Number plate light casing melted!

[JamesT5]

I changed my number plate lights today because they looked a little dull, I tried putting in the cheapex 501 LED's and they didn't work so I'll have to get some better ones for the future. For now I put in some new standard bulbs.

But when I took the casing out, one of them had melted and the seal had been held on with some sort of black putty. I think what has happened is the bulb has rested against the plastic casing in the past, melted it and it's been taken out and the bulb seal held in place with some putty to keep the bulb from touching the case.

I have included a picture of the two cases together, as you can see I'll have to order a new case for the one side although I'll probably order a pair as the plastic lens is a little clouded.

A picture of the cases.....

[mikealder]

You probably know this anyway but when fitting LED 501 if they don't illuminate pop the LED out and refit it after turning through 180 degrees, LEDs have a specific polarity and will only work when fitted the right way around - Mike

[Harvey]

Yet more problems by poor maintenance from the past.
One day a simple job will go to plan..

[Harvey]

You probably know this anyway but when fitting LED 501 if they don't illuminate pop the LED out and refit it after turning through 180 degrees, LEDs have a specific polarity and will only work when fitted the right way around - Mike

If you got deeper pockets these one's work both way,got these ones in mine they do match the hid lamps well.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OSRAM-LED-...-/321271141905

[Cam]

this is a common occurence not down to maintanence just hot bulbs and plastic

[thebadger]

Yeah, I've never been keen on the 501 bulb fittings anywhere on the P2's.

Try to have them all as LED lights, the LEDs are usually brighter & safer than standard 501s.

Not the easiest thing to replace tho, the number plate lights are a bit of a pain to get opened up, but easy once that's done.

My car once failed its MOT due to a faulty plate bulb. :-(

[volvokid]

I changed all my exterior 501's to osrams, really nice led.

[jdavis]

The osram LEDs are really good. I've got them in my sidelights. Will be getting more forbthe wing mirror lights and number plate lights but at 17 quid a pair they aint cheap

[Harvey]

this is a common occurence not down to maintanence just hot bulbs and plastic

what the bulb holder being held in with putty ?.

[JamesT5]

You probably know this anyway but when fitting LED 501 if they don't illuminate pop the LED out and refit it after turning through 180 degrees, LEDs have a specific polarity and will only work when fitted the right way around - Mike

Thanks mate, I did try that at the time and it didn't work.

[JamesT5]

Thanks for all the feedback, I think these Osram LED bulbs look like a good option so it will be a case of getting a load plus some spares at some point.

[M-R-P]

I binned the number plate reflectors and fitted big LED panels. They never get hot and they're bloody bright. If only I could get them to fit in the sidelight sockets lol.

[LeeT5]

If you got deeper pockets these one's work both way,got these ones in mine they do match the hid lamps well.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OSRAM-LED-...-/321271141905

I can't remember Harvey, will these bulbs fit the front side lights on our cars? Wet and cold outside at the moment and I got ma slippers on....so i'm not venturing outside tonight

[JamesT5]

I can't remember Harvey, will these bulbs fit the front side lights on our cars? Wet and cold outside at the moment and I got ma slippers on....so i'm not venturing outside tonight

Number plate lights and front sidelights are both 501's.

[stephenevans99]

Number plate lights and front sidelights are both 501's.

The Puddle Lights in the door mirrors are 501's too.....look very nice with LEDs

[volvokid]

Same are the bulbs under the mirrors

[JamesT5]

Same are the bulbs under the mirrors

Correct.

[LeeT5]

The Puddle Lights in the door mirrors are 501's too.....look very nice with LEDs

Already done. Dis the rear number plate bulbs also last year with new lenses and holders and my puddle lamps too. They are ALL LED's

[Harvey]

To late they are all the same front side markers,rear number plate lights,puddle lights in mirrors.

[stephenevans99]

Wonder why Volvo stopped putting 'inspection lamps' under the bonnets.....A pair of 501 LEDs would look very nice at night with the bonnet up lol