-brake/cupholder bezel first, and then it should have been easily spotted. Nonetheless, glad you didn't break the panel and I added a bit in the first post about not missing that screw.

Yeah, I had it pulled up on my phone, and was going with the part: " I didn't remove the panel, I was able to work with it still attached to the ebrake" lol. No biggie, you know how it is when you're doing a project, you always have to lose your sh*t and cuss just so when you figure it out you feel that much better :p My buddy who was helping me was laughing his ass off, because every 2 minutes I'd be all: "Are you F**king kidding me?! WHO DESIGNED THIS PILE OF oh wait I see it now... still stupid... dumb engineers..."

[Steve M]

Do you have a picture or a rough drawing of the polarity of the Mirror Adjustment switch? If not I can pay with it, but don't want to end up making a 50$ mistake also :P Thanks again Steve!

First off, be very careful when pulling the mirror switch apart...there are two bearings and two springs (one bearing and one spring on each side) that will go flying as you separate the top and bottom half of the switch. Whatever you do, don't lose them...they are how the L/R detent functions on the switch. Here's what they look like:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Bearing%20and%20Spring_zpsdprwou34.jpg

And where they live (one bearing + spring on each side, bearing first):

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Bearing%20and%20Spring%20Location_zpspidymfdu.jpg

You have to put them in place as you are sliding the two pieces back together on reassembly. I'd highly recommend not doing this part over a carpeted area, or you will lose these things.

When you are disassembling everything, the L/R buttons just pull off...it'll take some prying. This is what you'll be left with (minus the circuit board and the top half):

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Parts_zpstpsq5p14.jpg

How you tackle getting the circuit board apart from the bottom half is up to you - I tried desoldering all of the pins with minimal success. There are solder pads on both sides of the board, and there are inserts joining the two sides of the board, so getting all of the solder off is very challenging - like I said, I pulled pads and traces while trying to do this (too much heat). I had better luck prying the board and pins together, but again, be very careful with how you pry it apart...the pins are in there very tightly.

And what you originally asked for, the polarity:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn227/meentss02/Viper/Interior%20LEDs/Mirror%20Switch%20Diagram_zpsvubcqkup.jpg

With the board oriented like shown above, the + lead from the LED goes to the right hand hole.

[Rocket]

Holy Old Thread ......

Just ordered the required LED's for my 2009! Thanks for the great write-up THE GREG!!!

Superbrightleds has a 10% discount going now for anyone else looking for a winter mod - GIFT10

[Steve M]

And oldie but a goodie...my window switch, door lock, and mirror adjuster LED swap has worked quite well over this past year.

[sidwin]

thanks to this thread. i did mine over the weekend. only one i didn't get to work was the key. honestly don't care. the previous owner changed everything to green including all indicators. FYI you can change all of them except for ABS. the system will generate and error code of bad lamp failure abs if you do. i put that one back as stock. also note, if you are going to do the blinkers and indicators, i pulled the bulbs out of superled ones and put them into the stock ones because the base are longer. then i put a drop of superglue to hold them tight. i noticed that some of the green ones he put in actually fell out and that is why my high beam, fog light, blinkers did not light up.

[01sapphirebob]

One of my favorite upgrades to my car was LEDs inside.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s99/ACRucrazy/009%20SSG%20ACR/VCA/1150982_10151607655407643_71082798_n_zpsad2f058e.j pg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s99/ACRucrazy/009%20SSG%20ACR/VCA/1075863_10151576404572643_1093423778_n_zps6bf77b1c .jpg

May be a silly question but which white was was used? "Cool White" or "Natural White?"

[ohlarikd]

Cool White is the blueish tint. Natural White is more pure. Personally, I chose natural.

[ohlarikd]

And oldie but a goodie...my window switch, door lock, and mirror adjuster LED swap has worked quite well over this past year.

Great side mirror right up Steve! That is the only thing I didn't do at this point... tempting.

[Steve M]

Great side mirror right up Steve! That is the only thing I didn't do at this point... tempting.

That one is a huge pain, but it is nice when done.

