Dash Instrument Lights LED conversion and FEM bypass - 2002 Thunderbird

[Brian76rs]

Well, pretty sure it's the FEM. I performed the suggested test from another post - jumper (with 5amp fuse) from constant 12V source to BLACK wire on shift indicator bulb. Cluster and indicator light up. Given the bypass suggested at the top of the thread, is there a step-by-step? I follow most of it with exception of the reversing relay. Understand the concept, but again some step-by-step would be awesome! Also, the white jumper shown in one of your (Frank Dreano) pictures related to LED install, will I need to add that? or was that the jumper you had to remove?

I don't believe I have a "bubba fix" as lights previously worked with factory dimmer (vs. full illumination w/ key on).

[Frank Dreano]

Well, pretty sure it's the FEM. I performed the suggested test from another post - jumper (with 5amp fuse) from constant 12V source to BLACK wire on shift indicator bulb. Cluster and indicator light up. Given the bypass suggested at the top of the thread, is there a step-by-step? I follow most of it with exception of the reversing relay. Understand the concept, but again some step-by-step would be awesome! Also, the white jumper shown in one of your (Frank Dreano) pictures related to LED install, will I need to add that? or was that the jumper you had to remove?

I don't believe I have a "bubba fix" as lights previously worked with factory dimmer (vs. full illumination w/ key on).

Ignore the jumpers, you don't need to do ANYthing with the instrument cluster for the workaround, also ignore the reversing relay...look at this post on another forum and follow it and the subsequent posts:

https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum....475/post-54277

You can use a LED dimmer/on-off switch in the cigarette lighter socket powered off the cigarette lighter power wire as was done in that thread and have a viable, permanent solution for your dash lights. If you order the dimmer in that thread off Amazon you can have the workaround wired up in a couple of hours. Even if you get your FEM fixed eventually you can leave this fix in place as a backup.

[Brian76rs]

Thanks!!! obviously I've been out in the garage since last post. Figured out the "reverse relay" reference. ;) Anyway, thanks for the link, but I like your idea of getting power when factory light switch is used (with exception of alternate dimmer).

I do have one more question as I can't seem to find a clear answer. I'm swapping (or thinking of) the front and rear turn signal bulbs with LED. However, can't seem to confirm if there's a relay I can replace with one specifically for LED or if it's just controlled by the FEM. Would you happen to know?

[Frank Dreano]

Thanks!!! obviously I've been out in the garage since last post. Figured out the "reverse relay" reference. ;) Anyway, thanks for the link, but I like your idea of getting power when factory light switch is used (with exception of alternate dimmer).

I do have one more question as I can't seem to find a clear answer. I'm swapping (or thinking of) the front and rear turn signal bulbs with LED. However, can't seem to confirm if there's a relay I can replace with one specifically for LED or if it's just controlled by the FEM. Would you happen to know?

I do not know - I've held off on swapping the exterior turn signals to LED because I don't know if they'll work without mods. For instance, my Tundra requires "load resistors" to ensure the LEDs will work properly - a complication I didn't want to get into on the T-Bird...ESPECIALLY since a lot of the car is plastic and those load resistors get HOT and have to be mounted to metal.

[Brian76rs]

I do not know - I've held off on swapping the exterior turn signals to LED because I don't know if they'll work without mods. For instance, my Tundra requires "load resistors" to ensure the LEDs will work properly - a complication I didn't want to get into on the T-Bird...ESPECIALLY since a lot of the car is plastic and those load resistors get HOT and have to be mounted to metal.

Unfortunately the heat is part of the reason I was hoping to swap to LED bulbs. can see minor warped/melted spots inside headlight/taillight housing from the regular bulbs getting hot over time. hmmm, I'll let ya know if I do find a good option.

Thanks again!