A different headlight question

H

Hotride

Active member
 Nth Qld
I have modified my headlights, So that they have angel eyes.
And since I have added the angel eyes, I want them to come on when the car turns on ( I did this by wiring them to the switched power)
And since I have the angel eyes running, I don't like the side lights turning on, when the headlights turn on. (sidelights take away from the AE's IMO)
Since I have LED sidelights with built in canbus resistor, I simply turned the bulbs around (LED'S only work in 1 direction) so that they would not work, and this keeps the LCM happy.

This has acheived my goals, and I have permanent sidelights (AE's) with the headlights turning on/off when required (I leave them set on auto)

The question I have is, Is there any issues with leaving the LED's in backwards? burning out etc.. or is everything fine how I have it?

cheers
 
Oohhh oohhh I can answer this one!

LEDs generally don't like a reverse voltage of greater than around 5V (this can vary a lot, and even be quite low on exotic parts). But there will be a couple of LEDs in series in the bulb (probably three actually), bumping the maximum reverse voltage up above 12V.

Without having exact data on the LEDs it's hard to say whether they would definitely be in the clear, however if you think about it from the viewpoint of the designer, I would expect the parts to be able to handle being installed with reverse polarity. It's a very simple mistake and not hard to design for (i.e. placing a standard diode in series with them if the reverse voltages won't be high enough for the 12V automotive environment).

Short answer: don't worry about it :thumbsup:
 
thanks mate. :thumbsup:

had to read some of that twice to understand it properly lol. but that makes me feel better.
I thought I would be in the clear, but electronics have the occasional habit of not doing what you think they will...

IMG_0697.jpg
 
Hotride said:
had to read some of that twice to understand it properly lol. but that makes me feel better.
Click to expand...
In retrospect I probably could have left out the technical reasoning, but I am impressed that you understand it ;)

Still fighting the urge to do the AE/De-tango upgrade...
 
peddy said:
Are you able to fit AE's without cutting open the headlights?
Click to expand...

No. I doubt it. You would definitely need to get the front lenses off to fit them. But if you have a dremel and lots of patience lol, it's a Good weekend mod.

Doofus - thanks 8)

Zac - have a look around on eBay.de you could do the whole conversion under $400 I think. Your blue would look great de- tango'd :thumbsup:
 
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