[Cski15]

Hey I just joined the forum as I recently got my viper. I just bought the interior led's for a swap. I bought the exact ones that were listed on pg 2 I think and as I was tackling the swap today the only light that comes on is the odometer light. I tried reversing all the lights and plugging them back in and the same thing happened. All I did was turn the key 3/4 and the stereo, key ring, odo, and map lights come on, but no dash lights. Also, my needles started jumping oddly when I did this. Any help is welcome.

[sideways06]

Hey I just joined the forum as I recently got my viper. I just bought the interior led's for a swap. I bought the exact ones that were listed on pg 2 I think and as I was tackling the swap today the only light that comes on is the odometer light. I tried reversing all the lights and plugging them back in and the same thing happened. All I did was turn the key 3/4 and the stereo, key ring, odo, and map lights come on, but no dash lights. Also, my needles started jumping oddly when I did this. Any help is welcome.

Check the harness connection on the gauge cluster. If it doesn't sit flush with a good connection your symptoms can happen.

[silver7iron]

20395

Has anybody had failures with the LED's from SuperbrightLEDS? I've had 2 defective out of the 20 I bought?

I also thought the housing was cheap and delicate. Does anybody have any other recommendations?

[Rocket]

Funny you mention this as I just had to take apart the steering wheel cover assembly as the led light for the key ring managed somehow to loosen up. It still worked after removing and reinstalling - and I added a small piece of electrical tape over the top to hopefully prevent it from loosening up again.

[Mopar'er no car]

What about the Millage readout bulb? Appears it's diffrent from the other dash bulbs..

[Vprbite]

What about the Millage readout bulb? Appears it's diffrent from the other dash bulbs..

The mileage isn't back lit, it's a screen.

[Vprbite]

I just did this. Well more accurately, Arizona member "Rocket" did this while I supervised. Can't thank you enough, Rocket.

It looks great. I did white which I believe is the right choice unless you want a really custom/modded look. It looks factory. Basically looks like 01saphire bobs up a few posts. I did red in the foot wells which makes the floor mats look awesome. Came out just right. I also replaced the boots with black leather and red stiching ones at the time.

Again, Rocket, huge thanks. I would have been intimidated without your help. It came out awesome!

[idinesen]

Just did this upgrade for the interior - what a huge difference! Thanks for the awesome step-by-step write with pics - helped me out a ton! Only light I can't seem to figure out is the odometer, but with only mileage displayed it doesn't bother me whatsoever. Now the exterior will need the upgrade eventually!

[Vprbite]

Just did this upgrade for the interior - what a huge difference! Thanks for the awesome step-by-step write with pics - helped me out a ton! Only light I can't seem to figure out is the odometer, but with only mileage displayed it doesn't bother me whatsoever. Now the exterior will need the upgrade eventually!

Imthink the odometer is a screen. Not lit by bulb that can be replaced.

Did you do the license plate light too? Looks great. I have the fog lights, I just need to pop them in

[Steve M]

Imthink the odometer is a screen. Not lit by bulb that can be replaced.

Mine had a bulb that could be changed/replaced.

[01sapphirebob]

Finally got my bulbs changed last week. Looks awesome! Can't wait t get out and drive the car at night now. :)

[idinesen]

Imthink the odometer is a screen. Not lit by bulb that can be replaced.

Did you do the license plate light too? Looks great. I have the fog lights, I just need to pop them in

I did do the license plate bulbs as well as the rear hatch bulb (same bulb as the license plate, footwells & mirror) - glad I ordered an extra one.

Still can't figure out that damn odometer screen. Really not worried about it though since it only shows the miles as they tick away!

[Mopar'er no car]

Imthink the odometer is a screen. Not lit by bulb that can be replaced.

Did you do the license plate light too? Looks great. I have the fog lights, I just need to pop them in

There is a bulb there forsure..

[Vprbite]

There is a bulb there forsure..

I didn't know. I don't think we changed mine but maybe we did. I would have to ask Rocket, he really did the work of it on my car.

[Mopar'er no car]

I didn't know. I don't think we changed mine but maybe we did. I would have to ask Rocket, he really did the work of it on my car.

