center console switch LEDs
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
center console switch LEDs
im currently restoring a low top center console for a runner and I tore the switches down for cleaning and such. I wanted to attempt and put LEDs in the switches. I SWEAR I saw a thread on here where someone did this already but I looked and couldn't find it. its obviously not as easy as plug and play. I attempted today and actually got an LED in the wiper switch but I guess the ones I had weren't rated to 12v so I blew it. more on order. if you have read my build thread you know these are not for me lol im putting together a center console for sale, I believe two of the three switches will take an LED. the window lock switch has a bulb built into the little circuit board under the button, and would require more patience that I have to change it to an LED. anyone done this? tips and tricks appreciated.
#5
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco East Bay
Posts: 8,262
Likes: 0
Received 825 Likes
on
652 Posts
Yeah, that box of LEDs isn't going to do you much good. LEDs are constant current devices with a forward voltage drop of about 3-3.5 volts; put 12v on them and the magic smoke escapes.
So all you need is a 2k ohm resistor in series, but that's another component where you have little room. But someone has already thought of this; you can buy LEDs with an integral resistor so you can just hook them up to 12v as though they were old-school incandescents. https://lighthouseleds.com/12v-3mm-l...round-top.html
I've never worked on the switches you're describing, but I know that some switches (e.g., Air Conditioning) have a twist-lock holder for the bulb. You can get part-for-part replacements for those. https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...panel-led/221/
So all you need is a 2k ohm resistor in series, but that's another component where you have little room. But someone has already thought of this; you can buy LEDs with an integral resistor so you can just hook them up to 12v as though they were old-school incandescents. https://lighthouseleds.com/12v-3mm-l...round-top.html
I've never worked on the switches you're describing, but I know that some switches (e.g., Air Conditioning) have a twist-lock holder for the bulb. You can get part-for-part replacements for those. https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...panel-led/221/
The following 4 users liked this post by scope103:
#6
Registered User
Thread Starter
Yeah, that box of LEDs isn't going to do you much good. LEDs are constant current devices with a forward voltage drop of about 3-3.5 volts; put 12v on them and the magic smoke escapes.
So all you need is a 2k ohm resistor in series, but that's another component where you have little room. But someone has already thought of this; you can buy LEDs with an integral resistor so you can just hook them up to 12v as though they were old-school incandescents. https://lighthouseleds.com/12v-3mm-l...round-top.html
I've never worked on the switches you're describing, but I know that some switches (e.g., Air Conditioning) have a twist-lock holder for the bulb. You can get part-for-part replacements for those. https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...panel-led/221/
So all you need is a 2k ohm resistor in series, but that's another component where you have little room. But someone has already thought of this; you can buy LEDs with an integral resistor so you can just hook them up to 12v as though they were old-school incandescents. https://lighthouseleds.com/12v-3mm-l...round-top.html
I've never worked on the switches you're describing, but I know that some switches (e.g., Air Conditioning) have a twist-lock holder for the bulb. You can get part-for-part replacements for those. https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...panel-led/221/
Trending Topics
#8
Registered User
Thread Starter
Success
Success! Not for my truck because I’m content with the oem bulbs but I’m restoring a center console for selling and I’m doing LEDs in the switches. I found some internal resistor long legged LEDs and threaded them into the OEM little rubber boots. Once you figure out the correct orientation with a little battery your good to go.
The following users liked this post:
keycw (05-08-2020)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cliffordthe4runner
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
2
06-30-2012 04:18 PM
98.T4R
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
18
03-25-2009 07:08 PM
Tincanman
General Electrical & Lighting Related Topics
1
12-26-2008 01:55 PM