Interior fluorescent , led swap

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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callum
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Interior fluorescent , led swap

Post by callum » Thu Jun 09, 2016 8:51 pm

Hi folks,
I've bought one of these for my van

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400509439377

Now i wanted this just for the quick start up compared to the fluorescent. Thing is, it says to remove the starter for the light unit, but i'm unsure if the bongo light unit has one? I don't want to fit it and knacker the led bulb. I know if doing the COB upgrade, you have to take it all apart and do some eletrickery, but i was under the impression for this type i didn't need to, but i can't find the thread which said so!
Any help appreciated
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sotal
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Re: Interior fluorescent , led swap

Post by sotal » Thu Jun 09, 2016 9:36 pm

Is that to replace the older type?

Mine was nothing like that. Also 22.5cm sounds quite long - is the light bulb that big?

But yes there is a bit of a starter circuit - which for that one will need bypassing - you just want to take the 12v feed from the circuit rather than the output.

You can get some that are plug and play but then they are less efficient.

That is how I understand it anyway!
callum
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Re: Interior fluorescent , led swap

Post by callum » Thu Jun 09, 2016 10:10 pm

Oh i see, nuts, i was hoping this was the correct type for that. Not fussed on efficiency for this as i have interior lights for camping, just when it's in normal use i'd like instant light.
Length is certainly correct as i have lined them up.
Ok, if you happen to have the thread that details how to do the bypass, that'd be handy!
Cheers!
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sotal
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Re: Interior fluorescent , led swap

Post by sotal » Thu Jun 09, 2016 10:20 pm

The only thread I've seen is for the newer type where it a U shape bulb.

Looking at it I'm not 100% sure what it means on the listing. Maybe it will work directly?? I'd wait until someone comes along who has fitted this type in the older units.
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g8dhe
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Re: Interior fluorescent , led swap

Post by g8dhe » Fri Jun 10, 2016 9:11 am

You should be able to plug that type straight in, there isn't a starter as you would have in a mains powered device, the function is a feature of the inverter generating the voltages, however don't expect a significant improvement in power usage.
Geoff
2001 Aero V6, AFT, full side conversion.
callum
Bongolier
Posts: 275
Joined: Fri Jul 31, 2015 11:42 pm

Re: Interior fluorescent , led swap

Post by callum » Fri Jun 10, 2016 7:50 pm

I must confess, this is a replacement bulb as the first one didn't work properly, so i assumed either it was duff or i had knackered it somehow.
The metal end caps of the tube conducted a current and gave a tingly electrical charge as they touched on the base of the light unit. So i put electrical tape on the base and hey presto, new bulb works great.
As i said, i didn't want it for the energy efficiency, it's just at night we need to load my son in the back sometimes and spend what feels like an age fumbling for the car seat buckle as we can't see anything!
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