Interior light problem

[jesus]

I've just fitted an LED into my interior light, and it works well apart from when it should automatically come on when you unlock the car/open the door. If I switch it manually it comes on. Any ideas?

 

[McGherkin]

Polarity changes depending on whether you have it on manual or doors. You either need two bulbs wired in opposite polarity or a bridge rectifier.

 

[jesus]

So basically it won't work? :dapprove:

Or if I switch the bulb around, would it work? (Long shot) x

 

[McGherkin]

If you turn the bulb around, it'll come on with the doors, but not manually.

 

[jesus]

Bugger! Haha thanks for the help matey.

 

[McGherkin]

No worries. I just soldered two bulbs together, works fine.

 

[jesus]

Which bits did you solder together? Side by side? Mine's the size and shape of the original.

 

[McGherkin]

I'm guessing you don't have the poverty spec interior light, but here's how I did it.

http://db.tt/AKYy9ZQs

Wire is soldered to the inside of each end cap, unfortunately that means one light is off centre but not much you can do about it really.

 

[jesus]

It's a Trophy, of course it's poverty spec! Thanks for the pic mate very helpful. Guessing this only happens on LEDs? Mine's the same SMD as yours.

 

[McGherkin]

Yeah, both LEDs and SMDs are polarity specific, it's a shame no companies have had the present mind to put in a little bit of circuitry to make it work both ways, but hey.

 

[jesus]

Sack it, I'll put the standard one back in! Guessing this would happen with a glovebox/boot light of the same type too?

 

[McGherkin]

No, the boot light only comes on with the doors AFAIK.

As for glovebox light, I don't have one

 

[jesus]

Might bang it in there and see what happens then. I got it free with that £5 eBay thing anyway so no biggy.

Surprised I have one tbh, extra weight and all that!