TR6 LED light bulbs questions

[gbtr6]

Got some low profile led bulbs for my gauges. I got at the one in the oil gauge from the ash tray. With only that one replaced, none of the gauges lit up. I tested one of the LEDs on a twelve volt power supply and it worked in a similar socket that I need for the speedometer. What am I missing? All the gauges lit up before, dimly, but they did. Any ideas?

thanks,
Perry

 

[gbtr6]

Forgot to mention, my rheostat is still connected, it doesn't work very well. I keep it turned up all the way. Is there a way to bypass it? Wire the in and out wires together?

Thanks,
Perry

 

[gbtr6]

Isn't there anyone that has any experience with these?

Perry

 

[TR4nut]

Sorry no one has chimed in Perry - I haven't done this yet but as to the rheostat yes I think you can eliminate it with no problem. I'd also recommend you get a cheap voltmeter and check that you have 12 volts at the bulb- if you have power then you may have lost the ground to the bulb to complete the circuit.

 

[Got_All_4]

Yep do all your due diligence first before blaming the bulb. I've heard many that love them after putting them in.

 

[gbtr6]

Thanks for the replies. You both are correct in that my rheostat is part of the problem an grounds always seem to be. Where do the bulbs ground? Is it the bulb holder to gauge? I really suck at electrical stuff. When I put 12 volts to the bulb, it light up bright, so I imagine they'd work well.

Perry

 

[mgedit]

Perry, I bypassed my rheostat by disconnecting the two wires and running a wire between these two wires. I have LEDs in gauges of both my TR3 and TR6. Suspect grounding issue. TR3 has separate ground wire to back of gauge mounting posts, can't recall if TR6 does. If gauge is not touching ground (not reinstalled) it may not be grounding to complete the circuit. Cheers, Mike

 

[TR3TR6]

Perry or Mike, could you tell me where you got the LED's for the gauges, have been looking for some to replace the dim lights on my TR6. The only ones I found so far are too expensive. Thanks.

 

[gbtr6]

I got mine from Ebay seller gracefulgenius. They have a lot of types available, and the ones I got were cheap. Right now they list 100 pcs for $18.45, but I emailed and got a deal on 10 or 12. When I hook them up to a good 12 volts they are nice and bright. I have to see if I don't have good grounds or what. Hope this helps.

Perry

 

[gbtr6]

Thanks guys. These bulb holders are such buggers to reach, but I have to find a way to test and see if I'm getting 12 volts and if I have a good ground.

Thanks,
Perry

 

[trkev]

Check polarity. Your vehicle is probably positive earth, whereas LED bulbs are typically negative earth. If both true, the lamp will not operate....

 

[Gliderman8]

Welcome to the forum trkev!

 

[TR3TR6]

Thanks Perry, I will check that out. The ones I found were $5 each, too expensive for me.

 

[mgedit]

I bought my LEDs on eBay from China. They were inexpensive but of course took a few weeks to arrive. They (like almost all LEDs) are negative ground only. Cheers, Mike

 

[gbtr6]

I think all TR6's are negative ground. At least I hope so, as I would have had mine go up in flames by now otherwise.

Perry

 

[Gliderman8]

I just bought these LED's with E-10 base for the gauges in my TR6.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01KH7KWA8/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Question: Is there a way to get the green turn signal indicator on the dash to work with an LED?
Looking at the schematic I see the polarity to the indicator bulb changes depending on the position of the turn signal stalk.
How can I get the indicator lamp to work?

 

[ed_h]

This should work:

Ed

 

[Gliderman8]

Thank you Ed. I do have one question:
Is that two diodes that are used on the + side of the LED?
Can you suggest diode specs?
Thanks again for your assistance.

 

[ed_h]

Elliot--

Yes, the junction of the two diodes would go to the + side of the LED. Just about any small rectifier diode would work. Common part numbers are 1N4001, 1N4002, 1N4003, etc. The larger numbers have higher maximum voltage ratings, but I believe the 4001 is 50V, so plenty high.

Ed

 

[Gliderman8]

Thanks again ED.... you provide the info I needed!