Newbie looking for advice please

[bindinbear]

 
Hi to all fellow mk5 golf owners. Just upgraded myself from a 2006 Polo GTI to an 08 edition 30 DSG 5dr in steel grey, with pretty much most of the options ticked ie xenons, parking sensors, MFSW, sunroof and rns510 sat nav, which I love. (this is my 4th VW)

I am a bit of a Vw enthusiast (sad case ) because yes I have a vw dealer mat in the garage and a Vw fleece (don't be too quick to judge please!!)

In a bid to make a few minor upgrades, I have had the factory bluetooth, voice activation and Mk6 MDI fitted in the centre armrest to replace the 6cd changer by a reputable company which I can recommend should any member need the details.

My issue is, I am trying to fit LEDs to the mirror puddle lights. From research it seems posible as they are the glass 501 bulbs the same as the sidelight bubs. Do they throw up a bulb failure light on the ECU like the headlamps and footwell lights? Also is this the case for the glovebox bulb?
 I have purchased can bus friendly bulbs but as they are more expensive, I will fit standard leds if they are not monitored. I am looking to get vw to fit them as the process of removing the glass, then the rear internal backing fills me with dread and would not like to cause more harm than good! Any advice will be greatly appreciated, thanks.
 

[anorganix]

Hi,
indeed, for the MK5+ platform you will get burned-light error.

Your options are:
- CAN-BUS LEDs with error cancelling
- home-made installation and normal LEDs

If you go on the home-made solution, you will need a resistor in the circuit that eats some current to simulate a bulb light. This is needed because the LEDs use extremely little power.

AFAIK errors are thrown on:
- interior lights, excluding footwell + glove-box
- the W5W bulbs inside the headlamp
- reverse light circuit
- the license plate circuit

Keep us posted.

[SteveP]

Hello and welcome. 

For puddle lights no bulb out error is shown on the dash with LED bulbs but an error is logged as fault code that can be seen on VCDS 

[Moschops]

Sorry can't help with the lighting questions, but welcome along...

[bindinbear]

 

Thanks for the advice guys and the warm welcome.  I will attempt to add some photos of the car when I can master the forum and perhaps when the LEDs are all in and working. When it comes to IT skills, 'i ain't always the sharpest tool in the box!'

So far I have fitted can bus friendly LED bulbs to the number plates with no issue and a combination of two types of 501 leds from ebay in the interior one after getting some tips from a thread on the R32OC site, however I did use different one to the type recommended as the rear centre bulb was too long and touched the plastic lens, not to mention the heat it seemed to give out, although I tested heat output of the standard bulbs and they seemed to get just as hot over time. Several others mentioned concerns with the bulbs melting the plastic.
The rear lens dropped down with gentle tugging on the trim but the front involved accessing the upper panel where the sunroof switch is, removing the microphone cover to access the two torx20 screws. The bulbs then twist out easily. Thankgod I didn't go with the advice of trying to prise off the front lens cover leaving the panel in situ. That could have been an expensive mistake!!

If only the footwell and glovebox covers were as easy to access as the sun visor vanity lights!

Will post more as the saga continues

[Truckie]

Hi mate, and welcomes. What make of bulb did you go for? I bought a set of reg plate led's from a BMW specialist...They are POOO! Much duller than the oem ones but blue  I also purchased some bulbs for the puddle lights but havent bothered fitting them as i fear they may be the same! They are called "blesk" i think? 

[anorganix]

The long ones (like the upper interior, license plate, etc) are called SOFIT and come in 3 dimensions: 39, 41 and 42 mm.
The best ones are the ones that use SMD LEDs.

The smaller ones (like the ones in the headlights) are T10 Wedge W5W.

SOFIT


W5W (T10)

[Greeners]

Welcome chap! 

[JPC]

welcomes!

[bindinbear]

Truckie,

type this link into the address bar and you shd get the same bulbs I used in my number plates:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390148782704&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT.

For some reason they are showing as 80.00 each?!!! Presume its a listing error.

Ignore the mercedes bit. I fitted these with no bulb out errors. They cost me 12.99 and use LED 550 SMD as mentioned. They are bright but not over the top in my opinion and they look awesome!

This link covers the interior bulbs 2 for 4.99 with free p and p. Again ebay. They provide enough light but don't seem to get as hot as other bulbs. I also found the actual body of some of the other LED's to be too long to fit in the apeture. These fit perfect.

 http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120457417154&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT.

The boot bulb is a 42mm festoon bulb from www.ultraleds.co.uk.  (264) 42mm 3 WA SMT Leds Festoon 5W output white. 4.99 each and very bright.
I have also bought the following from the same place for the puddle lights. 501/194/T10 Anti Bulb Warning Xenon White Wide Angle Led. Not fitted them yet but I know others have used them as side light bulbs that cancel can bus errors and look good.

Hope this helps


I can't seem to add photos onto my replies, so if anybody can advise, I'd be greatful?

[Top Cat]

I can't seem to add photos onto my replies, so if anybody can advise, I'd be greatful?

Are you having a problem with posting them, or are just unsure how too. 

[bindinbear]

Topcat,

A bit of both really but discovered the guide in the main forum area and i will give it a go soon.

Thanks
Bren

[T88OMM]

Welcome along matey 

[mo]

Welcome mate.Quick question, which models came with mirror puddle lights ?

[bindinbear]

It was an option on most golfs, known on the list as a luxury pack. usually one and two. Mine has lux pack one which is, rain, light sensor, coming home/leaving lights, dimming rear view mirror, interior front footwell lights, electrically folding mirrors, puddle lights and passenger mirror drops to show the kerb when you put her in reverse. I think lux pack two was all that plus the drivers/ passenger mirror dims when dazzled from following vehicle lights similar to the anti dazzle rear mirror.

A 195.00 option, lux pack 1 and pack 2 was 270.00 from the factory frm a 2006 brochure. (I need to get out more!!)