bdmaash
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- January 27, 2008
- Messages
- 688
- Reaction score
- 22
- City, State
- YYC
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '07, V8 4x4 Ltd
I read this thread a while back:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251448
and finally found some LED modules that seemed ok - not cheap though like in the thread above. Probably around $10usd/pc in hand on e-bay. I liked these since the control circuitry is onboard, no external parts required - just hook up to 12 Volts. Each module draws around 1/4Amp.
LED:
bag view
front of LED
back of LED
Pictures of bulb housings - removed from overhead console, these housings snap into the overhead console.
Housing back side with reflector in place
housing back side - reflector removed
housing front side - reflector removed, notice plastic melted from heat generated by original bulb, probably due to a bad connection
housing front side of housing with reflector
Next step was to remove some plastic so the LED module would fit in place with out interference. I used the soldering iron to remove plastic - this is not recommended since it will ruin the tip on the iron. Some of the ribs are left on so the LED doesn't fall through.
Next some notches were cut into the housing for the power leads to the LED.
In the case of these LED modules, it doesn't matter how they are wired, +,- can be reversed
and they will still work.
The LED was potted into place with silicone from behind (this is top view of installed LED)
Back side potted, this will help in the long run since vibrations could eventually break the component leads.
Bulb assemblies snapped back into the console, and final wiring done. Silicone used again at connections for strain relief.
- the flex circuit board was cut and wires soldered to it, for the modules.
Back side of the overhead console, more silicone.
Will update with night shot, it looks like there's a flourescent tube in the front of the truck now.
update: night time photos, street lights on, exposure set so pictures are very close to actual lighting conditions
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251448
and finally found some LED modules that seemed ok - not cheap though like in the thread above. Probably around $10usd/pc in hand on e-bay. I liked these since the control circuitry is onboard, no external parts required - just hook up to 12 Volts. Each module draws around 1/4Amp.
LED:
bag view
front of LED
back of LED
Pictures of bulb housings - removed from overhead console, these housings snap into the overhead console.
Housing back side with reflector in place
housing back side - reflector removed
housing front side - reflector removed, notice plastic melted from heat generated by original bulb, probably due to a bad connection
housing front side of housing with reflector
Next step was to remove some plastic so the LED module would fit in place with out interference. I used the soldering iron to remove plastic - this is not recommended since it will ruin the tip on the iron. Some of the ribs are left on so the LED doesn't fall through.
Next some notches were cut into the housing for the power leads to the LED.
In the case of these LED modules, it doesn't matter how they are wired, +,- can be reversed
and they will still work.
The LED was potted into place with silicone from behind (this is top view of installed LED)
Back side potted, this will help in the long run since vibrations could eventually break the component leads.
Bulb assemblies snapped back into the console, and final wiring done. Silicone used again at connections for strain relief.
- the flex circuit board was cut and wires soldered to it, for the modules.
Back side of the overhead console, more silicone.
Will update with night shot, it looks like there's a flourescent tube in the front of the truck now.
update: night time photos, street lights on, exposure set so pictures are very close to actual lighting conditions
