Date:         Mon, 9 Jan 2023 10:29:29 -0800
Reply-To:     Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject:      Quick review of front turn signal light
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Hi,

I’ve never liked the stock front turnsignal bulbs. My opinion is that there isn’t enough distinction between running light and turn signal light. This is not a problem really at night, but I have my headlights on during day ( my van does not have drl circuit).

I’ve tried various led replacements. Few years ago I bought some that were advertised as “switchback”, meaning the running light elements would go off when the turn signal elements came on.

Well they weren’t switchback.

Last October I tried again, these.

https://www.amazon.ca/Grandview-BAY15D-Switchback-Signal-6000-6500K/dp/B01D2WKM1O?pd_rd_w=u5kuU&content-id=amzn1.sym.ccd66d6a-fd89-4716-b3af-012410ff4aa9&pf_rd_p=ccd66d6a-fd89-4716-b3af-012410ff4aa9&pf_rd_r=74K1Z8WXX04KF1JTHFBC&pd_rd_wg=QCZoo&pd_rd_r=6623a5d5-c866-4ccf-98ab-ddbf7e14b763&pd_rd_i=B01D2WKM1O&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_1_t


And they indeed did as advertised. Quite a bright running light, white LEDs, giving a strong pale yellow thru the stock lens.

When turn signal activated, the white elements go out and orange elements come on. A very distinct change, even in bright sun.

Caveats….. first of course you have to have an electronic flasher unit fitted. Don’t  bother fooling with resistors and the stock flasher.

Second… they are not the most sturdy feeling lights.

Third… the base diameter is slightly less than incandescent bulb. Hasn’t been a problem so far, they are staying located.

Fourth…. You have to correctly attach the  stock wiring connected to the stock mount. Ground wire in the middle, and connect the other tow wires so that running light activates the white led, and turn signal the orange led.

The running light brightness is such that I probably could get away with having them alone as drl.


Anyway, they ain’t expensive and worth a try.


Alistair