Replacing the interior lights of your Jeep Wrangler TJ with LEDs

[Cloaked_TJ06]

Since I just bought a new to me 2004 Rubicon, I decided to do this mod again. I also wanted to verify that everything I said above was correct.

Here are some photos for the lights in the rocker switches. Once you pull out the frame for the switches (and power outlets), you'll see this:

View attachment 32888

To get to the main switch light, you need to pull each switch from the frame. It is much easier to do if you unplug each of the switches and outlets. There are clips on both top and bottom. Pry the clips carefully with a very small flat screwdriver or a thin trim removal tool. Be very careful as these clips are easy to break. Once you get a switch out, you'll see this:

View attachment 32889

On the bottom is the main switch light bulb. This bulb is illuminated any time the parking lights or headlights are on. Turn the bulb a 1/4 turn with pliers or a very small screwdriver to remove. The replacement light on the bottom is the 4mm (from post #2).

I made a mistake in my earlier post that the bottom and top bulbs are the same. Unfortunately, the top light (for the indicator) is a different bulb and I'm not sure what size it is. My best guess would be a 3mm size in the same style as the 4mm bulbs.

View attachment 32890

As you can see from the first photo, the indicator bulbs are accessible without removing the switches from the frame.

If you have a Rubicon model, the Axle Lock switch is a tougher one to swap to LED. The inside of the switch looks like this:

View attachment 32891

I didn't attempt to swap these bulbs, as it appears there would need to be some soldering. I'm sure someone with the right expertise would have no problem.

The finished product:

View attachment 32892

View attachment 32893

View attachment 32894

You can see that the Axle Lock switch is a touch dim compared to the other switches (since I didn't swap it), but it isn't drastically different. I can definitely live with it. Also, I wanted to show the indicator light on the rear defrost switch because I didn't change that one either and it still looks pretty good. I'd be curious to see how bright it is with an LED if someone were to determine the bulb.

For the cluster did you go with cool or natural for the bulb ?

 

[nk24]

For the cluster did you go with cool or natural for the bulb ?

Those were all cool white, cluster and switches.

 

[Christian.mers]

Parts Required (1997-2002)

• Cluster (5 required)
• Footwells, Sound Bar and Shifter Lights (4 required)
• Hard Top Light (1 required)
• Rocker Switch Lights (The amount required depends on how many rocker switches your TJ has. Make sure to get the 4mm bulbs.)
• HVAC Lights (3 bulbs required. Make sure to get the 4mm bulbs.)

Hey Chris! I'm in a 97 TJ, I'm wondering if I should only replace the ILM Bulbs (BL1-5) that you have so kindly linked or if I should replace every bulb within my cluster BL (6-20) excluding the bulbs that are not installed previously (BL 6, 7, 14, 19, 20,21).

Thank you very much!

 

[Chris]

Hey Chris! I'm in a 97 TJ, I'm wondering if I should only replace the ILM Bulbs (BL1-5) that you have so kindly linked or if I should replace every bulb within my cluster BL (6-20) excluding the bulbs that are not installed previously (BL 6, 7, 14, 19, 20,21).

Thank you very much!

View attachment 614181

I'd replace them all just so that they are the same color and match.

 

[Cloaked_TJ06]

All five bulbs in the cluster are the same. You don't need to change the high beam or turn signal lights. See below:

View attachment 37173

Your cluster version may vary from this slightly, but the positions of the bulbs are the same.

The bulbs referenced above do not come with housings as you will reuse the existing 1/4 turn housing. Superbrightleds.com does now carry bulbs that include the housing as well (https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...led-bulb-high-power-instrument-panel-led/709/). I haven't used them, but they only have one SMD (emitter) whereas the bulbs referenced above have three SMD. I would assume the bulbs with three emitters produce a bit more light.

This link you have listed here is this the correct one for me to order the new lights I need ? I clicked on the link and glad they have housings already

 

[Cloaked_TJ06]

View attachment 38217

As hard as I tried, the camera just couldn't get a good photo. It looks so much better than factory though. The lights are much more green, and the Rubicon locker switch I put a red LED bulb in (so it looks red like factory) and it turned out great too!

