DO NOT attempt installation of LEDs unless you are mechanically and electrically competent. LEDs are electronic devices not incandescent bulbs. If in any doubt, go to a competent auto electrician and/or mechanic, and ensure that these installation guidelines are reviewed prior to installation. As with any part on motor vehicle incorrect installation may cause unforseen damage or failure.
DO NOT go for a drive until you have verified that your LED installation was successful and all lights are operating!
PLEASE use special bulb grease (available at most auto parts stores, ie. Autozone) to make installation and removal of LEDs easier for future changes/replacements.
Important: Install one LED at a time and verify that it works - do not install ALL LEDs at one time!
LEDs for Stop/Brake lights must be installed in the Stop/Brake light location ONLY - these LEDs are colored RED and are only for the Stop/Brake light location.
LEDs for Rear Parking/Tail lights must be installed in the Rear Parking/Tail light location ONLY - these LEDs are colored RED and are only for the Rear Parking/Tail light location.
LEDs for Front Parking lights must be installed in the Front Parking light location ONLY - these LEDs are colored AMBER and are only for the Front Parking light location.
LEDs for Turn Signal lights must be installed in the Turn Signal light location ONLY - these LEDs are colored AMBER and are only for the Turn Signal light location.
LEDs for Reverse lights must be installed in the Reverse light location ONLY - these LEDs are colored White and are only for the Reverse light location.
LEDs for Number Plate lights must be installed in the Number Plate light location ONLY - these LEDs are colored White and are only for the Number Plate light location.
Important: Verify that the existing bulb/lamp/globe is functioning before installing the LED replacement.
You can use a standard toy 9V battery to easily test most LEDs and check polarity.
Guide to successful LED installation:
Please follow the instructions in your OEM Workshop Manual for bulb/lamp/globe replacement:
- Disconnect the battery, if you are working on instrument gauge panels or other areas where a short circuit could occur!
- LEDs are either 'polarized' or non-polarized' meaning that it matters where + - is on the LED
- The 'push-in and turn' LEDs (Photo A) as used in most stop/brake lights can only be installed one way so 'polarization' is not an isssue - if it is, then you're car was wired wrong, this does happen on some cars.
- The thin 'pencil' shape LEDs (Photo B) as used in many dome/roof applications are polarized and need to be installed correctly.
- Capless LEDs (Photo C), as used in many instrument gauges or sidemarker applications may be polarized or non-polarized
- Important: Install one LED at a time and verify that it works - do not install ALL LEDs at one time!
- Insert the LED and test - if it does not light then remove the LED turn it 180o and re-install - it should now light.
- See below for specific locations - please email if you have questions regarding LED installation ONLY - please direct all specific auto electrical issues to your auto electrician.
Instrument Gauge Lights:
- These LEDs are now mostly non-polarized - don't buy the cheap junk!
- If you are changing color (limited applications) - you must remove the 'light filters' that are installed behind the gauges - many older instrument gauge assemblies use small plastic lenses in front of the bulbs to create a filtered light of a different color.
- For example: older Jaguar use small green colored plastic light filters to provide green light, if you wish to change color then you can simply remove these light filters and install a different color LED (blue, red, white and amber is available).
- Best results in cars using Smiths gauges will be achieved if you keep the LED slightly away from the gauge face when pushing the LED into the gauge (ie. E-Type, XJ6 and XJ12 Jaguar).
- Jaguar XK8 and XJ8 gauges can use LEDs to get better lighting but color can't be changed.
Instrument Warning Lights:
- These LEDs, in most cases, are polarized - it is important to install them with + - in the correct location.
- Turn your ignition to 'on' and note which warning lights are illuminated - remove the illuminated bulbs one at a time and install a LED.
- Insert the LED and test - if it does not light then remove the LED turn it 180o and re-install - it should now light.
- DO NOT install LEDs in warning light locations that are not illuminated - you must verify that each LED will illuminate.
Stop/Brake Lights:
- These LEDs are now all non-polarized so you can install them without regard to + - and they will work.
- Wide-angle LEDs are best for all tail light applications.
- If your car is equipped with a 'bulb failure' warning light then you may have to install a 'ballast resistor' or 'bridge' - or simply remove the bulb-out light.
Turn Signal/Indicator Lights:
- These LEDs are now all non-polarized so you can install them without regard to + - and they will work.
- All LED Turn Signal kits from v12s are now supplied with special flasher/indicator/blinker relays to work correctly.
- If your car is equipped with a 'bulb failure' warning light then you may have to install a 'ballast resistor' or 'bridge' if you did not purchase the flasher/blinker relay from v12s.
- If your turn signals 'blink' too slowly try removing the 'flasher' can and re-installing it - sometimes the contacts are a little corroded and this may ensure a better electrical contact.
- If your turn signals 'blink' too rapidly you may have to install 'ballast resistors'.
