Electrical LED Conversion DONE!

[jzak]

Really happy with the end results. Got all the running lights working like they should, except for the Hazards, which I never use anyway. Wasted a lot of time going down the internet rabbit hole of conflicting recommendations, but I got there eventually. If you guys are thinking about doing the same thing, it's mandatory you get a Blinker Genie 2 (For Side-Markers) and Electronic Flasher. LINKS BELOW:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...h0Pxcrrjh1UkdTyF5sfXx_CotioKEC-oQX1JcXgWL7OfM

(Link)-> Blinker Genie 2 - for Automobiles (pair) -<

 

[CJ]

Really happy with the end results. Got all the running lights working like they should, except for the Hazards, which I never use anyway. Wasted a lot of time going down the internet rabbit hole of conflicting recommendations, but I got there eventually. If you guys are thinking about doing the same thing, it's mandatory you get a Blinker Genie 2 (For Side-Markers) and Electronic Flasher. LINKS BELOW:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...h0Pxcrrjh1UkdTyF5sfXx_CotioKEC-oQX1JcXgWL7OfM

(Link)-> Blinker Genie 2 - for Automobiles (pair) -<


View attachment 103616

Looking good!

 

[TSB8C]

When I did this, also had an issue with the hazards. What I found is you need two electronic flashers - one for the blinkers and one for the hazards. The CJ fuse block has two flashers in it for these two uses, but of course uses mechanical flashers and LEDs need the electronic ones. What I found though is that the polarity in the fuse block is reversed in the two flasher sockets. For those not familiar, the electronic flashers must have the + and the - connected properly to function, whereas a mechanical flasher doesn't care. So if you buy two of the same type electronic flasher, they will work just fine, but you must reverse the polarity for the hazard socket in the fuse block. Two options here: (1) move the two wires in the fuse block to swap them, or (2) get a polarity reverser. When I purchased my electronic flashers, they came with the polarity reversers. I used one for he hazard flasher and didn't need the other for the blinker flasher.

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[jzak]

When I did this, also had an issue with the hazards. What I found is you need two electronic flashers - one for the blinkers and one for the hazards. The CJ fuse block has two flashers in it for these two uses, but of course uses mechanical flashers and LEDs need the electronic ones. What I found though is that the polarity in the fuse block is reversed in the two flasher sockets. For those not familiar, the electronic flashers must have he + and the - connected properly to function, whereas a mechanical flasher doesn't care. So if you buy two of the same type electronic flasher, they will work just fine, buy you must reverse the polarity for the hazard socket in the fuse block. Two options here: (1) move the two wires in the fuse block to swap them, or (2) get a polarity reverser. When I purchased my electronic flashers, they came with the polarity reversers. I used one for he hazard flasher and didn't need the other for the blinker flasher.

More Details

View attachment 103625

Thanks for the feedback. I just to make sure I understand what you're saying. So even though the Turn Signal electronic flasher works fine, there's a good chance the polarity is flipped on the Hazard electronic flasher? I'll check it with a voltmeter today. Thanks!

 

[TSB8C]

That is correct. The blinker flasher socket is correct polarity for the electronic flasher unit I used, but the socket for the hazard flasher unit is reversed polarity. So while I used the same electronic flasher part # for each, I had to use the polarity reverser for the hazard one.

 

[jzak]

That is correct. The blinker flasher socket is correct polarity for the electronic flasher unit I used, but the socket for the hazard flasher unit is reversed polarity. So while I used the same electronic flasher part # for each, I had to use the polarity reverser for the hazard one.

Thanks bud! Just ordered the reverse polarity adapter. I'm kicking myself for not ordering the combo item. I just assumed that if turn-signal flasher worked, then the hazards would be wired up the same way. Thanks AMC!!

 

[duffer]

I just installed a couple of the United Pacific 90650 flashers in my 3B a few weeks back. Work well even though the front parking/turn bulbs are still incandescent. Anyone know a source for the dual element 1156 base LED bulbs? I tried filing off the high pin on some 1157 base LED's but they are too loose in the socket with only one pin holding them.

 

[TSB8C]

The 1156 is a single element bulb, whereas the 1157 is a dual element bulb. Are you referring to the bayonet pins as what you filed off an 1157? Amazon has lots of 1156 type bulbs in LED styles with the standard bayonet mounting.

Amazon List

 

[jzak]

That is correct. The blinker flasher socket is correct polarity for the electronic flasher unit I used, but the socket for the hazard flasher unit is reversed polarity. So while I used the same electronic flasher part # for each, I had to use the polarity reverser for the hazard one.

Hey TSB8C! Put on the polarity reverser, and now the Hazards work great. Thanks for the help!