It's not as blindingly bright in person as the photo make it seem. I also have the dimmer set to max in this photo, so that might be part of it too.

Hey Chris , do you have a link to these by chance ? I am wanting to replace my burnt out factory lights in my auto with new led ones . do you think the green ones would match with OEM or should I do cool white like the cluster lights if they offer that ?

 

[MikekiM]

Hey Chris , do you have a link to these by chance ? I am wanting to replace my burnt out factory lights in my auto with new led ones . do you think the green ones would match with OEM or should I do cool white like the cluster lights if they offer that ?

I did the cool white in everything..

 

[Chris]

Hey Chris , do you have a link to these by chance ? I am wanting to replace my burnt out factory lights in my auto with new led ones . do you think the green ones would match with OEM or should I do cool white like the cluster lights if they offer that ?

Unfortunately not, it's been a long, long time since I last did this.

The green ones looked pretty good. Not a perfect match to OEM but I liked it better.

 

[nk24]

This link you have listed here is this the correct one for me to order the new lights I need ? I clicked on the link and glad they have housings already

As far as I remember, they didn’t come with housings before so that is a new feature. Looks like the price is a bit higher now though.

 

[Cloaked_TJ06]

Unfortunately not, it's been a long, long time since I last did this.

The green ones looked pretty good. Not a perfect match to OEM but I liked it better.

That is okay , when I bought the jeep they worked but burnt out after awhile which doesn't affect me so I guess I'll keep it the way it is currently . Thanks though

 

[Cloaked_TJ06]

I did the cool white in everything..
View attachment 617277

Fancy , I need to do that soon which is way cheaper than the OEM Mopar ones that are now $19 / a piece

 

[Cloaked_TJ06]

All five bulbs in the cluster are the same. You don't need to change the high beam or turn signal lights. See below:

View attachment 37173

Your cluster version may vary from this slightly, but the positions of the bulbs are the same.

The bulbs referenced above do not come with housings as you will reuse the existing 1/4 turn housing. Superbrightleds.com does now carry bulbs that include the housing as well (https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...led-bulb-high-power-instrument-panel-led/709/). I haven't used them, but they only have one SMD (emitter) whereas the bulbs referenced above have three SMD. I would assume the bulbs with three emitters produce a bit more light.

going to order some of the lights soon is this the correct link for the lights the backing ? my OEM ones are long gone with backing too I threw them out and I wish I knew better at the time to keep em . also when I turn on the headlights the headlight symbol doesn't turn on or the high beams does that mean the bulb is burnt out . is there a link for that one too ?

 

[nk24]

going to order some of the lights soon is this the correct link for the lights the backing ? my OEM ones are long gone with backing too I threw them out and I wish I knew better at the time to keep em . also when I turn on the headlights the headlight symbol doesn't turn on or the high beams does that mean the bulb is burnt out . is there a link for that one too ?

It appears that link has updated to the newer style with the housings.

For the high beam indicator, I’m not sure what bulb that requires. There is no indicator for headlights, only for high beams.

 

[MikekiM]

This link you have listed here is this the correct one for me to order the new lights I need ? I clicked on the link and glad they have housings already

These are what I ordered so they all matched.. The is for all interior bulbs.

Parts Required (1997-2002)

• Cluster (5 required)
• Footwells, Sound Bar and Shifter Lights (4 required)
• Hard Top Light (1 required)
• Rocker Switch Lights (The amount required depends on how many rocker switches your TJ has. Make sure to get the 4mm bulbs.)
• HVAC Lights (3 bulbs required. Make sure to get the 4mm bulbs.)

I removed the upshift bulb from the cluster.

Since doing them in Sept of 2022 I've had to replace one HVAC bulb and the dome light is just starting to flicker.. I had purchased extras of everything.

 

[LONGJP2]

I put natural white in the ac control. A little brighter (and bluer) than stock, but not overwhelming. It actually matches my aftermarket stereo. I also put a natural white in the gear selector, but its a little too bright for me. I'm going to try a warm white. Wasn't looking for a different look, just trying to reduce the heat.

