LED-style taillights

ariesdude · Post by **ariesdude** » March 7th, 2006, 7:04 pm

I looked into this a while ago because i was thinking about some modifications - i talked to a buddy who used to be a state trooper and is now in law school - He pointed me to this

The governing section of FMVSS No. 108 for replacement equipment is shown below:

"S5.8.1 Except as provided below, each lamp, reflective device, or item of associated equipment manufactured to replace any lamp, reflective device, or item of associated equipment on any vehicle to which this standard applies, shall be designed to conform to this standard."

This signifies that replacement equipment has to be designed to conform to the same requirements as OEM equipment (see interp). § 30115 requires manufacturers/importers to certify the compliance of these items, if the manufacturer fails to do so, then §30112 prohibits the sale of the item in the United States

Its from this site -
http://fmvss108.tripod.com/taillamps.htm

Mazda propably used 2 taillights maybe because just 1 doesnt meet "US" visibility standards - or maybe its just for looks.

The rule basically says "manufacturers" but my friend says it applies to individuals too.

He also says that you might be able to get out of a ticket - but dont expect any insurance payments or reparations if somebody rear ends you - they can basically argue that your "non-standard" "non-approved" device was the cause of the accident and they would win even if they are not correct.

Urbanconcept · Post by **Urbanconcept** » March 7th, 2006, 9:09 pm

i see what you're saying, however I'm using lighting designed for transport trucks which have DOT and SAE apporoved on them. So they do comply with the requirements. Trust me when I say one on each side will be PLENTY of light.

Taras · Post by **Taras** » March 7th, 2006, 10:16 pm

Using DOT approved units in your previously DOT approved lamps will not necessarily make it DOT compliant as a set. Basically, if OEM did not make it that way or manufacturer did not make it that way to conform to DOT, then it is not DOT compliant. You, however, can agrue that it conforms to DOT standards, and unless DOT checks, you don;t know. Not every piece of equipment out there has been seen by DOT, manufacturers just claim that they are DOT compliant and mark them that way, DOT may check later and issue a recall, just like APC had to do a few years back and pay hefty fines.

Urbanconcept · Post by **Urbanconcept** » March 8th, 2006, 11:29 am

good to know. I'm sure I won't have any problems around here though as I have looked very closely at all the regulations etc etc.

reaper of souls · Post by **reaper of souls** » March 8th, 2006, 4:52 pm

heres a web site that makes everything easier http://www.spiderlite.com they sell a set of led tail lights that replace your stockones they expand in the hpousing and give a three arm design worth a look

Reaper

Urbanconcept · Post by **Urbanconcept** » March 9th, 2006, 2:08 am

won't work because of how our lights go into the housings.

reaper of souls · Post by **reaper of souls** » March 9th, 2006, 9:11 pm

they do work you just have to open up the taillights and do a little cutting

Urbanconcept · Post by **Urbanconcept** » March 9th, 2006, 11:39 pm

Yeah I'm 100% sure I could do that, but they don't just pop right in. Some people might lack the creativity and or knowlege to do that kind of mod. Still an interesting idea and fairly cheap way of doing an LED swap.

projectmx · Post by **projectmx** » March 10th, 2006, 8:15 am

Nd4SpdSe wrote:I don't think there's an issue with that, from what I can tell, there are quite a few cars with only 1 tail light per side, we just happen to have a pair. Also remember that overseas that their Mx-3's only have 1 pair of tail lights, the other pair is rear fog lights

I've never seen these tail lights that have rear fog.... any chance you have a pic? or someone does? sounds kinda cool

ariesdude · Post by **ariesdude** » March 14th, 2006, 1:47 am

I just replaced the bulbs on the High mount (third) stop light with LEDs -

The LEDs come in pairs so right now i only have a pair on there instead of three.
The main reason for this is to
-satisfy my curiosity
-reduce wasted power during each braking - i looked at the bulbs i took out and each one is rated at 18W - which means each one was drawing 1.5 amps. I dont know what the LED power consumption is - but i can safely assume that it is nowhere near 1.5 * 3. So i just saved around 4 amps out of my precious 70 amps.

And i know my pass. tail light is out - will fix it soon...

projectmx · Post by **projectmx** » March 14th, 2006, 7:47 am

where did you get the led's at? and are they hard to hook up in that 3rd brake light area?

ariesdude · Post by **ariesdude** » March 14th, 2006, 6:05 pm

I got it from ebay - and it was almost exactly the same size and shape of the bulbs that were in there. It was just like replacing a bulb that was out.

precidian · Post by **precidian** » March 15th, 2006, 12:27 am

I am still searching and looking into options for a LED style blulb for the tail lights.
Other then my headlights, taillights,4 dash bulbs, everything else is LED lighting.

reaper of souls · Post by **reaper of souls** » March 15th, 2006, 9:12 pm

you can get the led bulbs for the thrid brake light at any canadain tire they also have led bilbs for the tails as well only not in the style look your looking for they are direct replacement blubs

precidian · Post by **precidian** » March 15th, 2006, 9:31 pm

if you would have read my post, you would have noticed that I am searching only for taillight LEDs and not "third brake light" LEDs.

Does CT sell the bulbs that are turned 90deg so they shine directly out the back of the housing? I do not want the standard LED replacements that are straight and shine to the top of the housing especially with altezza style tail lights.