Archaic Tail Light Full Led Install

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[ifrankyr]

I’m planning on buying a pair of these tail lights for my big bend with halogen taillights. I’ve never done any wiring before. Would someone be willing to make a harness if that’s possible to have the turn signal and brake lights work at the same time. Please let me know, I’ll pay.

 

[Bena9211]

Have you had any problems with the running lights turning off randomly when driving at night? I have a base and did the swap to these but was pulled over the other night because of the running lights not working. Brake lights and turning signal lights work but running lights seem to work when they want. Also noticed that when you do a remote start the running lights do not work at all even when you unlock and start driving.

 

[redone17]

Oh jeez.

I haven’t installed yet - was worried some issues may arise. Was planning on the swap tomorrow.

 

[Bena9211]

Oh jeez.

I haven’t installed yet - was worried some issues may arise. Was planning on the swap tomorrow.

Got in contact with Archaic and this was their response:

“It may be because the original car has a halogen version of the taillights, and the voltage is not enough after installing our taillights. It may be necessary to add a capacitor to the left tail light.”

I am going to purchase a capacitor and splice it into the running light wire and see if it does the trick! I will update soon!

 

[Bena9211]

Thought it might be helpful to include a video of what I mean when I say theres a delay. Sorry for the crappy angle, cold out and my garage is short. You can see the third brake light comes on before the brake light gets brighter. If you watch with audio you can also hear when my foot hits the brakes.

Have you had any problems with the running lights not coming on at night?

 

[redone17]

Got in contact with Archaic and this was their response:

“It may be because the original car has a halogen version of the taillights, and the voltage is not enough after installing our taillights. It may be necessary to add a capacitor to the left tail light.”

I am going to purchase a capacitor and splice it into the running light wire and see if it does the trick! I will update soon!

Ugh. They shouldn’t be selling these stating that they’re halogen compatible.

Keep us updated! I’m hesitant to install and get pinged when I go in for inspection due to the offset brake lights too.

What capacitor are you planning?

 

[reechar]

Have you had any problems with the running lights not coming on at night?

I haven't noticed, I don't do much driving at night. But I'll be on the lookout for it. I have funky issues with my left turn signal, it'll sometimes blink like ~2x-3x as fast. Seems inconsistent and random. I never have this problem with the right blinker, always left. When I last poked inside there seemed to be a resistor that was spliced in a bit loosely (just seemed to be twisted in with electrical tape). I think thats related, one of these days was going to pop everything open and securely splice in the resistor and hope that it fixes it.

 

[redone17]

’m finally getting around to trying to install these lights and they’re not working. All I’m getting is a reaction from the white reverse LEDs. Those are all that are illuminating whether it’s brake or blinker. None of the animations or red lights are illuminating.

I tried switching around the dip switches as well.

I sent an email to Archaic - is that the best form of communication?

 

[redone17]

@Bena9211 - how’d you get in touch with them? I just got the dreaded bounced email…

 

[Bena9211]

@Bena9211 - how’d you get in touch with them? I just got the dreaded bounced email…

Got the same error when I tried emailing them. The best way I’ve been communicating with them is through their chat feature on the website. You’ll get an email once they respond.

 

[redone17]

Got the same error when I tried emailing them. The best way I’ve been communicating with them is through their chat feature on the website. You’ll get an email once they respond.

Ok, thanks. I put in a claim via PayPal just in case - since it was almost 60 days since order date and they didn’t respond via Facebook or Instagram either. All which are suggested means of contact via their site.

Question. Did your pigtails snap in like factory? Mine wouldn’t. Wondering if that’s what’s causing the issue?

 

[ifrankyr]

Have you had any problems with the running lights not coming on at night?

Did you end up getting the chance to add a capacitor?

 

[Bena9211]

Did you end up getting the chance to add a capacitor?

I added the capacitor but no luck. Contacted them back and they said they would issue me a new pair due to be sent out on February.

 

[mclaffer]

Install guide for Archaic full led tail lights. Lights run $549.99 a set. I went with the smoked version.

Install will be for non led and led swaps. I cannot attest to the non led swap function with these settings. If you have the leds rears already you can expect the same results as the video from this post.

Special shout out to @reechar for informing me of the dip switches. Made the product work 100% as advertised.

Lot of people on here were saying these were a scam. I’m here to set the record straight. Had them delivered in 7 days once my order was placed. They will have to clear customs. I paid for them and bam! 7 days later was looking at the awesomeness in person.
https://www.archaic-direct.com/coll...022-2-4-door-plug-play?variant=40404514111548

Time to install. About 45 minutes if you’re quick. Bout a hour taking your time
install difficult, easy

Tools needed.
10mm socket
8mm socket
Philips screw driver
poly/plastic install tool. (plastic pry bar)

If you have the oem led version you may need depending on forscan settings
laptop
forscan program
forscan connection usb

First we will remove the rubber inner door liner. This will have 4 Phillips plastic retainer pins and a pair of 10mm bolts. After the fasteners are out, just work the rubber piece out.

Now we’re moving to the outside. Pull the flare off and set aside for now. We’re going to use the pry bar to separate the body panel. Behind this we will remove the upper 10mm bolt.

Then we will move back to the inside. We’re going to separate the trim piece. You will pry behind the black, not the painted piece. If you got excited and prayed the color piece off I’ve included a fix for that too. After the piece is separated we will remove the 2 8mm bolts. The trim piece will be held on by one lower bolt over the bumper. It is flexible but don’t go leaning on it.

If you messed this part up, no big deal. Little glue and shoo goo will get it right.

Next we’re going to take the 2 8mm bolts out. Then unplug the wire harness And wiggle and pull on the light to separate it from the body. Light comes out from the top, so if the bottom comes out on you first, push that back in and work the top out. Then remove the light.

Set the old light next to the new. Make sure the harness on the new light is tight. Also make sure the foam rubber grommets are in the correct place.

For those with led rears already we will remove this cap and set both dip switches to on. By default 1 should be on a 2 should be off.

Light will go back in from the top down. Reverse instructions to reassemble. Do not over tighten the bolts. Hair past snug is good.

If you had the standard lights, this should complete your install and as stated I’m unsure on proper settings on these (dip switch and or forscan) If led, follow the rest of the instructions.

At this point after setting the dip switches, check function. They should operate like the video. If they do not we’re going to check 4 items in forscan. Again this is for those who had leds already.

‘After you get FORScan connected and running we’re going to click on the cpu chip icon, then select the bdycm module.

Once on that screen with it populated we are going to change 4 parameters. Change them to what’s showing in the pics.

Make sure to save and follow the FORScan prompts. Gratz on your new light install! These things are sexy.

If anyone around the Detroit metro area or within a hour or so doing a non led swap let me know if you would like a hand. I am interested in figuring out the correct settings for the halogen swap.

Amazing recap and write up! Thank you and it looks awesome!!

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