I tried doing a search and couldn't find the answer, so here goes. I've replaced my license plate lights with LEDs and tried to replace the puddle lights under the side mirrors, but I can't seem to find a bulb that works. First, I tried some cheap ebay LEDs I had lying around, but just got a quick flash of light and then nothing. So I figured I needed some better quality dimmable bulbs. I got some from Superbrightleds and I'm still having the same problem. Just a quick flash and then nothing.

I remember reading someone else had replaced these bulbs successfully with LEDs, but they didn't specify what brand or type.

For reference, they are 194 type bulbs. The same bulbs all work fine in the license plate lights but not the mirrors for some reason.

Can anybody please enlighten me?

 

I installed these and have had no issues.

 

Thanks! I'll give those a try.

 

UPDATE: Those bulbs did not work in my mirror lights either

But they're much brighter than my existing license plate lights so they look great there.

I found similar issues on some Range Rover forums and they suggested CANBUS error-free bulbs, so I'll try those out next.

 

At last! The CANBUS error-free bulbs I got off ebay worked.

So if anyone else ever has issues putting LEDs in the side mirrors, be sure to use the CANBUS error-free type. Maybe the wiring or something is different in the pre-2013s.

 

thank you for sharing with us your problem.

 

Thanks for the tip. I didnt even realize CANBUS error-free bulbs exist.

That is so ridiculous that the CANBUS worries about what type of bulb is installed in the damn mirrors, but such is life.

 

Hank, my '88 Firebird has a bulb monitoring system. It can tell you when a headlight or taillight or even side marker light goes out. The only problem is it's so sensitive, when a bulb goes out you have to replace every bulb at once. The warning message won't go out with one old bulb and one new bulb. You even have to match the manufacturer you can't have one new Sylvania and one new GE bulb. It monitors the currant draw of the bulbs. Compares them and gives a fault when they differ. This may have a system with a built in range for each individual bulb. If it varies outside the range, by using the wrong bulb, you get the message.
I have no idea if that is so, but it could be, and explain the results you guy's have observed.