Does it Glow Amber or white

[Vprbite]

Does it Glow Amber or white



I looked today. It glows white. I guess we did swap it out.

I honestly didn't realize that one was backlit. Thanks for pointing that out.

[ACtechOPS]

Speaking from experience, don't choose red for the odometer, not enough contrast with the black numbers-but it looks cool. Doing the outside of the car is another ball of wax completely. I ended up having to install diodes in the wiring for all of my lights. All manner of funky things happened (brake lights glowing dimly all the time, other lights flashing along with turn signals, even turn indicator on cluster glowing dimly all the time). Pretty sure you can buy diode protected bulbs. I got mine from a reputable vendor here, still had issues. Bottom line, don't skimp on the bulbs and know what you are buying. Generic ebay bulbs are a shot in the dark as brightness varies greatly. Also, on the Gen 3 'verts the tail lights are obviously different than the coupe, but they are also different inside. The brake light/tail light bulb has a domed reflector cover over the end which forces the light to be reflected backwards into the housing and then reflected forward again. This works great with the incandescent bulbs but not so well with the LED's. Need a more powerful LED to compensate for the double reflection than the coupe lights which just shine straight out. Attached a macro pic, not the best but you can see the "chrome dome" the covers not only the end of the bulb but well over half of the body. This will also limit the length of the bulb if you are thinking of sticking a Christmas tree in there:). Just saying.
22491

[Mopar'er no car]

I looked today. It glows white. I guess we did swap it out.

I honestly didn't realize that one was backlit. Thanks for pointing that out.

Now for the million dollar question. Was it diffrent from the others? Because it appears to be..

[ACtechOPS]

Ripped off another site (VCA), 2008 viper: The odometer bulb was a bit smaller than the other instrument cluster bulbs but I still was able to get the T1.5 to work just fine. If it doesn't work the first time, take it out and turn it around and try again. They are polarized.22494

[silver7iron]

Ripped off another site (VCA), 2008 viper: The odometer bulb was a bit smaller than the other instrument cluster bulbs but I still was able to get the T1.5 to work just fine. If it doesn't work the first time, take it out and turn it around and try again. They are polarized.22494

I used the OEM cluster bulb housings and modified the leads. They fit easier, and held tighter.

[Tom.k]

I tried this when I checked them the gauges swept back and forth then nothing, took everything apart again switched the bulbs around thinking the polarity was backwards and again no lights and gauges went crazy then nothing. I took it back apart put original bulbs back in and it everything worked fine.

Any ideas why none of the lights worked and why it would cause everything to stop working with the leds but then the original builds is fine?

[98intrigue]

FYI superbrightleds is having a 15% off sale for fathers day using promo code DAD17

[Ludington1]

Edit - oops, somehow the prior post didn't show in my browser when I posted.

[13COBRA]

SuperBright LEDs has 15% off for Father's Day with code DAD17, in case anyome is on the fence about this upgrade.

Did you read the post above yours? lol

[NMviperguy]

Hey all,

Just completed this myself. Thanks The_Greg for the LED lights part numbers to order so I could get them all before doing the installation!!


https://youtu.be/JQ088r3Xvxo

[Will SRT10]

One of my favorite upgrades to my car was LEDs inside.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s99/ACRucrazy/009%20SSG%20ACR/VCA/1150982_10151607655407643_71082798_n_zpsad2f058e.j pg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s99/ACRucrazy/009%20SSG%20ACR/VCA/1075863_10151576404572643_1093423778_n_zps6bf77b1c .jpg

Personally love the 'eject' feature.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah172/Will_SRT10/ejectoseato_zpsuaihnzwo.jpg[/URL]

[01sapphirebob]

Has anybody had an issue with their bulbs coming loose? Ive had two of them do this to me. Ive pulled the dash apart and reseated the bulbs but before I put everything back together im wondering if theres anything else that can/needs to be done.

[BillyC]

To each his own, but I've never understood why anyone would go to all the trouble of changing to LED and use white LEDs?
A fellow Viper owner showed me his new LED cluster w/white, so I showed him mine. His only reply was that he shoulda.
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[13COBRA]

Not a fan of the green LEDs. I do like the Viper logo on the airbag light though.

