Source for idiot light

Lynn Patrick

Well-known Member
So now that I understand the need for a diode or light, & after I found both a failed diode & a broken wire, I rewired w/a light & everything worked as it should. I then went to the local auto parts store & asked for a light socket, only to be pointed to the clearance lights w/"That's all the lights I have."
So where do I get an "idiot light"? Anyone have an auto parts or Radio Shack part #?
Thanks!
 
Radioshack # may not help you much.

Find a lamp holder with access to both wires. a 194 bulb seems to work reliably.

In the good ole days, it was easy to find dash mounted / panel mounted lamp holder sockets with lenses. not so much anymore,
especially now with everything going LED.

Last 2 I did I used a 'add on' universal license plate lamp.. 194 bulb.. it mounted with 2 posts, and had 2 wires.

one before that was a cheap clearance or marker lamp.. it only had 1 wire, but you popped the lense off and cound solder a wire
on to the ground tab, and then just mount it using an insulator .
 

I seem to have more success getting gauge lighting kits.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/atm-3211?seid=srese1&cm_mmc=pla-google-_-shopping-_-srese1-_-auto-meter&gclid=Cj0KEQjwrYbIBRCgnY-OluOk89EBEiQAZER58i-63nNQYivibwBPxPi2IK96kGOlMAnJZ_o8RD6yhKYaAk0n8P8HAQ
 
that's an 8$ socket with pigtail and no lense... you can get a gross of those for 8$ on amazon.. but still no lense..
 
An LED is a light emitting diode, so as long as the voltage rating of the diode is high enough and you hook it up in the correct direction then it should work as good as any other diode, plus it'll light up when it's allowing the current to flow to excite the charging circuit.

Although most things sold as "LED lights" these days are way more than just an LED. They usually have some sort of circuit that takes the input voltage and sets it up correctly for the actual LED.
 
"most things sold as "LED lights" these days are way more than just an LED. They usually have some sort of circuit that takes the input voltage and sets it up correctly for the actual LED." EXACTLY! If one to take the simplest, most basic LED (no resistance or other LED conditioning/driver circuitry) & connect it between ign sw & excite terminal of alternator, it will go poof..way too much current for the little feller. Now, someone is going to ask about using a brake or tail light replacement LED bulb. Well, you need to be very specific as to who's replacement?, what is current draw? Specifications? Some "replacements" won't function with turn signal blinkers, some will. The general question can not be answered without some details.
 
WOW!! I was hoping for some educating on this whole idiot light thing, & you guys are amazing at telling it so I can actually understand! Think I'll pick up a small clearance light tomorrow & finish this project! Thanks again!
 
don't use an led. as has been mentioned.. most 12v leds,are lower volt led's on a driver substraight.

Use a 10 ohm resistor, a 1n5408 3a diode, or a lamp 194 or larger in wattage, but not tooooo large, otherwise it won't isolate
the ignition.
 
I have a surplus of idiots but none that light..... ;)

McMelectronicsDotCom has lots of cool lights and such.
 
Just got back from Advanced auto parts, they carry Doreman indicator lights. They keep them in the back as par of their "help" replacement parts.
 

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