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MrPulldown Samba Member
Joined: September 08, 2020 Posts: 649 Location: Truckee
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Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2022 11:23 am Post subject: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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I have finally converted all of the interior lights in my van to LED. Though not difficult it did take some motivation and instruction to convert. There are a few LED conversion threads, but I decided to pull them all together into one single thread. So let's get started.
The 2 easiest lights to convert are the sliding door "dome" light and the pop top light. These 2 lights have simple covers that you pop off to remove and expose the bulb. The dome light uses a bulb like this.
I purchased this bulb though it was a tad long. Not an issue as the mounting tabs can flex and easily accommodate the extra length. I think I got the 44mm, and a 42 would have been ideal.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/dome-ligh...cc_id=1407
Here is another bulb link in the first post of this thread.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=663177&highlight=led
Might as well buy 2 as you will need one for the front map light.
A note on LEDs if you are not too familiar with them. The color is defined by the "K" value. The higher the K the "bluer" the color of light. Though 4500 range is listed as natural, it is very white. I find that 3000k is easier to live with, and not feel like you are in a space ship.
The pop top light bulb is your standard single filament bayonet locking brake/tail light bulb light 1156. Do not get the dual filament bulb 1157. I had several lying around.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RTVNRMK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
The easiest way to find a replacement (though not cheapest) is to take the existing bulb into your local auto parts store and find an LED replacement.
The florescent light over the sink light will require some easy rewiring to bypass the ballast. It is covered in detail here:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746039&highlight=led+ballast
I opted to use a LED florescent light tube replacement rather than fitting a LED strip light in the cavity.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0795MTW7R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The 4 rocker lights in the rear were a bit of a mystery, till I read this post.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764049
I had a stock of mini wedge bulbs. Any that fit will work. Like these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WGZP4PS/ref=o...b2cad884f9
or these:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/map-light...cc_id=1419
One thing to note is to test the light before you put the cover back on. Most LEDs only flow electricity one direction and is polarity sensitive unlike incandescent bulbs. If it doesn't turn on, flip the bulb around in the socket. You do not need the "canbus" bulbs. These have built in resistors, so they draw the same amount of power as a regular bulb, negating the energy savings of the LED.
The final light was the front map lights. The whole map light is removed from the headliner by simply pulling down. There are no screws just pry with your fingers. (sorry I did not take any pictures and just using ones I find on the web).
The map light uses 2 different type bulbs. The large light uses the long bulb used for the slider dome. The smaller light, the mini wedge.
Once the light assembly is removed disconnect the wire connector so it is easier to work with in your lap or on a bench top; depress side release tab and pull. The lens is held on by several side lock tabs. Remove to gain access the to the long bulb.
THe smaller wedge bulb is located under the round black 1/4 turn socket. Unscrew CCW and pull. My wedge bulbs were a little long and touched the lens when installed but seemed to be fine. Again, be sure to test the light before reinstalling. Mine didn't work on first try and I was able to rotate the bulb socket 180 and reinstall.
_________________ 2002 EVC
Last edited by MrPulldown on Thu Mar 10, 2022 12:04 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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OB Bus Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2003 Posts: 2541 Location: Ocean Beach in Beautiful BLUE California
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Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2022 11:34 am Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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Thanks - I been collecting LED upgrade posts to re-do our EV-C both here and from FB. This nicely ties things together in one place. _________________ Larry in OB
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
69 Westfalia and 2002 Eurovan Camper. |
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Endopotential Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2012 Posts: 186 Location: Pacifica, California
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MrPulldown Samba Member
Joined: September 08, 2020 Posts: 649 Location: Truckee
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Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2022 11:01 am Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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Interesting that you used a 1157. Those are the dual filament bulb used for brake/running lights. One filament on for running lights, the other comes on when the brakes are applied. Many vehicles uses these but not all. Some have individual bulbs for the 2 applications. The 1157 and the 1156 are typically not interchangeable. The 2 positive contacts at the base are one the side and either both filaments will come on if the contact touches both, but often too small and none come on.
The side "byonet" lugs are also offset so that they can only be installed in the socket one way, ensuring that the brake contact and the running light power contact are not mixed. As a result, the 1157 bulb doesn't lock into the 1156 socket.
A 1156 bulb has a single center located positive connector and equal (and lower height) lugs.
The main reason I use LED is the low power consumption, which I do not worry about when the engine is running. Thus I don't convert my vehicle lights only the interior.
