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Front Turn Signals - LED - Round 2

5487 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  ronnie.quirk
So back when I had my 2015 MKC... one of my gripes was Lincoln cheaping out and doing standard incandescent amber bulbs for the front turn signals.

I started a quest to find suitable replacements. My original post and information about the model I tried is here: http://www.mkcforum.com/forum/electronics-audio-lighting/20258-front-turn-signal-leds.html

My problem with the LEDs in that test were numerous. They did not lock into the 7444NA plug very well at all, causing them to easily fall out, they were not near bright enough and even though they were advertised as NOT Hyperflashing... they did indeed cause Hyperflashing. So I sent them back.

Fast forward near a year, I have a new 2016 MKC so thought I would try to find another pair to test. So I tried the ones I linked below off Amazon. I thought these might work better as they were listed as being for a 7444/7443 socket and they have a mirror at the top the reflects the light backwards. My thinking was this should put better light into the reflector surrounding the bulb.

The videos below are with the stock bulb on the drivers side and the LED bulb on the passenger side. Although not horrible, you can really tell in the second video where I adjusted the white balance way down, that the stock bulb is providing much better output than the LED bulb.
https://youtu.be/NKBaYqDrXFA
https://youtu.be/ZgvK8TaM-64

Summary...the bulbs are already on their way back to Amazon. My thoughts are a couple.

First they also had a problem with positive locking into the socket. They were darn close... but the only way I would trust them not to pop out would be to run a piece of foil tape around the base of the bulb where it meets the socket. I don't feel I should have to do that (although I am sure it would work just fine).

Second they were not bright enough. I am not convinced it was as much of an issue with lumens/light output as it's probably more about position within the reflector housing. Whereas the ones I tested previously were definitely not near as bright.

I think the issue is this... the stock bulb is only about an inch long. The reflector and lens area is clearly optimized for the bulb to be in this position. The LED bulb is near 2.3 inches long. This put the output quite a bit more forward of the stock position and even though these bulbs had the little reflector... again this reflection was happening out at the +2 inch mark.

I did not test in bright daylight, but given what I saw in my garage, I doubt they would have been very visible in bright sunlight compared to the stock bulbs. One positive, the amber color was very good... almost a bit better then stock.

So my search continues. I now think I need a bulb that has all or most of its LED array concentrated at the very bottom or beginning of the bulb. And of course this whole not locking well into the socket is a challenge. If you look closely at the locking ridges present on the stock bulbs.. they are bigger and more defined than the ones present on the LED bulbs. I think this is why they did not positively engage within the socket. If I found a great bulb light wise and it was still a bit imperfect socket wise... I know some foil tape (the heavy duty stuff used in HVAC applications) would hold them positively in. Foil tape does not flex or give... and would not melt or breakdown from heat. So it would easily keep the bulbs where I put them (assuming I clean the mating surfaces, where the tape will go, well before application).

As I was proofreading another reflection:
These bulbs were purchased knowing they would probably Hyperflash... so I planned on getting inline resistors to remedy. Whether I do a pre-wire socket to plug kind of deal or wire them inline myself.. I have not decided.

Now the interesting thing, with the LED bulbs in.. with hazard flashers on.. no Hyperflasing. Using the turn signals indivdually... the indicator on the dash does indeed Hyperflash so I thought.. .great this sucks... but then I noticed while the dash indicator was Hyperflashing... the bulbs and all my turn signals (front, mirrors, rear) were flashing at a normal rate and of course together as they should. So I don't know if I never noticed the proper flashing rate in my prior test... just assuming the quick flashing dash indicator meant everything was flashing at this rate or maybe everything truly was Hyperflashing. Anyway... i will make sure to note the details surrounding Hyperflashing as my testing continues.

I will update this thread as I continue testing... I have my eye on a couple of possibilities and hope to have them in a week or so to try out.
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You go Rayo! Thanks for putting in all the time for us, I want to upgrade mine eventually (if I keep this car- my dilemma -there are a few things I'd like to do but not going to invest with the state of my car...)

Will be looking out for your best suggestions!
You go Rayo! Thanks for putting in all the time for us, I want to upgrade mine eventually (if I keep this car- my dilemma -there are a few things I'd like to do but not going to invest with the state of my car...)

Will be looking out for your best suggestions!
Well mine is a lease, so I am careful as to what I do to it. If I can find the right bulbs... tops this is a $40 upgrade... and its easy to put back to stock when we sell, turn it etc. Just wish they would have gone full LED bulbs like they do in the MKX. The MIX of LED and Incandescent bugs me. ;)
Hello Rayo,

My thought exactly when I read your post about Lincoln being cheap on the front turn signal and inside the center console and vanity mirrors. Anyways, I wanted to see if you have found the perfect solution yet? I am tempted to get something from VLED to get a bulb and resistor (to prevent hyperflashing). I have had good luck with them with my previous car (09 Nissan Altima). Thoughts?

HVA 21 LED 7443 7440 - 7443 - 7440 LED - Shop Bulb Number
Hello Rayo,

My thought exactly when I read your post about Lincoln being cheap on the front turn signal and inside the center console and vanity mirrors. Anyways, I wanted to see if you have found the perfect solution yet? I am tempted to get something from VLED to get a bulb and resistor (to prevent hyperflashing). I have had good luck with them with my previous car (09 Nissan Altima). Thoughts?

HVA 21 LED 7443 7440 - 7443 - 7440 LED - Shop Bulb Number
Those seem like they could be worth the try. The biggest issue I had was the emitters being to far out from the reflector. The ones pictures you linked, have that whole section of emitter down at the base, which should hit the reflector nicely.

Make sure to post back on your results.

Rayo
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