Instrument cluster W501 cheap LED failures

atlex
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Instrument cluster W501 cheap LED failures Sept 26, 2017 14:51:46 GMT

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Post by atlex on Sept 26, 2017 14:51:46 GMT

I bought a batch of chinese 501 LEDs off ebay to use in my instrument cluster and I just wanted to show what the failures look like :-)

Two failed on my trip to scotland. I had them on for 6-8 hours at a time while driving. Photos tell more..

top LED is a new, unused one.

the rest are used from my cluster. notice the browning. Also notice the failing solder joints...

try and avoid buying this style :-) they're probably OK for indicator usage because the load is temporary but for extended use in the cluster they're clearly not able to handle the heat... needless to say with all that exposed circuit that would be behind plastic on a quality one, you'd not want to use them externally either.

Last Edit: Sept 27, 2017 10:25:26 GMT by atlex

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Dewi
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Posts: 103

Instrument cluster W501 cheap LED failures Oct 15, 2017 0:21:28 GMT

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Post by Dewi on Oct 15, 2017 0:21:28 GMT

To be fair Atlex it's hard findng decent LEDs now, most are cheap Chinese knock offs. I bought a shed load earlier this year to replace all my dash panel bulbs and because I wanted them like NOW went to Halford's for them thinking that they'd sell decent stuff. Two weeks later and two had already packed in. I ended up getting a complete set of replacements online from ABD (Auto Bulbs direct) who I've used in the past a few times. Damned sight cheaper than Halford's and a few months later all are still going strong .......... That's probably the kiss of death but hey!

rhyswh Chats A Lot Posts: 262	Instrument cluster W501 cheap LED failures Oct 18, 2017 15:02:48 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by rhyswh on Oct 18, 2017 15:02:48 GMT This reminds me, I need to replace mine. I have some cheap Chinese ones and a couple went pretty soon after installing. Another one is flickering which is a bit annoying lol
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rustywheels Chats A Bit Posts: 151	Instrument cluster W501 cheap LED failures Oct 19, 2017 15:54:11 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by rustywheels on Oct 19, 2017 15:54:11 GMT This is what I have. Packet certainly has Chinese printing on it, but so far has lasted 4 months without issue, and used daily: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01ANKIW4M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

atlex Global Moderator Excess 4x100 Detected. Posts: 4,878	Instrument cluster W501 cheap LED failures Oct 20, 2017 10:38:09 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by atlex on Oct 20, 2017 10:38:09 GMT My mild recommendation - irrespective of whether you buy quality or canoe - take the cluster out and look at how they are after 3 months or so. I'd have swapped mine out sooner if I'd know they looked so bad :-)
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Instrument cluster W501 cheap LED failures

Post by atlex on Sept 26, 2017 14:51:46 GMT

Post by Dewi on Oct 15, 2017 0:21:28 GMT

Post by rhyswh on Oct 18, 2017 15:02:48 GMT

Post by rustywheels on Oct 19, 2017 15:54:11 GMT

Post by atlex on Oct 20, 2017 10:38:09 GMT

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