[VIPER BAZ UK]

Does anyone sell a kit ready to go and ship to the UK??

[01sapphirebob]

Does anyone sell a kit ready to go and ship to the UK??

I dont think anybody sells a complete kit but if you go to the first page of this thread you can piece it all together. Pretty easy and it changes the entire look of the interior. Even if you just to the rear view mirror and footwell lights. I did thouse first before I did the rest of the car and holy cow! What a difference. I'm pretty sure I drove my wife nuts talking about it. :)

[Viper Specialty]

I dont think anybody sells a complete kit but if you go to the first page of this thread you can piece it all together. Pretty easy and it changes the entire look of the interior. Even if you just to the rear view mirror and footwell lights. I did thouse first before I did the rest of the car and holy cow! What a difference. I'm pretty sure I drove my wife nuts talking about it. :)

We have sold a complete kit since before this thread existed...

[01sapphirebob]

We have sold a complete kit since before this thread existed...

I stand corrected! :)

[VIPER BAZ UK]

I'll Email you Dan...

I did the Interior mirror and foot wells and yes they look so much more up to date ..

Would like to do the dash and back up lights.

Cheers

[shnickerlaus]

If you go ahead I’ll order one too and go halves baz

[Vipermann]

We have sold a complete kit since before this thread existed...

I just ordered a set.

[Whozaka]

Your bottom photo.

The main dash piece... by any chance do you happen to know where I can buy an OEM part like that? I bought my car used and mines pretty cracked. I can live with it but I would love to have it replaced.

[Vipermann]

I tried this when I checked them the gauges swept back and forth then nothing, took everything apart again switched the bulbs around thinking the polarity was backwards and again no lights and gauges went crazy then nothing. I took it back apart put original bulbs back in and it everything worked fine.

Any ideas why none of the lights worked and why it would cause everything to stop working with the leds but then the original builds is fine?

I just experienced the same thing. For me it is the Odometer bulb which is slightly smaller. Seems if one of the bulb contacts is messed up, it can throw the whole speedo pod into a fritz. I replaced the bulbs one at a time, until they all worked. Knock on wood. Now just need a smaller bulb to go into the smaller bulb holder for the odometer and hoping that finishes it.

[Vipermann]

Did anybody here put a dab of Goop or similar on the replacement LEDs out of concern of them vibrating loose? Any such issues? I have everything looking good, but wondering about this before I put it all back together.

[Bob Woodhouse]

As posted on the other site:

This is definitely a first. I can tell you without question it does not apply to any Verts, nor have I heard from any Coupe owners that there is a problem- but again, I have no idea who many are that buy these and for what use.

Based on what you are saying, the problem is obviously a back-feed somewhere in the system. The Brake Lamps are being fed by the turn signal. It is likely how the system is grounded or the selection of parts you are using. I will take a look at the wiring diagram for a coupe and report back. Edit: Just looked. All grounds on the rear tail are common per side on the coupe, just like the Vert. This means that a few things could be causing this:

1. Poor chassis ground. All current at that small level should be going directly to ground, but for some reason it is back-feeding your brake lamps. Check grounds on each side.

2. Non-polarized brake lamp bulbs. {We don't use these for this reason} Polarized bulbs would be incapable of back-feeding like you are describing.

3. Load-resisted turn signals. {We don't use these for this reason} These will pass enough current to upset things, especially if mixed with non-load resisted brake lamps and non-polarized bulbs.

4. Any chance the coupe has "repeater" side markers like the front of the coupe/vert have from the factory? This incandescent bulb may be causing an issue as well. I honestly cannot recall if it does or not, and have all Verts here at the moment.

Also, just curious, what exactly did you alter or omit from the front turn signals in order to get them properly working? I assume the ground was altered or the outer bulb is being left out when adding the four primary LED's in the corners? Make sure that you have the "small" outer turn signal unplugged at this time to make sure it is not related to the back-feed, which it could be if it is still incandescent or bi-polar. This is highly unlikely to be the cause, but just figured its worth a quick "unplug" to isolate.

