Hey has anyone tried the PHILIPS 1157RLED for the brake lights? I'm wondering if they have a built in resistor so it does cause a bad bulb light to appear on dash.

 

Do you mean does NOT cause ..... ?

 

yes sir. Typo.

DOES NOT CAUSE. I had to install resistors in another vehicle to get LEDs to work and not flash super fast.

BMWs have the bad light warning from out of spec resistance so I am worried about LED causing dashboard light.

 

Philips make decent bulbs, so I would expect them to be 'canbus' & 'error free' & should not cause hyper-flashing or bulb-out lights.
I have Philips headlight bulbs & Auxito LEDs everywhere else.

 

Thanks MV.

 

@Lex2008

Find any bulb that has a canbus for brake lights but if you plan on using as a turn signal, then you will need to purchase a set of load resistor to prevent hyper-flashing. Hope this helps

 

Dont use this garbage if you can avoid it. Soder them in.

 

I've gone through consideration of these bulbs more than most... LED etc.

The issue... is that it really is no brighter than an incandescent... that will last or be safe for use as a brake light.

Brighter bulbs DO exist... The problem with the LED bulbs is that, during long braking periods... like in traffic jams etc... The bulbs will "Thermal out"... meaning the bulb will stop working... until it cools down again. I've had this experience with all that I've tried. (GTR, Lasfit, Phillips, Osram, Auxito, Auxbeam etc) ... all "Thermal'd out... some failed outright.

I've tried the best quality LED's out there for 1157 Replacement that are direct "plug play" ...They all have this issue. Even the GTR lighting bulbs.

There ARE 1157 LED's out there that will work... but the output is LESS than the 1157's you have.
For example ... the Philips Ultinon 1157 Led... Not even as bright as the factory 21w bulbs... much less than the 1157.

With a safety item as important as a brake light ... IMO, don't risk it with the LED's. The lower light output of some... or the temperature issues of others is a definite concern.

Best/Brightest bulb I've found is a Genuine STANLEY branded OE-Honda bulb... They are brighter and more durable... PN: 34906-SLO-A01... Ebay for around $17/pair shipped.
Work great. Rated at 27w ... but in real life... after a couple of month "burn in" are noticeably brighter than the 2357, and much brighter than the 1157 bulbs... and don't break the bank... AND... ZERO chance of bulb warning or flashing.

The 2357 bulbs ARE brighter than the 1157 ...But, MUCH decreased life in comparison. Even the 2357LL (Long Life) versions. 8.3w/28.7w.
I've had average of 6-month of DD use before one would burn out... Compared to years for the 1157LL's .

The 1157 IS a true upgrade from the stock MINI bulb, P215w..... with the brake filament at 26.9w for the 1157.... and 21w for the P215w. (21w/5w). It is the most cost effective option for a brighter bulb.

Truly workable and reliable LED brake lamps for brake lights... like the Vled or GTR units ... would require serious mods to the light housing and wiring.









https://www.ebay.com/itm/113935902916




The GTR and Vled 1157 Replacements.... $130 & up per pair... and would have to configure your own wiring and mounting in the existing housing. ... can be done... but not easily. These can take the heat... and function continuously








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Mountainhorse
Some interesting comments, thank you.
I agree that straight replacement LEDs are not necessarily any 'brighter' than incandescent, however, the effect on other drivers is better because of the different light distribution of LEDs, particularly if you take advantage of the LED layout & the reflectors in which they are installed.
If you can find them & trust vendors' descriptions, then higher output LEDs are available. I have 100W (unlikely!) 1156s in red & amber & they are very obviously very much brighter.
I have not experienced the failure rate that you have.

 

It's just too hot in that housing which is why the plastic bulb holder and it's larger black piece tend to melt. I've had to repair multiple times.

Which is why the LED safety switch turns them off before they melt.... As I'm sure you know better than anyone.

I bought bulk rear incandescent brake and turn bulbs from Rock auto. Ten per box.