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Wednesday, March 11, 2015

How To Replace TJ Stock Parking Lights and Turn Signals with LEDs

The following will walk you through the process of replacing the stock front amber lights (parking lights and turn signals) for a Jeep TJ (2003).

While doing the install of new fenders it was sensible to replace the stock, over sized bulbs and fixtures, with small low profile LEDs.  A number of resources are available to help peice together how to do this, however, I found a number of gaps and will try to walk thru the entire process, soup to nuts, including the finer details for troubleshooting along the way.

Special Note: Another thing, most resources online lead you into the idea of leaving one of the stock bulbs plugged in so that the stock electrical system behaves normally.  I didn't want this as I wanted them gone, not even hidden under the hood.  The following information will tell you how.

Tip: A little knowledge of a car's general electrical system is very helpful, but not necessary to get through this.


THE REST BELOW IS STILL IN DRAFT BUT HAS SOME GOOD CONTENT FOR THE TIME BEING ALONG WITH PICS


First, a list of the parts used throughout this process:

coming....


Next, we'll get into replacing the stock bulbs with LEDs
- after locating and pulling the stock bulbs, the wires will need to be cut.
more coming....
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- Volt readings (there is a rough wiring diagram below showing how I wired up the LEDs)
- minimum of 6.5 volts must continue to pass thru or the dash turn signal light not illuminate well; anything less and you will begin to see anything from a ghost illumination to a full blown lit arrow that doesn't blink on the dash.


VIDS:

http://youtu.be/uh2U1HnxYQk - LEDs as turn signal and a blinker relay test

http://youtu.be/qc4YeTG8HZ8 - TJ 2003 Jeep stock wiring and blink routine for Parking lights and Turn Signals

http://youtu.be/5ZMWNhJ77yM - TJ LED install replacing stock parking lights & turn signals

https://youtu.be/ikxrXutkG10 - FULLY INSTALLED Parking lights, Side Markers, and Turn Signals functioning properly