License Plate Bulb replacement

[araxara]

I believe this is the one I bought.

http://www.amazon.com/2-SMD-Canbus-...=UTF8&qid=1358900320&sr=8-5&keywords=6418+C5W

The ones on e-bay may be better as they do not need to be Canbus error free.

I've used the CAN Bus Error Free bulbs in my Porsche Panamera. Those bulbs actually need the extra heat sink because they have a resistor that draws 5W so that a burnt out bulb error is not generated. Since the Tesla does not check for low current usage for a burnt out license plate bulb, there is no need to use these bulbs. Also, not using these bulbs reduces the power usage. Otherwise they draw the same current as the incandescent bulbs.

 

[efusco]

It was probably mentioned somewhere earlier in the thread, but you have to watch the polarity on the LED bulbs. I got mine from the ebay store araxara had linked to and the first one I installed didn't light up. I put in the second one and it worked fine so I assumed the first one was bad. I contacted the seller and he encouraged me to try it again and try turning it around if it didn't work. I did just that and sure enough, it lit right up! I didn't realize how bad the incandescents looked until the LEDs were in, what a difference, it looks so much better and goes along with the rest of the lights on the car.

They supplied the following YouTube video:
LED Polarity - LEDs Not lighting Up Solution - YouTube

 

[ElSupreme]

These look great and easy to deal with. Bought one then realized I needed two then bought another.

 

[Jeeps17]

Just bought mine as well. $6 for the bulbs, $7 for the shipping to Canada...

These look great and easy to deal with. Bought one then realized I needed two then bought another.

There are 2 bulbs in the package, AFAIK.

 

[ElSupreme]

Just bought mine as well. $6 for the bulbs, $7 for the shipping to Canada...



There are 2 bulbs in the package, AFAIK.

I read it as 2 LEDs in the bulb housing. But I could be wrong. $6 down the drain.

 

[Jeeps17]

I read it as 2 LEDs in the bulb housing. But I could be wrong. $6 down the drain.

At least it's not $13 :wink:

 

[efusco]

I read it as 2 LEDs in the bulb housing. But I could be wrong. $6 down the drain.

There are 2 LEDs in each housing, but there are 2 bulbs/housings included by the ebay seller as well.

 

[steve841]

Ahhhh ... just installed mine.

Thanks for the fine folks posting tips that made it a simple install ...

 

[swegman]

ordered the ebay leds today. Thanks for the info.

 

[RichA]

Here is a pic with comparison of original bulb(yellow) and LED(white). LED much better looking IMHO. Used the ebay ones referred to above.

Rich

 

[nrcooled]

Just ordered mine as well. Great community here!

 

[Al Sherman]

Me too. That eBay guy must be wondering what the heck is going on!

 

[vcor]

Likely overkill, but I made a 'how to' page with the step by step process and covering the few potential problems you might run into. I also made a before and after images with a paper white plate so you can see the difference. It's one of the easiest mods you can make.

http://teslatap.com/modifications/license-plate-light-replacement-with-leds/

 

[hans]

Before/Left Side Only/After

You can even see the white light from the LED Flash on my phone makes a contrast with the muddy yellow incandescent.

Two tips to add. 1) Don't forget that you can lift the trunk lid and work standing up if that makes it easier for you 2) Pick a skinny/short screwdriver or be careful not to scratch the paint.

 

[ElSupreme]

Got my bulbs yesterday, did the install last night. Wasn't that hard, but I was paranoid about scratching my S with my screwdriver. I put both in the wrong direction at first. but look great!

I have an extra set if someone in Atlanta wants them. I'll be at the meet tonight: Tesla Motors Fans - Atlanta, January 2013 - Meetup Event (Jan. 29th))

 

[NigelM]

Likely overkill, but I made a 'how to' page with the step by step process and covering the few potential problems you might run into. I also made a before and after images with a paper white plate so you can see the difference. It's one of the easiest mods you can make.

Looks good, would be helpful to post it here also please. Maybe you can cut and paste it?

 

[swegman]

Bulbs came today. Very fast delivery. Now all I need is the car, which should arrive end of Feb or beginning of March

 

[dcopperfield]

man, its amazing how much better a couple little light bulbs make the car look. I still cant figure out why Tesla didn't use these from the start... Just seems strange.

 

[nrcooled]

The shipping was extremely fast and I installed them as soon as I got home. 5 minutes later and the car looks exactly as it should have from the factory.

 

[Blurry_Eyed]

I'm curious, has anyone noticed any impact on the rear camera view at night with the new bulbs?