As for the turn signals. The flasher relays are a thermo mechanical unit. Based on the design load of the indicator bulb, an element within the flasher heats up, deforms and disconnects. As it cools the reconnects again. This is what makes the turn signals flash. Due to the low power consumption of the LED bulbs this calibrated flashing element is no longer properly sized. As a result you will either get no flash or hyper flash.
There are 2 fixes. One is to add resistance so that the power consumption of the LED turn signal bulb matches that of the OE incandescent bulb. The other is the switch out the flasher relay for a no-load, all electronic one. I prefer the 2nd method, as having a device which sole purpose is to heat up and waste energy goes against my ideals.
I have a side gig supplying LED turn signals for motorcycles. Though like I said before I do not care if I use power while the engine is running (especially one that is so intermittent), almost all aftermarket TSs are now LED. I have a stock of various sorts of electronic flasher relays. Looking up the flasher for our eurovan, it looks like an old standard 3 prong unit, rather than something buried within some body control module. IF you can find your relay and confirm, I can send you one if you would like. The 3 prong relays are very standard and probably plug and play. Send me a PM or email my gmail address which is my screen name (all lower case). The 3 prongs are the old standard with the prongs: positive 12v (base), load (to TS), and ground. Most newer flashers use only a 2 prong as the ground isn't needed.
The other way to I mentioned is to add a resistor. They come in kits already packaged up in little heat dissipating cases.
_________________ 2002 EVC |
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VanGeek Samba Member
Joined: September 25, 2022 Posts: 228 Location: New England
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dazey77 Samba Member
Joined: May 11, 2020 Posts: 163 Location: Other side of the pond.
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Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2022 1:46 pm Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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Endopotential wrote: |
The only thing I couldn't figure out was how to get LED turn signals. I tried the 1157 LEDs but got the quick blink error. I know there's some trick you can do with wiring and extra resistors (or the expensive kit from GoWesty which may or may not work), but I decided to leave these alone. |
I never understand people changing bulbs to high efficiency LEDs and then dumping all the saved energy in a resistor (I am an electronic engineer, so I have a strong bias!)
There are lots of easily available, cheap (from china) relay replacements for led indicators. They swap the mechanical timer for an electronic one and are plug and play (make sure you get the correct pin out). I have one in the van, had them on many motorcycles. Certainly works for a 95 euro van which has a regular plug in flasher relay _________________ My van modification blog:
www.dazedproductions.co.uk/Vanity |
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dazey77 Samba Member
Joined: May 11, 2020 Posts: 163 Location: Other side of the pond.
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Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2022 1:48 pm Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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Endopotential wrote: |
The only thing I couldn't figure out was how to get LED turn signals. I tried the 1157 LEDs but got the quick blink error. I know there's some trick you can do with wiring and extra resistors (or the expensive kit from GoWesty which may or may not work), but I decided to leave these alone. |
I never understand people changing bulbs to high efficiency LEDs and then dumping all the saved energy in a resistor (I am an electronic engineer, so I have a strong bias!)
There are lots of easily available, cheap (from china) relay replacements for led indicators. They swap the mechanical timer for an electronic one and are plug and play (make sure you get the correct pin out). I have one in the van, had them on many motorcycles. Certainly works for a 95 euro van _________________ My van modification blog:
www.dazedproductions.co.uk/Vanity |
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VanGeek Samba Member
Joined: September 25, 2022 Posts: 228 Location: New England
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Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2022 5:15 pm Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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You can swap an electronic flasher on the older models but not the newer ones.
https://gowesty.com/products/exterior-led-bulb-kit-eurovan
Either need to add resistors or as I posted above can attempt to modify the factory hazard switch and flasher assembly. |
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Endopotential Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2012 Posts: 186 Location: Pacifica, California
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Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2022 1:06 pm Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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dazey77 wrote: |
I never understand people changing bulbs to high efficiency LEDs and then dumping all the saved energy in a resistor (I am an electronic engineer, so I have a strong bias!) |
Honestly, the biggest reason is that it gave me something else to tinker on
The LEDs do appear lighter than the old bulbs. Plus LEDs seem to last forever, so won't have to worry about a burned out filament ever again. |
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MrPulldown Samba Member
Joined: September 08, 2020 Posts: 649 Location: Truckee
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Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2022 1:54 pm Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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I too hate resistors. Why install a device that's' only purpose is to convert electricity to waste heat.
I do alot of LED motorcycle turn signal conversions. On newer bikes the turn signal flasher relay is incorporated into a black box that houses several other controls. There are plug and play replacement black boxes that allow LED turn signals to flash. However, by studying the wiring diagram I have been able to isolate the turn signal flasher relay wires. Then you simply cut these and wire to a standalone no-load flasher.
If interested I have a gaggle of the basic 2 terminal LED type flasher relays if you want to play with. Hit me up. These relay will flash anything. Base supply 12v+ to one terminal, 12v+ from the turn signal to the other. Output signal is flashed. Common ground the turn signal.
I even have these variable rate flasher relays.
If you like tinkering... _________________ 2002 EVC |
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Endopotential Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2012 Posts: 186 Location: Pacifica, California
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Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2022 9:15 pm Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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Hey I'm a fellow motorcycle nut as well!
I had the toughest time installing LED blinkers on my KTM Duke 790. Every other bike I've had, don't care what's plugged in. On the KTM, not only did I get the fast blinking, the overly complicated CPU would flash an error message on the dash. Darn technology.
I had wired in every resistor combo suggested on the forums. Ultimately bit the bullet and bought some overpriced OEM LED units to solve the issue.
Think I've maxed out my luck on tinkering on the van for now. Just did the transmission and differential fluid change this past weekend, and thankfully it's still running... |
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VanGeek Samba Member
Joined: September 25, 2022 Posts: 228 Location: New England
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Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2022 7:20 pm Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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Recently purchased some amber front signal LED's to complement my clear lens covers. They hyperflashed. Found this post and thread about modifying the flasher to disconnect pin 7 on the flasher IC to eliminate the dead-bulb hyperflash sense. https://forums.tdiclub.com/index.php?threads/leds-bulbs-for-mkiv-jetta.296614/page-2#post-4209424 It worked! No more hyperflash with LEDs. Here's how I did it.
Followed these instructions to access and remove the flasher: https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/replacing-the-emergency-flasher-relay-in-a-eurovan.8571201/
Disassembled the flasher. Identified pin 7. Severed connection with small flat-head screw driver.
Reassembled the flasher. Push the front end into housing but do not depress fully. Fully insert the rear-end, and then push the front-end all the way. This is necessary to ensure the internal contacts line-up properly and aren't bent.
Hazard switch with rear-end removed (red push switch on other end)
Close-up of circuit board and 8-pin IC. The red triangle button sits on top of this.
Circuit board with pin 7 of the IC disconnected.
Front and rear-ends of hazard switch showing proper connection and alignment. This is how they should align inside the housing. The best way to align sliding terminals without bending them is to partially insert front-end into housing, then fully insert rear-end into housing, and then press/slide front-end fully within the housing.
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bigfoot_ev Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2018 Posts: 158 Location: Anacortes, WA
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Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2022 7:40 pm Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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I too did the leg 7 clip on the hazard IC. It works. Great guide @VanGeek.
I replaced all my lights, inside and out with LED. The hazard IC doesn't like the LED turn signals and hyper flashes. When you clip the leg 7 you still get a rapid flash, but it is not hyper. It's more like 'I really need to turn'. I quickly got used to it.
As @MrPulldown said, what is the point of adding a resistor to a LED light when you're just burning electricity to heat the resistor. For me, it was not worth converting to LED unless I could do it for the reduced DC current per lumen output, which LEDs can absolutely do.
BTW, I love my LED headlights, but you really need to replace the standard headlight lense first, ie you can't just replace the bulbs. Either replace the headlight assembly (which I did with round lights) or replace the lense to euro spec lenses with the sharp cutoff. |
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VanGeek Samba Member
Joined: September 25, 2022 Posts: 228 Location: New England
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Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2022 9:11 am Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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Great! Which round headlight projectors and which LED's did you use for your headlights? |
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bigfoot_ev Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2018 Posts: 158 Location: Anacortes, WA
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Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2022 2:08 pm Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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I ordered from a site in Germany a few years back. They have the 'angel eyes' look but the bulbs that were included did not fit with LED headlights. The color was just way off so I replaced the angel eyes with leds as well.
Here is where I got the assemblies: https://www.fk-shop.de/en/Lights/Headlights/Angel-eye-headlight-VW-bus-type-T4-97-02-black.html
As for the bulbs, I just pick something from Amazon that fits these assemblies, they are H7 bulbs. I have to admit, they sometimes don't last very long. I'm on my second set but so far working well.
