LED gauge problems..

[jakelandry]

Ok i had a light out in my speedometer so i went in to change it out and i figured id just throw an led in its place. I tried just soldering an led straight in but it flashed and wouldnt come on. I diddnt solder a resistor to it though. Would it work without the resistor?

 

[needsy]

You probably blew out the LED. LEDs are designed for low voltages and very low currents. Without a resistor, it more than likely blew from too much current. LEDs are not drop-in replacements for regular bulbs.

 

[Spdfreak]

LEDs must have a resistor in series to limit the current to a safe value, for quick testing purposes a 1k resistor is suitable for most LEDs if your supply voltage is 12V or less. If you supply direct battery voltage it will blow everytime.

 

[jakelandry]

LEDs must have a resistor in series to limit the current to a safe value, for quick testing purposes a 1k resistor is suitable for most LEDs if your supply voltage is 12V or less. If you supply direct battery voltage it will blow everytime.

Yea i learned that they will blow without the resistors. I just went and bought some 470 resistors and soldered them in. worked great. thanks for the help guys.