I ran into something similar when building the Decaduece, 08 Viper chassis under a 32 Sedan body. I installed LED lights all around, in order to get the flash frequency back to normal it took experimenting with load resistors until we found the right amount. I cant tell remember what the final amount was. Same thing on door release latches, each door is unique having a different load value in order for the computer to tell who is opening what. Wiring schematic had the wrong value making that one a head scratcher.

[Bob Woodhouse]

Greg, Really appreciate your doing this, I just ordered bulbs and you saved a half day at least of my time had I tried to hunt all this down.

[dposea]

Its an old thread, but where are the steering column bolts? On my 2006 VOI9? With the blue interior I have to do blue gauge lights. For anyone else doing this, release the starter button wiring harness from the drivers side, and both AC connectors from the passenger side. I had to pry the connectors apart after depressing the release clip. Just stick a flat blade screwdriver in between the connector and the housing, press the clip, and twist the screwdriver. I could not get enough leverage to just pull the connectors apart. That was the only difficult part of getting the center bezel off.

[osuaero]

Has anyone had issues mounting the V3 (now v6) triton resistor to the surface below the headlight housing? VLED wants the resistor mounted to a metallic surface as it gets hot, however, there is not a great metallic location in the wheel well.

[johnnyk_6]

Just finished installing LEDs in my '05 convertible. The new lighting looks excellent!

It's worth noting that the bulbs used for the the rearview mirror lights, footwells, and tag are incredibly bright. Some people may find that problematic. But overall it's definitely a big improvement.

Next I'll be upgrading all of the exterior lights (fog, tail, turn signals, side markers) to LED.

Also, big thanks to @NMviperguy for the video. Very helpful for a novice like me.

https://files.johnny.website/viper/PXL_20201025_023855877.NIGHT.jpg
https://files.johnny.website/viper/PXL_20201025_023633736.NIGHT.jpg
https://files.johnny.website/viper/PXL_20201025_023504811.NIGHT.jpg

[jpmst3]

Does anyone know where the flasher module is for the turn signals/hazards? I assume under the dash somewhere. But, I was hoping someone knew exactly there before I went and twisted myself in knots. I need the module switched out to stop the fast flash. Gen 3 Roadster...

50194

[Steve M]

It's on the top half of the steering column right behind the steering wheel.

Remove the cover - should be under there.

[jpmst3]

Thanks Steve!

Knowing the location should make the replacement a breeze. :cool:

[jpmst3]

Ugh, that was a simple swap, but it was not fruitful. I had the same issue mentioned in another thread, the hazards don't work and the turn signals also trigger the opposite brake light and license plate light as well. Very strange. I guess I need the bulbs with the resistors.

[Steve M]

Not sure if what you tried is any different from what Dan Lesser at Viper Specialty Performance offers here: http://viperspecialtyperformance.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/245

https://www.viperclub.org/vca/threads/flasher-relay-for-led-lighting-guys.669685/

[jpmst3]

Not sure if what you tried is any different from what Dan Lesser at Viper Specialty Performance offers here: http://viperspecialtyperformance.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/245

https://www.viperclub.org/vca/threads/flasher-relay-for-led-lighting-guys.669685/

Thanks!

Yes, I saw that. Unfortunately, the checkout feature on the site is not working. I think what he has is the same as what I already have from the superbrightleds site.

Also, I read in another thread that it still did not stop the strange brake light behavior that I am experiencing. So, I guess I have no choice but to add resistors or go back to the factory incandescents or at least for the turn signals. :(

As soon as you add an LED bulb without resistors to the flasher circuit, it wreaks havoc on the entire system.