 

[MikeE024]

I put natural white in the ac control. A little brighter (and bluer) than stock, but not overwhelming. It actually matches my aftermarket stereo. I also put a natural white in the gear selector, but its a little too bright for me. I'm going to try a warm white. Wasn't looking for a different look, just trying to reduce the heat.

In case you are interested, I used a resistor to match the selector brightness to the dash about four years ago (still good to go). This allowed me to choose the color and brightness I preferred.

I attached gator clips to different resistors until I got the desired lumen output. I then cut the stalks down and encapsulated the resistor in overlapping heat-shrink splices. I did this to seal out moisture, add rigidity, and to provide a heat barrier for added safety (even though it didn't get warm to the touch).

I used the same method to match the color and brightness of my front corner lights when I converted to LEDs.

I believe this is the kit I used.

 

[LONGJP2]

View attachment 264528

Did you put LEDs in your pod gauges?
If so, do you remember which one?

 

[LONGJP2]

The shifter led is not the one that is linked, it’s too wide, and you don’t need to shave or trim the plastic. The bulb needed is linked below…

https://www.superbrightleds.com/194-led-bulb-cob-led-t3-25-miniature-wedge-base-135-lumens

Something my OCD noticed with this bulb.
Because the LEDs only point front and back, there is less light going to the N on the gear selector.
It's slightly dimmer than the rest of the selections.
Out of curiosity, I'll probably try this one too.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/194...base?queryID=e2db4e3adbc351a24f6dbe9aa4178d43

 

[MikeE024]

Something my OCD noticed with this bulb.
Because the LEDs only point front and back, there is less light going to the N on the gear selector.
It's slightly dimmer than the rest of the selections.
Out of curiosity, I'll probably try this one too.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/194...base?queryID=e2db4e3adbc351a24f6dbe9aa4178d43

That style worked better than the others I tried.

 

[Cloaked_TJ06]

Since I just bought a new to me 2004 Rubicon, I decided to do this mod again. I also wanted to verify that everything I said above was correct.

Here are some photos for the lights in the rocker switches. Once you pull out the frame for the switches (and power outlets), you'll see this:

View attachment 32888

To get to the main switch light, you need to pull each switch from the frame. It is much easier to do if you unplug each of the switches and outlets. There are clips on both top and bottom. Pry the clips carefully with a very small flat screwdriver or a thin trim removal tool. Be very careful as these clips are easy to break. Once you get a switch out, you'll see this:

View attachment 32889

On the bottom is the main switch light bulb. This bulb is illuminated any time the parking lights or headlights are on. Turn the bulb a 1/4 turn with pliers or a very small screwdriver to remove. The replacement light on the bottom is the 4mm (from post #2).

I made a mistake in my earlier post that the bottom and top bulbs are the same. Unfortunately, the top light (for the indicator) is a different bulb and I'm not sure what size it is. My best guess would be a 3mm size in the same style as the 4mm bulbs.

View attachment 32890

As you can see from the first photo, the indicator bulbs are accessible without removing the switches from the frame.

If you have a Rubicon model, the Axle Lock switch is a tougher one to swap to LED. The inside of the switch looks like this:

View attachment 32891

I didn't attempt to swap these bulbs, as it appears there would need to be some soldering. I'm sure someone with the right expertise would have no problem.

The finished product:

View attachment 32892

View attachment 32893

View attachment 32894

You can see that the Axle Lock switch is a touch dim compared to the other switches (since I didn't swap it), but it isn't drastically different. I can definitely live with it. Also, I wanted to show the indicator light on the rear defrost switch because I didn't change that one either and it still looks pretty good. I'd be curious to see how bright it is with an LED if someone were to determine the bulb.

Coming across this thread and wanting to do the lighting for my interior of my 06 TJ Auto , what colors did you do for the cluster bulbs , HVAC ? also what is the ones for the shifter and sound bar lights ? all of my lights are burnt out and want to replace em with leds . my cluster no longer has the factory OEM bracket for the bulbs does the site sell em with the bracket too ? if you have the links to everything could you send that too me ?