Upgraded Spoiler LEDs

JMSinMD

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Nov 10, 2013
Messages
86
I just bought a 2002 Toyota Solara coupe and would be interested in upgrading the existing LEDS in my spoiler. Is there any reason that I shouldn't do this?
 

hamhanded

Enlightened
Joined
Dec 16, 2003
Messages
398
Location
PNW
Interesting project, first I've heard of that. What's the goal for your upgrade?
 

Alaric Darconville

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Sep 2, 2001
Messages
5,377
Location
Stillwater, America
I just bought a 2002 Toyota Solara coupe and would be interested in upgrading the existing LEDS in my spoiler. Is there any reason that I shouldn't do this?
Yes.

Because:
I haven't kept up with the technology but it seems that that newer LEDs are brighter
But the LEDs in the Solara's CHMSL were chosen by the manufacturer when they built the lamp assembly to comply with the requirements for a CHMSL. They knew how bright they were, having picked them, and designed a lamp around them. They designed the lamp to hit the required minima without exceeding any maxima.

Putting in "brighter" LEDs means changing the original design, and the lamp may then exceed intensity maxima it never should have hit, rendering it noncompliant.

Also, the assembly was never meant to be dismantled, have parts removed and replaced, and put back together again. The lamp may start taking on water and may start failing electrically as well as photometrically.

Don't do it.
 
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