[jpmst3]

I ordered four resistors from Amazon that have free returns. They are in line with the sockets and don't need any taps on the factory wires.
I saw there are bulbs with resistors built in. However, they say in the disclaimers that it may not be enough for some vehicles and additional resistors may be required. I didn't want to buy more bulbs and then potentially need resistors anyway or have some sort of inconsistent behavior. My first road trip in the spring will be for state inspection, the last thing I want is a circus involving basic lighting.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C86MH61/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3B95GPSECAW75&psc=1

In case anyone else reads this thread, from what I understand you have to take note of which sockets are on the resistors if you are going to add/order the inline version. Since these things work with many similar bulb types, the new twist in sockets are not always the mate for the vehicle side. Apparently, the foreign cars can be different. The set referenced above should fit domestic vehicles, ala Viper.

[Viper Specialty]

What we offer is not what you guys are ordering elsewhere... we alter ours for LED use, we dont buy them.

Hence why they work right, every time. LOL

Unfortunately, I cant make any of them right now due to parts availability. We used to stock more of them... but ever since this thread, everyone only contacts us for the impossible to find parts or the custom stuff, which also happen to have rather poor cost:benefit to the bottom line when sold on their own. The remaining one or two I had are part of the full exterior packages I have sitting around somewhere.

[jpmst3]

What we offer is not what you guys are ordering elsewhere... we buy/alter ours for LED use, we dont buy them.

Hence why they work right, every time. LOL

Unfortunately, I cant make any of them right now due to parts availability. We used to stock more of them... but ever since this thread, everyone only contacts us for the impossible to find parts or the custom stuff, which also happen to have rather poor cost:benefit to the bottom line when sold on their own. The remaining one or two I had are part of the full exterior packages I have sitting around somewhere.

Thanks for providing the clarification, good to know! I am sure that will be helpful to those seeing this thread in the future. That's a major bummer that they are not able to be manufactured, although not surprising with all the madness.
If you get one in the near future, let me know and I will return the resistors before I install them.

[jpmst3]

Just finished installing LEDs in my '05 convertible. The new lighting looks excellent!

It's worth noting that the bulbs used for the the rearview mirror lights, footwells, and tag are incredibly bright. Some people may find that problematic. But overall it's definitely a big improvement.

Next I'll be upgrading all of the exterior lights (fog, tail, turn signals, side markers) to LED.

Also, big thanks to @NMviperguy for the video. Very helpful for a novice like me.



That does look great! What an improvement! I might go with red footwells and mirror lights, I'll see how well I can see with all red.
That gauges are outstanding too! I have half an inclination to want to go red there too, but I think that might get tiresome after a while. Although, I would rarely be driving at night anyway, but still.
It would be nice if there was a quick wire to tape into that would have the footwells stay on while the ignition is on. I might go that route as well.

[jpmst3]

This cheapie Amazon resistors work perfectly with the stock flasher module. I just had to zip tie the extra wires and heatsinks up. Holy $&$^! do the resistors get hot. The back set is only on during turning, so there is little to no heat. The front ones that are on with the rest of the lights get HOT. So, I tied them together and kept them away from other components. The exterior is now fully converted sans the high beams. I will rarely if ever use those, so I can either get them later or never.

[Steve M]

Here's an interesting issue I ran into.

Over the past few years, I've had a couple of LED failures in the 4 gauge cluster on the dash. The few times it has happened, it's been intermittent (i.e. it would blink, or go out and then come back on a few minutes later). I dismissed it as cheap Chinese shit LEDs, but it's rare to have a low voltage LED fail, especially intermittently.

Unfortunately, when one fails, you have to pull the entire dash apart to get to it. Total PITA.

As I was messing around with both gauge clusters, I noticed a couple of things, both dealing with the T5 twist lock sockets/bulb holders. The first thing I noticed was that some of them seemed a bit loose. The second can be seen (somewhat) in the picture below:

https://i.ibb.co/LYwhZ6G/T5-Sockets.jpg

On the left is a new socket fresh off the boat from the friendly folks at Amazon. The two on the right are a couple of the old sockets - the one in the middle is missing one of the tabs that makes contact with the bulbs, and the one on the right had tabs that were so close together they were almost touching until I tried pushing them apart with a small screwdriver.

Most of mine were like this, so I replaced them all. They aren't expensive, and the new ones fit WAY tighter on the circuit boards. This is what I ordered: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H3R77F8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So if you find one of your dash LEDs blinking randomly (which is incredibly distracting at night), don't automatically assume it is a problem with the LEDs.

