[SubeRupner]

PUTCO® - Subaru Outback 2011-2013 Interior Dome Light Replacement LED Bulbs

Anyone tried these before? I wouldn't mind a little more light in the cargo area as well.

I just installed them. Easy to do and they're a much brighter white light than the dim yellow light from the factory light bulbs.

 

[SubeRupner]

Anyone know what are the replacements for the center dome and two front lights? Same bulb/adapter or a different one for the middle and the fronts? I would like to go all LED in the cabin if these LEDs don't run hot.

The Putco kit (p/n 980721) contains all 4 LEDs. You got me curious about the temps, so I turned on the center and cargo lights and left them on for about 15 minutes.

Using a Fluke 62 Mini IR Thermometer with a brand new battery to measure temp, the garage surface temps were 67-69 degrees F. Random surfaces in the OB were 74-76. The highest temp was for the center light while on at 98.0 F The cargo was around 94. Temps dropped off quickly with distance and the edges of the lens were mid 80s or less.

They don't feel hot, just warm to warmer, and the Fluke backs that up. I don't know how they'll last, but I'm feeling better about taking the leap to LEDs. Those backup lights are calling me...

(I don't work for or have any financial or other interest in Putco. I read about them on this website and am reporting back)

 

[SubeRupner]

So are those temps with the LEDs, or the stock bulbs, then? Did you take the measurements with the covers on or off? I only have a cheap harbour freight thermometer, but I'm sure it'll be accurate enough for this.

The temps are for the Putco LEDs with the lens/covers left on. I tried measurements holding the thermometer at different lengths from the fixtures. The highest measure temp was from about an inch away directly at the diodes, with them on and immediately after turning them off. These LEDs didn't seem to add much heat, so I'm guessing their current draw is also fairly low compared to the factory incandescent bulbs. Best of both worlds: lots of light with little current draw or heat generated.

I should have also measured the temps before I swapped the old for the new LEDs, but didn't think of it and didn't know it might be an issue. The Fluke meter I'm using was their entry level model a few years ago, but seems to be reasonably accurate, especially for stuff like this.

If anything, the LEDs for the lamp lights in front might be too bright for my eyes and I leave them off. I'll have to remember to close one eye when I turn them on so as not to temporarily lose all night vision. Impressive. They light up the center and cargo areas really well.

 

[SubeRupner]

I don't know how they'll last, but I'm feeling better about taking the leap to LEDs.

Follow up on my Putco LED experience:

The cargo light became intermittent last week, followed by smoke and darkness. :28: