OE plastic parts for exterior lights etc often have problems because of UV and everything else on them for 20+ years.
If you find a "glue" that seems to work, the plastic can break easy again. Even right next to the current break.
Buying replacement thru TFS has problems too. Some to all TFS Light parts like side markers are made poorly and missing DOT data too. They Can't use all DOT marking because made by a another company Not GUIDE division of GM that doesn't exist now. year mark may not apply either. See my Cave, Lighbulbs at bottom.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
The front side marker lights and forward facing maker lights share a strange circuit when it comes to the turn signals. When I say "strange" I mean, "boy that's a weird way of doing it" but it works...
Originally posted by buddycraigg: Let me know if the lights work.
The front side marker lights and forward facing maker lights share a strange circuit when it comes to the turn signals. When I say "strange" I mean, "boy that's a weird way of doing it" but it works...
Front Sides Won't work w/ many LEDs w/o extra changes.
GM Ford and more have wire front markers on Many models for Decades not just Fiero to meet FMVSS and even before that rules to make them blink w/ or w/o park lights on and w/o playing tricks or run more wires to the dash. See my Cave, LED Marker Light
Too bright external lights is often bad as too dim or blown "bulbs." Dim/dead bulbs then someone can hit you but Bright bulbs often "blind" other drivers at night. "Blinded" because often can't see anything but bright lights and can the car people and more. Light problems can become a Ticket Magnet in many places even if whatever "upgrade" is legal or more likely just ignored in home town. Also See my Cave, LED poisoning
I do like your write-up on the LED front markers. It does make sense to put in a bridge rectifier. Though, I notice that most people modify the marker to install LED strips rather than a LED blub.
I haven't seen a before and after photo of using a standard 194 bulb vs an LED 194 on the front marker.
[This message has been edited by Wichita (edited 10-28-2021).]
Many put LED "bulbs" in them to replace standard bulbs and just don't post. And even If they see "Off Road Use Only" from Osram/Sylvania etc they use them anyway. Many LED "bulbs" have many of same problems or more as standard 194 and others because mounted the same. Examples: Cave page shows LED w/ Heat Sink base for rectifier have no air flow to dump heat. Many LED "bulbs" have most light output from side mount LED and that light goes nowhere mounted in a black tube in Fiero and other side markers. Many use "CANBUS Error Free" LED that have Load Resistors generate Heat as bad or Worse the standard bulbs and die fast mounted in small fixtures. see Smokin' hot CANbus LED lamps. (230C in open air.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkPGqM0Sl64
LED Strips require mod's to the side marker fixture and most break the OE ones. Even w/o the mod's, many have broken markers and other light on old cars including Fiero and have hard time finding a "glue" that works or plastic just breaks again even if glue works. One "Vendor" even sold this years ago use TFS markers because made poorly to start with and easier to take apart to stuff LEDs in them.
"I haven't seen a before and after photo of using a standard 194 bulb vs an LED 194 on the front marker" Doesn't matter even if have a pic of LED bulbs because Hundreds to Thousands of them available. Even if two are made to look the same non powered, LEDs use are often different affecting light output for color strong/weak and more. That ignoring most cameras don't work taking pictures of light sources for many reasons even if user setup the camera right w/ tripod to hold same spot.
[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 10-28-2021).]
If you sand the backside well you can get away with 5 min epoxy for a temp fix. Start looking for a used pair... You will like the light strips did this back in 2014
If you sand the backside well you can get away with 5 min epoxy for a temp fix. Start looking for a used pair... You will like the light strips did this back in 2014
What was the LED strip that you used? And do you have the turn signal issue?
To fix the front turn signal problem I added a w06 bridge rectifier to each front side to correct the blinking problem. When the Fiero blinks it reverses the voltage which does not effect a bulb. The rectifier corrects this problem. You don't need to add this to the rear as they do not blink.
For the LED strips I had found ones that had 120 to the meter ones. You need to get the led strips in yellow and red for them to look correct. Do Not use white....
Just FYI, if you ever need them, the Fierostore sells the side marker lamps brand new for a decent price. They sell either grooved or the smooth for the GT.
[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 10-30-2021).]
.....And even If they see "Off Road Use Only" from Osram/Sylvania etc they use them anyway.
I often wonder if they use that term because there is a true legal issue with the light output being too bright or too dim, or the manufacturer wants 'off the hook' when they suddenly fail and you get a ticket because a lot of LED lights are crap quality and won't last.
The front side marker lights and forward facing maker lights share a strange circuit when it comes to the turn signals. When I say "strange" I mean, "boy that's a weird way of doing it" but it works...
I got a roll off Amazon, and it was plug-and-play. I thought it either wouldn't work, or would flash erratically, but when I plugged it in, it worked perfectly.
To fix the front turn signal problem I added a w06 bridge rectifier to each front side to correct the blinking problem. When the Fiero blinks it reverses the voltage which does not effect a bulb. The rectifier corrects this problem. You don't need to add this to the rear as they do not blink.
For the LED strips I had found ones that had 120 to the meter ones. You need to get the led strips in yellow and red for them to look correct. Do Not use white....
So, that's why. Huh. Oddly, the strip I got worked out of the box.
Just FYI, if you ever need them, the Fierostore sells the side marker lamps brand new for a decent price. They sell either grooved or the smooth for the GT.
Originally posted by IMSA GT: I often wonder if they use that term because there is a true legal issue with the light output being too bright or too dim, or the manufacturer wants 'off the hook' when they suddenly fail and you get a ticket because a lot of LED lights are crap quality and won't last.
Even if you get high quality LED that last... "Off Road" and other Warnings are because these Companies knows that LEDs "upgrades" to replace Standard Bulbs on a Street Car are Illegal in the US and other Countries.
Osram and others and many stores sell the LEDs are on "Thin Ice" because how they are sold. AZ and more auto parts stores sell them next to standard bulbs and many workers are on the Hype Train saying so great ignoring is illegal on the street to sell the High $ item to the public that have no clue. Even AZ web store ignores is illegal for street use other than zooming in on a pic of the package.
Illegal Because... Even if LEDs can match colors and brightness behind OE Lenses, not happening, will Never Focus the same causing output pattern problems and now OE fixtures does not meet Federal and many State Rules after a car is sold. Example: PA vehicle light rules/laws is nearly a verbatim copy of FMVSS 106 plus likely added more. (Is a fight in Maine and others to apple FMVSS to Import Vehicles never sold in US but older then 20 years because is Legal at Fed Level to import and drive them.)
NHTSA has a database online w/ responses to q's and complaints. Problem is you search LED now get so many hits that's hard to read or find what you wanted.
While many get away w/ LED strips in Fiero side markers... Is illegal too. 1 PFF member got dinged at VA Inspection for LED strips w/ crap TFS side marker shells because no DOT marks for starters. I got Dinged at Inspection in another state just having White standard bulb in front marker that faded clear. I installed 194A bulb so light is amber again.
That's also why most HL mod's/"upgrades" have legal problems on top of whatever else is wrong like Munson "kits" that uses "DOT" bulbs but Any covers over HL are illegal in many US states and other places. Some buyers got stopped by cops or Failed Inspection and have to remove the covers at minimum. Then have crap light output and more problems and many sold/junk the car or ripped out the kit completely.
Only Some LED and other HL upgrades are legal and DOT "approved."
