[RayoVac]

So I noticed on my new MKC, pretty much all the bulbs are LED except... the Front Turn Signals and Rear License Plate lamps.

It looks like the fronts are 7444NA. I was looking at some LED replacements at CARID .

Anyone have any experience with either model below?

Lumen® - 7443 / 7444NA LED Bulbs
or
Lumen® - 7443 / 7444NA PlaZma LED Bulbs

Specifically I would like to find models that are plug and play that would not require load resistors or any other modification to wiring. Also I suppose I should pull one of the current bulbs and measure the room in the housing to insure these would fit from a length standpoint.

Looking for any opinions... guidance etc.

Rayo

 

[RayoVac]

O.K. so I went ahead and ordered two of the:
Lumen® - 7443 / 7444NA PlaZma LED Bulbs

From what I can tell, they are not supposed to need resistors, nor do they mess up CANBUS stuff. Also its possible that we already have LED compatible flashers in our MKCs because of the rears being LED.

I have a tracking number from CARID but not sure when they will arrive yet. I will take photos when I get them and if they work without Hyperflashing, i will take video of the differences.

Rayo

 

[RayoVac]

I'm excited to see once they are installed. Be sure to give us some before and after shots.

What is "hyperflashing?"

Hyper flashing is when the turn signals blink really fast. Too fast. It happens with the old style flasher relays when you install LEDs because the resistance is not as high as with filament bulbs. LEDs draw far less amperage. When this happens you have two options. You can wire resistors inline, which I don't like... Don't want to muck wth cutting or splicing the factory wiring harness. Or... You can purchase a new flasher relay/blinker module that is made for LEDs. These are backward compatible so they will work with standard bulbs or LEDs or a mix.

Just checked tracking, I should have them on Friday.

 

[RayoVac]

are those switch back LED's?
sorry sort of new to these and only heard nothing but good things about 'switch back LED's'

No I did not get switchbacks. I debated quite a while about it, but again... I really, really did not want to splice, cut, tap, or otherwise mangle the factory wiring... which would be required to make the switchbacks work.

Also I did not find any switchbacks that DON'T require resistors yet. If I found good quality resistorsless switchbacks I might go through the hassle of finding the components to take the connector from the LED DRLs we have and create a Y cable from it then another too the turn signal. Might be a hassle but it would keep me from having to do anything to the factory wiring. I know folks love the Taps (the little blue clamp ons) but I have see those not only cut the wire to the point of fatigue but also now you have exposed copper in a moist environment. They WILL corrode, no matter how much electrical tape you wrap them with.

Annnddd in case folks ask... SwitchBacks are LEDs that you put in the Turn Signal bulb socket, that run clear on at the same time as your DRLs. When you use the Turn Signal they alternate between clear and amber.

Rayo

 

[RayoVac]

No lights yet?

Haaa.. I was so disappointed I forgot to post. Total Failure. Not only did they HyperFlash, but they did not sit deep enough in the sockets, making me think after some road vibration they would rattle themselves loose.

Also... when testing them, frankly there were not impressive. And I bought the expensive ones that were supposed to be brighter. I don't know if it was because they are so long, moving away from the focal point of the reflector.. thus being not as efficiently bright... or what.

I have found others that are shorter to spec like the stock 7444NA bulbs, but I would have to run resistors. At this point I am dismayed.

I sent them back for a refund. Not sure if I will try and tackle it again or not. I don't love the idea of having resistors, but I did find harnesses you can buy with the resistor already inline, keeping you from having to molest the factory wiring in any way.

Rayo