21 replies to this topic

[Liberty]

I have consulted the owner's manual to try and get some replacement bulbs for my wagon. Whilst I am given the wattage, the ones I need do not have a bulb number listed.

• Map light - 12V-8W
• Dome light - 12V-8W
• Cargo area light - 12-13W

What bulb numbers would suit the above areas?

 

It may be a simple question however I am buying these bulbs online and really need to explain them as best I can to the supplier/seller. Thanks guys.

[CRUISN]

Bulbs or LED's?

If LED, theres sellers on Ebay that do a complete kit for all Gen4 interior lighting.

[Liberty]

I'm thinking of getting the LEDs. Am I right in assuming that they're brighter, last longer and are more efficient?

 

Do you have a link by any chance for the complete kits?

 

Do you know what the bulb numbers are for future reference?

[RX25SE]

IMO LEDs are crap.
The RB was full of them and the first thing I did to the car was pull most of them out.

Im sure others think they are great and that's fine.

[Niko]

I'm thinking of getting the LEDs. Am I right in assuming that they're brighter, last longer and are more efficient?
 
Do you have a link by any chance for the complete kits?
 
Do you know what the bulb numbers are for future reference?

31mm festoon for map and dome, possibly W5W for cargo.

[Liberty]

Awesome. Thanks.

IMO LEDs are crap.
The RB was full of them and the first thing I did to the car was pull most of them out.

Im sure others think they are great and that's fine.

How come you didn't like them man? I just want them brighter. It feels like the lights I have now (stock) are really dim... It's annoying sometimes. Possibly the ones I have are on their way out I guess.

[RX25SE]

Firstly they were a bit too blueish for my liking, much brighter than incandescent but difficult to see things as the colour was all wrong. Too hash on my eyes. This is also why my camping lights are fluros or warm white LEDs as they are the same colour as incandescent globes.

 

Secondly as LEDs are just that, a diode, they can mess with the PWM (pulse width modulation) circuit that dims the interior lamp.

There has been more than one Subaru interior lamp controller killed by fitting LED bulbs. I'll admit they were GenIIIs, but I didn't want to find out.

 

 

 

Having the right light colour makes all the difference.

[Liberty]

Thanks Jase. In that case, you recommend I go with the stock bulbs then or can I got with something a little brighter (but not LED)?

[Niko]

Secondly as LEDs are just that, a diode, they can mess with the PWM (pulse width modulation) circuit that dims the interior lamp.

This. LEDs don't dim properly.

[RX25SE]

You should be OK running LEDs with the luggage light (mine is still LED because CBF) as it does not dim, same with the map lights.

This. LEDs don't dim properly.

 

True.

They just kind of flicker for a sec then cut out.

[Matt]

I never had any issues with running full LEDs in either the gen3 or the gen1...or the pajero...or the missus yaris

i love the things! But not cheap ones...must be good panel leds

And i put 3 12 led panels in the dome light lol

They dimmed perfect to the last bit then quickly switched off..no flickering at all. And that last 2 secs of dimming lost didnt bother me one bit as i had usable light in the car....it wasnt like someone holding a match up lol

Aslong as you get quality panel white leds i think they're awesome

So much brighter and use crap all power...have had the dome light on in the gen3 for over a week and still started perfect when i got home

Its all i use camping lol....i have dimmable korr lighting setups and they rule

[RX25SE]

Yes, you can't beat LEDs for light output vs current draw.

[Liberty]

If I got LEDs, they would be the best quality. I don't like going half-hearted with dodgy China-brand products. I have asked the seller whether he stocks normal bulbs and LEDs and what brand so hopefully I have a choice. I appreciate the comments guys.

[Matt]

The ones autobarn sells are probably made in china.

most of this stuff is i reckon

But thats where i get mine from, and it isnt cheap....but they have a full range to suit any fitting. I try to mount a panel led into any fitting i can...you d be surprised where you can make them fit lol

I know some of them have been going 5 years still with zero issues in my old gen3

[Adam]

I used cheapish warm white led panels. No issues. They all dim fine. And the warm is similar to incandescent colour just brighter

[Liberty]

Sweet as 'dam, thanks. Are they China-spec eBay ones?

[hoff]

I've only ever used cheap LED China eBay specials.
The light output is fantastic.
They last a bloody long time. Have only had to change licence plate light leds but I think that's because of the boot slamming shut sometimes.
Just make sure you pick a good seller.

Map lights I used little 6 led festoon, 31 or 39mm I can't remember.

Then the biggest panels I could fit for the dome and cargo lights. The panels come with a range of fittings so the only issue is physical size fitting under the cover.

[CRUISN]

Ive got LED'S through out. All white color output. No issues with the dimming of the dome or footwell lights. Fade out nice and evenly.

JAYCAR have good quality LED'S for cars.

[CRUISN]

....Double post.

[duncanm]

.. another for cheap leds with no problems.

Dimmer works fine - no pulsing or anything.

I can't see how a diode+resistor load will kill a PWM driver.