I've spent years chasing this problem...my ignorance sometimes knows no bounds. Time will tell if this fixes the problem, but so far, so good.

[J TNT]

Great post Steve ! I've found similar in other vehicles.

[jpmst3]

Ohhhhhhhh great! I just replaced all of mine with LEDs a couple of weeks back. There were some that were definitely flaky and needed twisted just right to get them to stay on. I guess I have that to look forward to as well. :t0135:

Everything is so damn cheap nowadays. Grrr.

[RedDogOhio]

Appreciate this thread and discussion being renewed, as I wanted to start with an INTERIOR upgrade myself on this.

Steve M...assume you just need (x4) of these for *JUST* the Dashboard...more are not needed for the small gauges (oil pressure, etc,) to the right of the main dash, correct? Figured I'm just going to be proactive on this point, regardless of the shape of the OEM ones.

Also...just a TWIST on these...no soldering or anything fancy to install, correct?

Know the Amazon package would clearly cover all, but just wanted to ask as I was building my order with Dan@ViperSpecialty.

Have a great balance to the week-

[Steve M]

Ohhhhhhhh great! I just replaced all of mine with LEDs a couple of weeks back. There were some that were definitely flaky and needed twisted just right to get them to stay on. I guess I have that to look forward to as well. :t0135:

Everything is so damn cheap nowadays. Grrr.

They definitely don't seem to tolerate being removed/replaced more than a few times. I was also very surprised to see how close together some of the tabs were to each other. Not even sure what possessed me to examine them, but I'm glad I caught it.

My issues always cropped up at the drag strip. Seems like a good burnout or launch would cause one to go out, and it would usually come back on by the end of the pass. You can see it go off in this pass (around the 30 second mark, bottom gauge in the 4-gauge cluster). That time it didn't come back on until much later that evening.


https://youtu.be/aFX4Q_C3WHc


Appreciate this thread and discussion being renewed, as I wanted to start with an INTERIOR upgrade myself on this.

Steve M...assume you just need (x4) of these for *JUST* the Dashboard...more are not needed for the small gauges (oil pressure, etc,) to the right of the main dash, correct? Figured I'm just going to be proactive on this point, regardless of the shape of the OEM ones.

Also...just a TWIST on these...no soldering or anything fancy to install, correct?

Know the Amazon package would clearly cover all, but just wanted to ask as I was building my order with Dan@ViperSpecialty.

Have a great balance to the week-

You need 10 total between the main gauge cluster and the 4 gauge cluster on the right. It's 6 in the main cluster, 4 in the cluster with oil pressure/temp/etc. I ordered two packages of 10 just so I'd have extra. And yes, the old ones twist out. Insert your new bulbs in these, and twist back into place. No soldering, no nothing.

The warning bulbs in the main gauge cluster use a totally different holder. FWIW, I did not change out the warning lights...I left those stock (filament bulbs).

And here's another free tip: at some point when you are taking the gauge clusters in/out of the car, you are going to get some scratches on the lenses unless you are really, really careful. I almost considered replacing my 4-gauge cluster because of it. The scratches I had weren't deep enough to catch your fingernail, but they would catch my eye every time I drove the car. And that made me sad.

But have no fear, for this miracle in a bottle is the answer:

https://i.ibb.co/FxbXYP7/Plast-X-small.jpg

Picked it up at my local AutoZone. You can use it by hand, but I don't have that kinda patience anymore, so I used it with my small DA polisher (Griot's G8) and a 1" white foam pad.

A couple of rounds with that and it's like the scratches were never even there. I was impressed, hence my recommendation.

[jpmst3]

I was going to add a dab of dielectric grease to the tabs for insurance, but I didn't. Now, I am wishing I would have. Oh well, here's to hoping they stay on.


I have not used the PlastX version. But, I have used the regular Meguiar's polish on plastic on numerous occasions, and it works wonders. It is amazing how easy it is. In fact, I just remembered that I used it on the radio display a couple of weeks back, and it looks like new.