LED Replacement Bulbs

[glennsexton]

I really want to like LED bulbs for direct replacement of their incandescent equals. Aside from the high output headlights, my 2010 Navigator has 20 plus exterior bulbs. I thought it would be a great upgrade to replace them with LEDs. I watched several YouTube videos concerning the need for resistors in the flashing circuit(s) and purchased nice resistors housed in sexy orange colored aluminum. I very carefully mounted such behind the housings in the stop/tail light assemblies and they have performed flawlessly for the stop/tail signal functions at the rear of the vehicle.

All of the other lamps should have been a straight remove and replace and forget about them forever application – Nay, nay my friend. No matter what the price paid, I have nothing good to say about the LEDs that are marketed as “automotive quality” devices. Aside from the backup lights (which are rarely illuminated – very bright I might add) all of the others have failed miserably. As a part of installation, I cleaned each socket to bright brass and applied liberal amounts of dielectric grease yet after less than six months, most of them have failed.

Any thought or experiences to share?