{DIY} replaced LIKE running lights w/LED

[Stig / Major Tom]

I think we all look for ways to increase our visual footprint on the road. If they see us, maybe they won't hit us?

IMPORTANT INFO - TURN ON THE KEY AND TEST THE LED BULB BEFORE PUTTING IT BACK DOWN INTO THE HOLDER/SOCKET. IF IT DOES NOT WORK, REMOVE AND FLIP IT OVER AND RE-INSTALL. IT WILL WORK NOW!)

I received help from member 'kriden' when I asked about getting at those running lights on our Kymco LIKEs. (It took me about an hour because I have hands the size of Easter Hams.)

"Kriden" gave good instructions and today I replaced my running lights with a pair of '5 light' LEDs (eBay, @ $2) Also picked up some '7 light' LEDs and may try those later.


OK, here's what they look like, installed.
And here is what we're going to install.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Here's how you remove and install them - from under the leg sheild, by the space above the front fender.
And here is a camera's eye view of where we're going. (Note the info for the bulb type is back down in there, NOT in the manual, and NOT on the bulb!Only with the camera was I able to see the info for the bulb.)

[Stig / Major Tom]

Remove the black panels inside the glove box. Remove screws then pull from the screw area - sideways and the panel will slip free. It is fitted into grooves on the near edge (green edge in pix)
Reach in from outside by the front tire, pull the white rubber light socket from the holder. Bring it up into the glove box to exchange the bulbs.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Take your time, use both hands, insure the bulb does not get pushed out of the socket while you're working with it.
(I put a thin dab of dish soap on the rubber socket collar to make it easier to push it back in using only 2 fingers.)
Here's what they look like in the bulb holder.
Very much brighter running lights.
Thanks Kriden for the encouragement to under take this scooter improvement!

[tclhb]

Interesting.

[Vivo]

I strongly recommend flat leds instead of the multi SMD you are using... These flat leds have aluminum cases that act as heat sinks and increases the life of your leds... flat leds are also whiter compared to SMDs...  I use them as my park/running lights...





Flat leds on the left, 32 led on the right... for comparison

[kriden]

GREAT post and job Stig (love the name too...fan of Top Gear myself).  Nice going and glad the job went well.  Well done sir !!

[TroutBum]

Stig,

When you say dead yellow light do you mean that the socket is not 'hot'? I would like to get rid of those ugly lollipop turn singles (DOT requirement) and move the turn signals to the leg shields.

[rogerd1944]

I made the change to flat led also. Easy change out and makes a big difference. Thanks for posting .I check this forum often and I always look for improvements for my Like 200i

[kriden]

I strongly recommend flat leds instead of the multi SMD you are using... These flat leds have aluminum cases that act as heat sinks and increases the life of your leds... flat leds are also whiter compared to SMDs...  I use them as my park/running lights...





Flat leds on the left, 32 led on the right... for comparison

Thanks for the tip Vivo.  Just got some lights per your recommendation.  Will let you you know how they look/work.  They are a nicer design.  Take care/

[PaulF]

This is a very interesting topic.  I am thinking of replacing all my globes with led lights including the tail light.  Any of the posters in this thread still happy with them and what is the watt rating on the led globes that replaced the 12v w3w as a few that I looked at were rated as w5w so wondering if going to a higher watt would have any disadvantage to the wiring or plastic lens cover.

[xsel777]

There is no reason to go higher watt, as these things are really bright, you will find out pretty quick with oncoming traffic complaining.
I highly recommend changing to led, you will never regret it, and bonus, they last longer too.

 Sent from my Samsung Note 3 with Tapatalk

[PaulF]

The longer life is worth it by its self but really bright parkers in the front would be an advantage in being visible.
Paul

[Stig / Major Tom]

I went back to 5W incandescent amber bulbs.
Probably bought the wrong cheap LEDs....they began to flicker and chips burn out.
No issues with the amber bulbs going on three years.
Stig

[PaulF]

I went back to 5W incandescent amber bulbs.
Probably bought the wrong cheap LEDs....they began to flicker and chips burn out.
No issues with the amber bulbs going on three years.
Stig

Sounds like the cheap ebay leds are just not reliable.  Thanks for that info, will make sure  that I purchased some good ones.