1st gen turn signals to running lights with Switchback LEDs (a how to)

I would say just tap into the hot wire going to the parking light and run that to the third hole in the turn signal. Don't quote me in this. I hate dealing with electricity good luck!

 

I did this mod and i love it, but occasionally when i signal (right or left) the amber light will flash with the "fog" light still on, its like both white and amber light at the same time. If i turn the fog lights off (I have them wired to a switch) the turn signals work fine, this only happens occasionally. Any ideas?

 

I tried doing this mod, everything was done correctly but I kept blowing fuses. I read on here that maybe the led would have to be reversed because the positive and negative on the led. I tried the led before I installed the 12v wire just as a turn signal and it still blew the fuse. I'm pretty sure that the only explanation for this is the led being in the wrong way. is that correct?

 

I remember there being two versions of the switchback (also make sure you have the CK version) that would leave the white on or turn it off while the amber was being used

 

I have the parts in ready to do the mod (LEDs and blinker relay... come to find out the relay mod is easy to do...), but waiting to the pins/grommets in to make for a nice clean wire addition to the connector, make it somewhat OE looking and reliable (pins and grommets for Toyota connector 90980–11020)

 

I got a junk set of pigtails and removed the green and white wires with the connector, just have to push them in place of the stopper

 

How would you wire the 12v source wire to a switch? I have no experience with circuits and I want to make sure I don't mess anything up. Im installing the V3 Triton switchbacks.

 

I updated the OP to show that I have tried the "replacement" part for the part I used back in 2009. The old VLED part # was 3157_60_SWACK_5K and the new one is 3157_42_WA2_CK_5K.

I noticed the driver's side bulb was looking dim. I tested the white LEDs individually and had at least six that were bad, but they are almost five years old so I decided to look for a replacement. The new bulb is similar except it has 42 LEDs instead of 60 and has an aluminum heatsink. Here is the old and new side by side. The new ones are a little longer (new has the aluminum near the end).




Even though there are 18 less LEDs, the new bulb is definitely brighter than the old bulb....even back when it was new. Although five years isnt' bad, maybe pulling heat out of the LEDs with a heatsink will make this set last even longer.

 

Sub'd. Great write up!

 

Where can order those bulbs since they don't sell them anymore?

 

The OP and my post two up has a replacement part #.

Here is a link. http://www.vleds.com/5k-type-2-dual-color-changing-white-amber-switchback-42-high-power-led-turn-signal-bulbs-3157-ck-type-base-1-pair.html

 

Hi I just wanted to add you can get the bulbs even cheaper here:
http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/3...7-Switchback-LED-Dual-60-SMD-WA-CK-Compatible

I've purchase a few different kinds of bulbs from this page and have never had any problems.

Or if that's still too expensive you can try typing in '3157 switchback ck' on ebay and browse from there

 

That's awesome man! Is this relatively easy for someone who is extremely new to this type of stuff? I read your OP, but I somewhat got confused.

 

I just updated the OP and added a sections "Known problems". The thread is getting long enough that people might not be aware of the "winking" problem when you hit the brakes or go into reverse. Read through the OP again to make sure you know what you are getting into.

Putting the Switchback bulb in is plug and play. Adding the third wire to the socket (it was made to accommodate three wires) isn't too bad especially if you use frizzman 's suggestion to get a spare connector/wires so you don't have to form a third contact using wire. You can just slide the new contact in.

You can find 12V that comes on with your ignition or use a switch so you can turn the 12V on/off to your switchbacks (light up the white LEDs). Running a wire down to the turn signals is fairly easy.

Avoiding the switchback wink is fairly easy if you want to go with LEDs buls in the rear housings.....more about that in the OP.

Switchback or not, you will get turn signal hyperblink when you put LEDs in your turn signals. To combat that, you can just put in a turn signal flasher relay meant for LEDs.

Nothing is too hard, but there are hurdles you have to go over to get everything working. I think it is worth it. It is a unique mod that you don't see much and the "LED running lights" make you much more visible during the day. Although expensive, the new VLED switchbacks that fit our truck have very bright white LEDs.

Matt

 

only issue I am running into is it is blowing fuses with the ones from fleabay so they are not CK style. I haven't ponied up the cash for the good ones yet as I have a few things occupying my time

 

so if i add the wire and keep the same bulbs i will not have any problems? looking to keep them amber

 

When you said cigarette circuit is that referring to the back of the cigarette lighter. Just did the mod only took about an hour. Hardest part for me was just hiding all the wire.

 

Yes, that is one place that is easy to grab 12V that goes off with the ignition. Also check out this write up. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/150483-how-install-switchback-leds.html It taps into the fuse box in the ignition and goes into detail about it.
Matt

 

subbed

 

Trying to get a group buy going for 3157 CK Switchbacks from The Retrofit Source.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/feeler-the-retrofit-source-led-bulb-group-buy.395451/