Wiring, Stereo & Electronics Audio Components | Radars | Alarms - and things that spark when they shouldn't

Blown DRL, upgrade to LED?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 1, 2012 | 08:02 AM
  #1  
Earnhardt's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, NY
Default Blown DRL, upgrade to LED?

Not really even sure if it is considered an "upgrade" over the stock bulbs, but is it advisable to go to LED DRLs (Trans Am) over the regular bulbs? If it barely makes a difference, I'll just buy a new bulb and get it over with. But if they are brighter, better looking, I'll take a look at upgrading. I've always had two different color DRLs (since I got the car a month ago), and it bugged me. Now that one doesn't blink anymore, I figure I'll replace them both so they look the same. I'll, of course, also check the lenses to make sure they are both clear.

Anyone have a list of what is needed to use LEDs up there? I did a little research and it seems 3157 amber LEDs are what it uses, and then I need an electronic flasher or a resistor to allow flashing. Anyone have any links or part numbers for the parts needed? Thanks!
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 09:42 AM
  #2  
YellowTA1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: Lindale, Texas
Default

see my sig pic for reference, I changed to LEDs and have been really happy with them. yes, you need an electronic flasher. You might also want to check your housings, they may be melted and letting water get in, ruining the socket. new housings, sockets, LED amber bulbs, flasher, call it a day....
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 05:02 PM
  #3  
Earnhardt's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, NY
Default

Well, I bought some regular 3457 bulbs so I can have a working directionals (left one was the one that didn't work), and changed them both. Both sockets look pretty bad, but I figured I'd change the bulbs and call it a day. So I change the bulbs, left directional now works. Right directional doesn't. WTF. Try the old bulb in it again, still doesn't work. So I head to Advance Auto with the plans of getting 2 new sockets, but they only had one in stock. So I picked it up and am going to wait until I get the second to install them both. Took the right housing out to take a look at it, only held on by one screw. Noticed someone drilled some holes in the bottom of the housing, presumably to allow moisture to drain. Also found a crack in the lens. I might just order 2 new housing assemblies from rockauto, and wait to install the new sockets for when I get those in. And I had to do everything through the headlights because I don't have a jack at my house to get at it from underneath. Probably going to go buy a jack and jack stands from Harbor Freight this week...
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 06:03 PM
  #4  
mischief's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: St. Peters, MO
Default

I just replaced my housings, found some off ebay for $60 a pair from am autoparts, excellent quality.

Upgraded the bulbs to a pair of amber 45-LED 3157 bulbs from dt-autotech off ebay, $16.99 for the pair, they are pretty bright and crisp.

and upgraded the hazard and turn signal flasher to some tridan EL12's from autozone.

Works perfect, i know the front flashes faster due to led bulbs, but not a huge deal.

Any questions just let me know, I also kept my sockets and cleaned them with Some CRC Electronic Cleaner, came out looking new.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:41 PM.

story-0
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-1
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-4
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-5
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-6
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE
story-9
Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

The world was a better place when it was still around.

By Brett Foote | 2026-01-23 09:20:37


VIEW MORE