Exterior bulb light
Senior Member
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 3,064
Likes: 1,625
From: New Jersey
Re: Exterior bulb light
Hi again. I found the reason for the exterior light problem.
The led bulbs I installed a few years ago in the licence plate lights, without problems until now, are both illuminating.
I decided to replace them with the original incandescent light bulbs and the exterior light warning went out.
I reinstalled the led bulbs and the exterior light warning came back on. Obviously a problem with the led bulbs even though they were illuminating and had been working without illuminating dash warning light.
I decided to try two new led bulbs the same type I originally installed. The new bulbs illuminated the same as the previous set of led bulbs but with no dash exterior light warning.
Must have been a problem with the original led bulbs after a few years use. Maybe the have a built in resistor or something that failed.
The led bulbs I installed a few years ago in the licence plate lights, without problems until now, are both illuminating.
I decided to replace them with the original incandescent light bulbs and the exterior light warning went out.
I reinstalled the led bulbs and the exterior light warning came back on. Obviously a problem with the led bulbs even though they were illuminating and had been working without illuminating dash warning light.
I decided to try two new led bulbs the same type I originally installed. The new bulbs illuminated the same as the previous set of led bulbs but with no dash exterior light warning.
Must have been a problem with the original led bulbs after a few years use. Maybe the have a built in resistor or something that failed.
I've only used the regular bulbs since then. You can buy an LED replacement license plate light. These replaces both license plate lights with a new assembly. However, some of them cause the bulb out light to come on.
I just don't see the need for having bright license plate lights.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,471
Likes: 843
From: Upstate SC
Re: Exterior bulb light
About a week or two back, the exterior warning light came on in my 2007 Coupe. With the wife helping, I've checked all the exterior lights. All of them are lit, none are out. And I don't have any LED bulbs installed anywhere. So anyone have a clue as to what is going on in my Coupe?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 3,064
Likes: 1,625
From: New Jersey
Re: Exterior bulb light
About a week or two back, the exterior warning light came on in my 2007 Coupe. With the wife helping, I've checked all the exterior lights. All of them are lit, none are out. And I don't have any LED bulbs installed anywhere. So anyone have a clue as to what is going on in my Coupe?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,471
Likes: 843
From: Upstate SC
Re: Exterior bulb light
I never considered the trunk light an exterior light. So I checked it today & found it still lit when I opened the hatch.
But I did remember putting LED bulbs in the license plate housings when one of the old bulbs failed a few years back. Taking a chance that the LEDs may be pulling less current over time, I removed the old light covers to check for LED bulbs. What I found was the LED bulb on the PS of the plate was not making a good connection in its holder. It was practically falling out on one side when I removed the light cover. I re-inserted the LED bulb and checked for an exterior warning light when I started the car. NO WARNING LIGHT! I guess with closing the hatch over time, the LED bulb worked loose somewhat & set off the warning light. It was still making some contact with the outer clamp as the light was lit when I walked around to check the exterior lights a week or so back. Learned something new today!
But I did remember putting LED bulbs in the license plate housings when one of the old bulbs failed a few years back. Taking a chance that the LEDs may be pulling less current over time, I removed the old light covers to check for LED bulbs. What I found was the LED bulb on the PS of the plate was not making a good connection in its holder. It was practically falling out on one side when I removed the light cover. I re-inserted the LED bulb and checked for an exterior warning light when I started the car. NO WARNING LIGHT! I guess with closing the hatch over time, the LED bulb worked loose somewhat & set off the warning light. It was still making some contact with the outer clamp as the light was lit when I walked around to check the exterior lights a week or so back. Learned something new today!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 3,064
Likes: 1,625
From: New Jersey
Re: Exterior bulb light
I never considered the trunk light an exterior light. So I checked it today & found it still lit when I opened the hatch.
But I did remember putting LED bulbs in the license plate housings when one of the old bulbs failed a few years back. Taking a chance that the LEDs may be pulling less current over time, I removed the old light covers to check for LED bulbs. What I found was the LED bulb on the PS of the plate was not making a good connection in its holder. It was practically falling out on one side when I removed the light cover. I re-inserted the LED bulb and checked for an exterior warning light when I started the car. NO WARNING LIGHT! I guess with closing the hatch over time, the LED bulb worked loose somewhat & set off the warning light. It was still making some contact with the outer clamp as the light was lit when I walked around to check the exterior lights a week or so back. Learned something new today!
But I did remember putting LED bulbs in the license plate housings when one of the old bulbs failed a few years back. Taking a chance that the LEDs may be pulling less current over time, I removed the old light covers to check for LED bulbs. What I found was the LED bulb on the PS of the plate was not making a good connection in its holder. It was practically falling out on one side when I removed the light cover. I re-inserted the LED bulb and checked for an exterior warning light when I started the car. NO WARNING LIGHT! I guess with closing the hatch over time, the LED bulb worked loose somewhat & set off the warning light. It was still making some contact with the outer clamp as the light was lit when I walked around to check the exterior lights a week or so back. Learned something new today!
I even learned about the automatic transmission... and I don't even have one! LOL
YET... Just had to do it... LOL 
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 members and 2 guests)