LED Blown Fuse/Socket

EChavez · August 31, 2013

I've been replacing the lights on my Suburban with LED's, so far it's been the reverse and license plate lights as well as the DRL's which I just finished today. Last night I noticed that the taillights, license plate lights, and driver's turn signal wouldn't turn on when the headlights switched on. However, except for the license plate lights, the bulbs all still worked when I hit the brake and used a turn signal. I checked the bulbs and noticed my driver's side license plate bulb was blown, the housing all foggy and brown. I removed it and realized socket was blown and bulb destroyed and that I can't install another light on it now. I then replaced the fuse and all the lights worked again. Except the driver's side license plate light obviously.

My questions are,

What caused this? I've installed LED's before and this is the first time it's ever happened.

Should I take it to the dealer?

What part should I buy to replace the socket and how hard is it?

DaveH71 · August 31, 2013

Where are you buying your LED bulbs? Sounds like you got a cheap defective bulb.

EChavez · August 31, 2013

Where are you buying your LED bulbs? Sounds like you got a cheap defective bulb.

I ordered them from amazon but the brand was Putco. I've used these a few times because they are bright and seemed to have no issues. Until now.

DaveH71 · August 31, 2013

Its a 194 bulb in your license plate light correct? You can just buy a new 194 pigtail and splice it back into your factory wires if the bulb socket is not salvageable anymore.

Here is an example of a 194 pigtail. http://www.amazon.com/Pigtail-Socket-Assemblies-Side-Marker/dp/B0040CZ0QI/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_1

Amazon has a good selection, your local auto parts store, Autozone, Advance, etc should have them as well.

EChavez · August 31, 2013

Its a 194 bulb in your license plate light correct? You can just buy a new 194 pigtail and splice it back into your factory wires if the bulb socket is not salvageable anymore.

Here is an example of a 194 pigtail. http://www.amazon.com/Pigtail-Socket-Assemblies-Side-Marker/dp/B0040CZ0QI/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_1

Amazon has a good selection, your local auto parts store, Autozone, Advance, etc should have them as well.

Yes it is, I'll definitely take a look at Autozone and O'Reileys later today. Do you think It would be safe to use another LED for the license plate? Maybe a different brand this time around?