MustangP51
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- January 16, 2005
- Messages
- 1,381
- Reaction score
- 2
- City, State
- Connecticut
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2009 Limited V8
The bulbs that illuminate the Headlight, Rear window wiper, Defroster, and Fog Light switches are very hard to find. The Headlight switch bulb blows frequently since it is on whenever the ignition is on. Here is how you can retrofit LEDs to replace the the bulbs.
Headlight Switch
First find 3 5mm LEDs, to keep the factory color you need green, Grind the tip of the LED flat, this will unfocus the lens and make the light spread rather then having a hotspot.
Resistor | LED | Ground down tip | Factory Bulb
You need to solder in a resistor to each LED to step the voltage down from 12v to 2v.
Insulate using heat shrink
Remove the switch and the dimmer from the bezel
Find the center of each symbol and use hot glue to secure the LEDs
I choose to get the power from the factor bulb contacts, so I soldered leads to each. It is VERY IMPORTANT to get the polaritys correct, LEDs are Diodes and will only work one way. I used hot glue to insulate.
Finish the wiring
Result
Fog Light and Defroster Switch
Remove the switches from the bracket, then use a Dremel to cut a small slot into the bracket to allow the wires for the Fog Light switch to get through.
The 5mm LED will fit snugly into the socket of the bulb
Solder in a Resistor, Heat shrink, then add a little hot glue to hold.
Rear Wiper
Headlight Switch
First find 3 5mm LEDs, to keep the factory color you need green, Grind the tip of the LED flat, this will unfocus the lens and make the light spread rather then having a hotspot.
Resistor | LED | Ground down tip | Factory Bulb
You need to solder in a resistor to each LED to step the voltage down from 12v to 2v.
Insulate using heat shrink
Remove the switch and the dimmer from the bezel
Find the center of each symbol and use hot glue to secure the LEDs
I choose to get the power from the factor bulb contacts, so I soldered leads to each. It is VERY IMPORTANT to get the polaritys correct, LEDs are Diodes and will only work one way. I used hot glue to insulate.
Finish the wiring
Result
Fog Light and Defroster Switch
Remove the switches from the bracket, then use a Dremel to cut a small slot into the bracket to allow the wires for the Fog Light switch to get through.
The 5mm LED will fit snugly into the socket of the bulb
Solder in a Resistor, Heat shrink, then add a little hot glue to hold.
Rear Wiper