I'm looking to learn a little bit about how automotive tail lights work. As an example, I'm looking at the newest Ford Mustangs. In the U.S., the tail lights are all red (running light, brake light, and nifty sequential turn signals). In Europe, however, they use a frosted clear lens where the outer segment is an amber turn signal and the two inner segments are running light and brake light. You can put the Euro tail lights on the American cars, but wiring it straight DOES NOT result in the same functioning as on the European model.
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/mZwAAOSw~bFWQjpG/s-l300.jpg
http://www.stormautoparts.com/uploadfile/b/lYsWXN1dP6nqIPRaqFjW.jpg
Likewise, I've been looking at the 2018 Buick Regal, which is sold in Europe as the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and in Asia as the Holden Commodore. In the European/Asian models, the running light and brake light are together and there is an inset amber turn signal. In the American car, the brake light is NOT incorporated into the running light. Instead, it is incorporated into the turn signal, which has a red lens.
https://www.smithbuickgmc.com/assets/inventory/vehicles/w04gl6sx5j1062745/ip/12.jpg
https://images.honestjohn.co.uk/ima...hall~Insignia~Grand~Sport~Design~2017~(9).JPG
My question is not so much WHY American manufacturers do this, but how these European tail lights can be converted for American use. Is it more than just wiring? Is there a fundamental difference in the way the electronics are configured?
Moderator Note: Hotlinking images is against Rule 3
Alaric D
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/mZwAAOSw~bFWQjpG/s-l300.jpg
http://www.stormautoparts.com/uploadfile/b/lYsWXN1dP6nqIPRaqFjW.jpg
Likewise, I've been looking at the 2018 Buick Regal, which is sold in Europe as the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and in Asia as the Holden Commodore. In the European/Asian models, the running light and brake light are together and there is an inset amber turn signal. In the American car, the brake light is NOT incorporated into the running light. Instead, it is incorporated into the turn signal, which has a red lens.
https://www.smithbuickgmc.com/assets/inventory/vehicles/w04gl6sx5j1062745/ip/12.jpg
https://images.honestjohn.co.uk/ima...hall~Insignia~Grand~Sport~Design~2017~(9).JPG
My question is not so much WHY American manufacturers do this, but how these European tail lights can be converted for American use. Is it more than just wiring? Is there a fundamental difference in the way the electronics are configured?
Moderator Note: Hotlinking images is against Rule 3
Alaric D
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