 

[TSB8C]

I love my LED conversions - tail lights, head lights, side markers, front blinkers, under dash courtesy lights, Dakota Digital gauges with LED lighting, the dash indicators (wipers, lights, heat/vent controls), and even installed a rearview mirror with map lights using LED bulb replacements. So much brighter and more reliable.

 

[jzak]

I love my LED conversions - tail lights, head lights, side markers, front blinkers, under dash courtesy lights, Dakota Digital gauges with LED lighting, the dash indicators (wipers, lights, heat/vent controls), and even installed a rearview mirror with map lights using LED bulb replacements. So much brighter and more reliable.

Amen brother! It took a while for me to get around to a full conversation, but one of the first things I did after buying my CJ5 was installing LEDs on the speedo cluster, and they still work great over ten years later.

 

[jzak]

Hope this video helps you guys thinking of converting to LED.
View attachment IMG_1662.MOV

 

[TSB8C]

The Blinker Genie mentioned in the video is a great option for those not familiar with electronics. But it is a very expensive resistor ($40 or so). You still need the electronic flasher units; but you can use two .50 cent resistors rather than the Blinker Genie if you are comfortable with soldering/splicing a resistor into the blinker wiring. Just solder a 100 ohm resistor on the back of each front turn signal (or you could splice into the harness at the base of the steering column where the turn signal harness comes down) and accomplish what the Blinker Genie does. Easy-peasy.

 

[CJ]

The Blinker Genie mentioned in the video is a great option for those not familiar with electronics. But it is a very expensive resistor ($40 or so). You still need the electronic flasher units; but you can use two .50 cent resistors rather than the Blinker Genie if you are comfortable with soldering/splicing a resistor into the blinker wiring. Just solder a 100 ohm resistor on the back of each front turn signal (or you could splice into the harness at the base of the steering column where the turn signal harness comes down) and accomplish what the Blinker Genie does. Easy-peasy.

I always have a bunch of resistors laying around. Just finished troubleshooting a fuel level problem. 40, 140 and 240 ohm (low, half and full).

DEYUE 0 Ω to 1 Mega Ohm Resistors Assortment Kit of 1 Percent Tolerance| Metal Film Resistor/Variety Pack of 605 Pcs/Plastic Box | Fits Excellently to Breadboards/Arduino Projects

Amazon.com

 

[mdeluca]

Great post...! I'm thinking of converting everything to LED on my 86 CJ7 . You wouldn't happen to have a complete materials list of all the bulbs/lamps you used would you and maybe your best source. I saw the blinker genie, but was wondering about the rest. thanks.

 

[Turbogus]

I'm glad for you that you got it going, one thing to remember though... In the freezing wintertime here in Oregon on the mountain passes we get wet snow and ice. Since LED's run cold ice builds up on the lens. Many of my fellow commercial drivers stick with halogens.

 

[Belizean]

I’ve heard that before, with my brother living in Eugene.

 

[jzak]

Great post...! I'm thinking of converting everything to LED on my 86 CJ7 . You wouldn't happen to have a complete materials list of all the bulbs/lamps you used would you and maybe your best source. I saw the blinker genie, but was wondering about the rest. thanks.

Thanks! Below is a list of items I bought for a full LED conversion. The Blink Genie is kind of optional. If you're handy with wiring, you can make one yourself. I’m not suggested these are the best lights for your CJ. I just pulled them off Amazon. From my experience with LED’s they either break within a week, or they last forever. I bought some LEDs for my Speedo cluster back in 2013, and they are still going strong. I’m not living in Canada, but I’ve been through some severe winters here in NC, and my CJ5 was parked outside for most of them.

*United Pacific 90650 (2) for turn signal and hazards

*PHINLION 2057 1157 Orange Yellow LED

*AUXITO 194 LED

*Blinker Genie 2 (Mandatory for side-marker lights)

*ZIMABLUE 7 inch LED Headlight (you can probably find better, but their the cheapest LED headlights I found that don't require cutting metal to install and are classic looking without bug-eyes.)

 

[CJ]

Thanks! Below is a list of items I bought for a full LED conversion. The Blink Genie is kind of optional. If you're handy with wiring, you can make one yourself. I’m not suggested these are the best lights for your CJ. I just pulled them off Amazon. From my experience with LED’s they either break within a week, or they last forever. I bought some LEDs for my Speedo cluster back in 2013, and they are still going strong. I’m not living in Canada, but I’ve been through some severe winters here in NC, and my CJ5 was parked outside for most of them.

*United Pacific 90650 (2) for turn signal and hazards

*PHINLION 2057 1157 Orange Yellow LED

*AUXITO 194 LED

*Blinker Genie 2 (Mandatory for side-marker lights)

*ZIMABLUE 7 inch LED Headlight (you can probably find better, but their the cheapest LED headlights I found that don't require cutting metal to install and are classic looking without bug-eyes.)

Thanks for reposting this info. I am still restoring posts and had not been able to get to this one yet...