GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: glesgagolf on 19 August 2009, 09:55
-
Alright lads,
looking to fit a set of 12v LED's on to the car,
was thinking it's best to run through the sidelights?
As LED's have got a - and + wire , I need help know with wires to connect them up with?
Pictures and advice would be ideal
Cheers!
-
I doubt they are gonna be 'plug and play' - especially if you tap into the sidelamp circuit. You need to carefully calculate current draw, and solder in series an appropriate resistor - otherwise you will end up with constant bulb out warnings on the instrument cluster.
-
I doubt they are gonna be 'plug and play' - especially if you tap into the sidelamp circuit. You need to carefully calculate current draw, and solder in series an appropriate resistor - otherwise you will end up with constant bulb out warnings on the instrument cluster.
cheers mate ,
an electrician said that the current draw should be fine though as LED's as small as 12v wouldnt harm the circuit as the are not one-way wiring.
do you have any advice on how i should go about this ?
-
I doubt they are gonna be 'plug and play' - especially if you tap into the sidelamp circuit. You need to carefully calculate current draw, and solder in series an appropriate resistor - otherwise you will end up with constant bulb out warnings on the instrument cluster.
cheers mate ,
an electrician said that the current draw should be fine though as LED's as small as 12v wouldnt harm the circuit as the are not one-way wiring.
But he missed a crucial point! :rolleyes:
Yes, the actual current draw won't harm the actual circuit - but this isn't the issue. The real issue with the Golf (which your 'electrician' seems to have completely ignored :rolleyes:) is the simple but well-known fact that the Golf uses an autonomous electronic 'check' system. This works on stuff like front brake pads, but also every single compulsory bulb on the car - including side lights. And it carries out these 'checks' even if you havn't actually turned on the said light. And this is why I said it needs an additional resistor soldering into the circuit if you want to use LEDs - because as ANY competent electrician should know - LEDs draw much less current compared to a conventional tungsten filament bulb. And if he was worth his salt, he should be able to calculate exactly what rating of resisitor is required. The simple fact he failed on both counts makes me strongly consider he isn't actually an 'electrician' at all.
do you have any advice on how i should go about this ?
Sorry, no. Electrikery isn't my area. :smiley:
-
Are you planning to wire them in as additional lights or replacements. If they are replacements then you need a resistor to overcome the bulb out, if they are being wired in addition, than you don't need the resistor
-
Are you planning to wire them in as additional lights or replacements. If they are replacements then you need a resistor to overcome the bulb out, if they are being wired in addition, than you don't need the resistor
cheers mate, I was just looking to wire them to the current sidelights,so do you think I can just take a current straight from the wires running to the sidelights?
-
Are you planning to wire them in as additional lights or replacements. If they are replacements then you need a resistor to overcome the bulb out, if they are being wired in addition, than you don't need the resistor
cheers mate, I was just looking to wire them to the current sidelights,so do you think I can just take a current straight from the wires running to the sidelights?
NOPE, that will NOT work without constant 'error' messages in your dash.
If you DO wire them into your existing sidelight circuit, then you MUST solder an appropriate resistor in series.
-
Sounds like too much hassle to be worth it.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-VW-GOLF-POLO-PASSAT-TOURAN-T4-T5-LED-DRL-R8-LIGHTS_W0QQitemZ360141517335QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item53da1b7217&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
To quote from that link 'Easy to install literally in seconds'.......emm I dont think so :undecided:
I was going to order these for my R32 to put into the side light location but they evidently will also only thrown up the same errors on the dash. I just want a nice bright white side light for when its raining not too hard or indeed dusk. Not interested in them being on during the day.
-
The W5 Phillips "blue" vision ones on powerbulbs.com have proved to be quite good and I use them in mine and am impressed. Dont be fooled by their names and the blue tint on them, they are in fact white.
-
Sounds like too much hassle to be worth it.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-VW-GOLF-POLO-PASSAT-TOURAN-T4-T5-LED-DRL-R8-LIGHTS_W0QQitemZ360141517335QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item53da1b7217&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
To quote from that link 'Easy to install literally in seconds'.......emm I dont think so :undecided:
Is there any way to report that seller to fleabay - because that is simply wrong. The seller is clearly using VAG cars, and these all come with bulb check circuits, and will therefore most definately need a resistor wiring in. Scamming b@ss-turd.
I was going to order these for my R32 to put into the side light location but they evidently will also only thrown up the same errors on the dash. I just want a nice bright white side light for when its raining not too hard or indeed dusk. Not interested in them being on during the day.
As AlanD states, the Philips BlueVision are really crisp white, and go perfectly with the xenons on the Golf. :cool:
And I trust you only use sidelamps in 30mph built up areas - because they are illegal everywhere else. :wink:
-
Just out of interest, is it possible to code out/turn off the bulb out function with a 5052 of Vagcom or is it a 'hard state' feature?
Like I say, I just wondered. I'm happy with the OEM 'boring yellow' sidelight bulbs.
-
Is there any way to report that seller to fleabay - because that is simply wrong. The seller is clearly using VAG cars, and these all come with bulb check circuits, and will therefore most definately need a resistor wiring in. Scamming b@ss-turd.
Yep, its a joke, hes a complete ballbag!
As AlanD states, the Philips BlueVision are really crisp white, and go perfectly with the xenons on the Golf. :cool:
Completly agree, I do actually have them in at the moment and they are a good job. I was just looking for something a little 'brighter'. But I am not going to bother if the LEDs now. Happy with my bluevisions and xenons.
And I trust you only use sidelamps in 30mph built up areas - because they are illegal everywhere else. :wink:
I didnt know that :rolleyes:
-
Just out of interest, is it possible to code out/turn off the bulb out function with a 5052 of Vagcom or is it a 'hard state' feature?
I think it is hard coded. The only time I've seen an option to remove the code is on the B4 Audi A4, because the DTM Edition doesn't have front fog lamps.
-
Is there any way to report that seller to fleabay - because that is simply wrong. The seller is clearly using VAG cars, and these all come with bulb check circuits, and will therefore most definately need a resistor wiring in. Scamming b@ss-turd.
Yep, its a joke, hes a complete ballbag!
As AlanD states, the Philips BlueVision are really crisp white, and go perfectly with the xenons on the Golf. :cool:
Completly agree, I do actually have them in at the moment and they are a good job. I was just looking for something a little 'brighter'. But I am not going to bother if the LEDs now. Happy with my bluevisions and xenons.
And I trust you only use sidelamps in 30mph built up areas - because they are illegal everywhere else. :wink:
I didnt know that :rolleyes:
Check your Highway Code. :wink:
And if you go to France or Germany, side lights are illegal on any moving vehicle, and the German bill will pull you if they see you. :wink:
-
Lighting requirements (113-116)113
You MUST
ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise
use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting. These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) unless otherwise specified
use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226)
Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise).
:grin: