MG4 SE LED Indicator Replacement

[paswotz]

Hello, I would like to replace the halogen indicators with LEDs. Unfortunately, the ones I tried previously did not work correctly:
M-Tech WY21W T20 15x Osram LED Canbus

After installation, the indicators blinked very quickly. Now I want to try these ones here: Dorman T20 WY21W

Do you think they will work?

 

[Coulomb]

The problem with the so-called "Canbus" LEDs is that (I believe) they "solve" the problem of the car detecting low current and hence fast blinking by wasting a bunch of power, so the car can't tell that there isn't a filament bulb there.

But that wasted power obviates a lot of the reason that I'd want to replace the bulbs with LEDs (i.e. greater efficiency). Yes, you still get the greater longevity, although all the wasted power causes temperature rise, which will reduce life. In an indicator this would usually not be a problem, however.

Note the (space for?) 5 resistors directly across the terminals to waste power:

If I'm wrong here, I'd appreciate a technical lesson. But these things seem to have to be cheap, so there isn't room in the budget (and often mechanically too) for anything sophisticated.

I wish cars would come with a LED option, that reduces the current threshold for the fast blinking. That way, you'd get all the benefits of the LEDs, and most users who don't care about LEDs don't have to pay extra for the LED bulbs. Maybe the problem is that many third party LEDs will have different current draws, so that you would not be able to alert the driver to a faulty LED if just one of them blew.

 

[ReintjeWA]

An added issue with in particular the cheaper LEDs is that they just throw out a bunch of light in any direction, and the light housing has been designed to effectively reflect the light coming from a certain point (the filament). So often LED bulbs appear brighter but actually don’t cast light as far or further than halogen bulbs.

The more expensive LEDs do take this into account, and then it’s worth the upgrade if you’re looking for extra light output. Perhaps not so important with blinkers.

 

[Everest]

But that wasted power obviates a lot of the reason that I'd want to replace the bulbs with LEDs (i.e. greater efficiency).

Is greater efficiency of LED indicators even a significant factor for a device that uses about 300Wh of energy for every mile driven?

You could just check in your mirror before turning and, if there's no one behind, don't bother indicating

 

[paswotz]

I know from the German forum that these ones from AliExpress work.

2Pcs Super Bright Canbus T20 7440 W21W Wy21W 144-Smd Reverse Light Turn Signal Light Error Free No Hyper Flash T20 7440 Led - AliExpress 34

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

a.aliexpress.com

The only question is, what is different about them that makes them work? I thought I’d rather buy higher-quality ones than those.

 

[Staffex]

Hello, I would like to replace the halogen indicators with LEDs. Unfortunately, the ones I tried previously did not work correctly:
M-Tech WY21W T20 15x Osram LED Canbus

After installation, the indicators blinked very quickly. Now I want to try these ones here: Dorman T20 WY21W

Do you think they will work?

If they're blinking rapidly might it be due to the reduced current consumption? Back in the day the flasher unit consisted of a bi-metal strip that would make and break the circuit as it heated and cooled. Fast flashing occurred when one of the indicator bulbs had blown.

 

[Bricktop X PWR]

Fitted mine last April and have been very impressed with them. (Rears)

Thread 'Led rear indicator and reverse lamps' Led rear indicator and reverse lamps

 

[paswotz]

Fitted mine last April and have been very impressed with them. (Rears)

Thread 'Led rear indicator and reverse lamps' Led rear indicator and reverse lamps

Are the rear ones the same as the front ones? Which of the two on the link did you install?

 

[Bricktop X PWR]

Are the rear ones the same as the front ones? Which of the two on the link did you install?

Just the rears as I have LEDs oem fitment on the front.