so i bought 2 pilot ultra-brite leds for my car interior. i didnt wire it to my car cuz that would void the warranty, so i used the cigarette lighter plug in. i also got the four in one socket that "safely draws power for up to four devices." Problem is now the center console light (for the clock and such) is dead. My friend told me i was drawing too much power and blew a fuse, and that the four in one adapter offers no protection. He told me to get a more powerful fuse or weaker lights. He also said i had to screw the leds to a metal part of the car or the electrical fields would get messed up.

Now im a newbie and i really dont understand any of this, so i was wondering what i should do. I want to keep the ultra brites but if i get a more powerful fuse would that void my warranty? keep in mind i dont want to wire the lights to my car for the same reason, what should i do? and whats with screwing the lights to a metal surface? does it really matter? and finally whats up with the adapter not offering any protection? false advertising maybe?

a bunch of questions, so i would appreciate any help. thanks

 

First, it would do nothing to your warranty either way. They could refuse service on a particular issue only if that caused the issue. You warranty is not "voided".

Second, it sounds like you blew the fuse somehow.

Third, your friend is incorrect. You should NEVER use a higher rated fuse when one blows. The fuses are sized to protect the wiring and components. Raising the value can potentially cause damage, including a fire.

Fourth, I doubt the led units blew a fuse. They draw much less current than a light bulb. What is the current rating for them?

Finally, if the LED has two wires, then that is all it needs. No connection to the metal part of the car is needed. . It is a DC circuit. The leds need a postive and negative connection. I am not sure where he got anything about electrical fields being messed up

hope this helps.

 

^^ hmmm... heheh... dave pretty much covered it all right there...

 

well im not sure of the current rating, the packaging didnt tell me the amps or watts. they are pilot ultrabrites though and i think they draw alot more power than normal neons. I also think you're talking about bulbs, not the 10 inch light tubes that pulse to music. heres a link to the product i have


http://store.autolights4less.com/pil...eon-tubes.html

does this change any of your previous suggestions?

 

yeah.. because neons and LEDs are COMPLETELY different..
neons draw ALOT more power.. fuse went byebye

and no.. don't replace it with a higher one... you'll be starting fires if you do.