11 replies to this topic

[Screwdriver]

Hello All,

 

Given how relatively strained the Classic Mini electrical system appears (try running the wiper with heating and lighting on), I've been on the hunt to find ways to reduce lighting wattage consumption and improve safety. 

 

Enter OSRAM LEDriving range of led bulb upgrades. 

 

1) First, I upgraded the front turn signals. Any additional bulb replacement (side/ rear) led to rapid flickering, so I replaced only the front bulbs. The result was a brighter, faster indication. 

 

2) Then, I replaced the license plate lamp bulbs. The result was a brighter, warm white effect.

 

3) Finally, I replaced the rear parking/ brake bulbs with OSRAM's premium P21/5W bulbs. The benefits in braking illumination response time alone make this upgrade worth it  (See Video).

 

^ This is where I ran into the following issue - one P21/5W LED bulb worked fine but when I installed the 2nd bulb, the higher power brake light didn't illuminate. I swapped LED bulbs to double check there was no defect and noticed that the brake light worked when the original incandescent bulb was reinstalled.

 

I'm guessing this has to do with the resistance and hope someone more experienced has a suggestion on how to overcome this? 

 

P.S. Forgive the license plates - new ones on their way. 

Attached Files

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•  IMG_1631.JPG   52.04K   19 downloads

Edited by Screwdriver, 29 January 2017 - 06:12 PM.

[minisprint]

Nice jdm mini!?

[Screwdriver]

Yes, its a 96 JDM 35th Edition Spi Cooper. 

[minisprint]

 image.jpg   50.84K   6 downloads
I've got a jdm montecarlo

[Screwdriver]

Lovely car! Factory aircon?

 

Any thoughts on my braking light issue (#3 above)?

[Albino_Hedgehog]

I have got Spydia LED lights in the rear of my Mini.

They are built up to give the same resistance on the circuit, but far less wattage being used!

If you buy them through my website using the discount code you save 5% too!

www.localminichat.co.UK/shop

[Carlos W]

Is the wiring the correct way around for the LED?

[Screwdriver]

The bulbs 2 protruding connectors were correctly positioned (similar to the incandescent, one was placed more towards the tip than the other). There was no wiring other than this that I'm aware of.

[tiger99]

If they are designed to have the same resistance they draw the same current.

 

Indicators that flash too fast are illegal. I recommend checking the flash rate carefully. You can get a proper flasher which will worth with LEDs. It needs an earth, usually. It is a good idea to change all bulbs, except headlights and reversing lamp, to LED, not to save current but because they are much more reliable. The reason you can't do the reversing lamp is that the law is an ass. The maximum light output is not specified, e.g, in lumens or other optical units, lie the other lamps. Instead the lamp power was specified as a maximum of 21 watts. As for the headlights, there are compelling technical and legal reasons why it would be a very bad idea on a Mini in the UK.

 

The Mini electrical system is fully adequate to supply headlights, heater, demist and wiper simultaneously, if properly maintained. It is common to fit an uprated alternator if a replacement becomes necessary, and that gives even more margin. If it is inadequate, check fan belt, cleanliness and integrity of all earths, the type and condition of the battery terminals, cleanliness of the stack of terminals on the solenoid incoming terminal, and lubrication of wiper drive rack.

[Screwdriver]

Indicators that flash too fast are illegal. I recommend checking the flash rate carefully.

 

 

 

Many thanks Tiger. I believe I have the uprated alternator because the car has factory aircon.

 

Any thoughts as to why only one of the LED brake lights are illuminating when both P21/5W led bulbs are installed?

[timmy850]

LED globes only work with the polarity around the right way. It's possible the + and - wires are around the wrong way (as normal incandescent globes work either way).

 

If the issue is on one side of the car and is the same for either LED bulb that may be your issue

[Screwdriver]

I'll give it another go and report back!