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LED Tail Light Bulb Questions

Neroado

By Neroado
in Modifications & Accessories

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Neroado Enthusiast

Neroado

Posted
Posted

I would think this topic has been covered before, but I can't find it in searches.  May be user error, but sorry, I'm not finding what I'm looking for.

 

I want to upgrade my tail/turn/brake light bulbs to LED on my 2018 Silverado. I know they are 7443 bulbs, but I see a lot of RED LED bulbs being offered, and I'm not sure what are better to use, RED or WHITE.  What are the differences all else being equal (lummens, etc.) - with red housings, why would red bulbs be needed?  What's the advantage?

 

Also, how do I determine what size/type of resistor to use?  I did see one post saying that 6ohm resistors didn't work with the bulbs he used, but 3ohm did. 

Is there another plug 'n play option, like changing the flasher instead of adding resistors?

 

Any help would be appreciated.  Seems like it should be a no-brainer, but the huge selection of products out there and not finding one cohesive source of info has my head swimming.

 

Thanks.    

newdude Senior Enthusiast

newdude

Posted
Posted

Red for the LEDs.  

20 hours ago, Neroado said:

I would think this topic has been covered before, but I can't find it in searches.  May be user error, but sorry, I'm not finding what I'm looking for.

 

I want to upgrade my tail/turn/brake light bulbs to LED on my 2018 Silverado. I know they are 7443 bulbs, but I see a lot of RED LED bulbs being offered, and I'm not sure what are better to use, RED or WHITE.  What are the differences all else being equal (lummens, etc.) - with red housings, why would red bulbs be needed?  What's the advantage?

 

 

 

Red.  White LEDs create a washed out color due to their 5000K-6000K light color.  

 

Red or White LED bulb behind a Red Lens? (with video demonstration) : Automotive News by ABD.co.uk (autobulbsdirect.co.uk)

lovecars Enthusiast

lovecars

Posted
Posted
On 1/12/2022 at 10:12 AM, Neroado said:

I would think this topic has been covered before, but I can't find it in searches.  May be user error, but sorry, I'm not finding what I'm looking for.

 

I want to upgrade my tail/turn/brake light bulbs to LED on my 2018 Silverado. I know they are 7443 bulbs, but I see a lot of RED LED bulbs being offered, and I'm not sure what are better to use, RED or WHITE.  What are the differences all else being equal (lummens, etc.) - with red housings, why would red bulbs be needed?  What's the advantage?

 

Also, how do I determine what size/type of resistor to use?  I did see one post saying that 6ohm resistors didn't work with the bulbs he used, but 3ohm did. 

Is there another plug 'n play option, like changing the flasher instead of adding resistors?

 

Any help would be appreciated.  Seems like it should be a no-brainer, but the huge selection of products out there and not finding one cohesive source of info has my head swimming.

 

Thanks.    

Yoiur truck doesn't have an external flasher.  The body computer handles that. You need to install resistors in order to not get warnings when you start the truck. I installed Sylvania bulbs on my 2017, they are kind of weird looking but they work by directing the light to the sides instead of straight out, this way you get better dispersion of the light. Thay are very bright.

 

Another way is to change the programming in the truck so it ignores the lack of regulare bulbs.  First responser equipped trucks have that from the factory, but an upfitter can do that programming. Most dealers do not even know about this setting and I havve a Tech 3 to access the computers but the new ones have to be called in to a central GM rep that must give you a passcode to enter in the computer to turn that feature.

sylvania led.jpg

Neroado Enthusiast

Neroado

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Posted

Thank you all for your help and advice.  I ordered iBrightstar red bulbs on Amazon and 6ohm resistors. They were highly rated and inexpensive, so I thought I'd give them a try. 

 

The only thing still in question is if 6ohm is the correct resistor, and how many I need. The listing for the bulbs states that you need one resistor for each turn signal bulb. I did see a video from one of the major bulb vendors where they only installed one per side on a Silverado.  I figured that since 6ohm was by far the most being offered, it was a good bet that it'd be right.  I didn't see any 3ohm being sold anywhere.  And I think I'll install one on each side and see if it works.

 

The bulbs and resistors are supposed to arrive tomorrow, so I'll let you all know how it turned out.  

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