The turn signal LEDs are something they call switchback. When the turn signal is on the white light is off and it blinks yellow. When the turn signal is off they act as white running lights.
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VanGeek Samba Member
Joined: September 25, 2022 Posts: 228 Location: New England
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Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2023 3:08 pm Post subject: Making progress on weekender LED conversions |
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Followed the advise of others here and swapped LEDs for the front cabin and map lights, and the small light in the side door footwell.
Also disassembled the two mid/rear cabin lights, removed the ballast and bulbs. Purchased some two way stiches, variable voltage controller, and 12v LED light strips.
Rather than mount the strips inside the enclosures, I designed a 3d-printed shelf that clips into the fixture and can be held in place with a few drops of gorilla glue. The strips are now positioned flat, facing outward, and closer to the lens so all the light is reflected out and strips can utilize full length of the fixture. These strips are very bright but can be dialed down with the voltage controller. I intend to use the two switch positions for always-on and on-when-door-is-open. To keep them off all the time, the voltage controller can be turned all the way off. Here are some photos of my progress. Almost finished. Just need to mount the switches and make a cutout in the cover to accommodate the voltage controller knob. May also print trim piece to hide where wires connect to COB strips.
Empty fixture with ballast and bulbs removed. Trimmed the "ears" that hold the bulbs in place. Prototype of the shelf that will go into the fixture.
Fixture with shelf installed and COB strips, voltage controller, and wiring.
COB LED strips fixed to final (white) shelf attached to fixture. Underside of shelf shown above. Includes "wiring tunnel" to stuff excess wires.
Test power-on of COBs. Photo suggests they aren't super bright at maximum, but they are. I cannot look directly at them.
Test power-on with lens which diffuses the light better. Color is soft-white. At max power each strip is ~2 watts and slightly warm to touch.
LED's dimmed via voltage controller. They will variable dim until off.
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VanGeek Samba Member
Joined: September 25, 2022 Posts: 228 Location: New England
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Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2023 12:27 pm Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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(nearly) finished up the install.
Tucked the wiring inside the channels I made below the 3d-printed LED strip shelves.
Made cutouts in the plastic cover to accommodate the switch and dimmer.
Use insulated right-angle female spade connectors on the switch which stuck-up a little higher than the electronics box-top, so I made an extension that snaps over the top. I think it works better than the original.
A few pics below of the wiring and new top I designed.
They are now installed and working, except I do not have a switched ground wire yet established to the mounting locations so they only work in one switch position (on or off) like the originals did. These, however, are dimmable.
Have other spring repair/enhancement priorities and I'll tap/run the switched ground later.
I'll load the stl files for the 3d parts to thingiverse if anyone wants to use them.
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vineetp Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2024 Posts: 2 Location: Seattle, WA
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Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2024 10:44 pm Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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Hi folks, just bought a 2001 EV Weekender and working on an LED conversion for the internal lights. This thread has been very helpful, but I'm getting thrown for a bit of a loop by the courtesy light fixture in the stepwell. My van was missing the bulb and bulb holder, and I'm wondering if anyone knows of a direct twist base replacement LED for this fixture. Photo below if helpful. Thanks in advance!
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Zeitgeist 13 Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009 Posts: 12115 Location: Port Manteau
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Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 2:14 pm Post subject: Re: EVC Interior LED light conversion |
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VanGeek wrote: |
(nearly) finished up the install.
Tucked the wiring inside the channels I made below the 3d-printed LED strip shelves.
Made cutouts in the plastic cover to accommodate the switch and dimmer.
Use insulated right-angle female spade connectors on the switch which stuck-up a little higher than the electronics box-top, so I made an extension that snaps over the top. I think it works better than the original.
A few pics below of the wiring and new top I designed.
They are now installed and working, except I do not have a switched ground wire yet established to the mounting locations so they only work in one switch position (on or off) like the originals did. These, however, are dimmable.
Have other spring repair/enhancement priorities and I'll tap/run the switched ground later.
I'll load the stl files for the 3d parts to thingiverse if anyone wants to use them.
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Nice work with the LED lighting. You know where the switched ground is, right? It's the single insulated brown wire that runs directly behind/above the rear light on the passenger side. Simply tap into it there and run a wire around back and over to the driver side light. This is something VW foolishly failed to do. _________________ Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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