LED tail light conversion

[Hammerfang]

Just got all of the parts (used OEM + new adapter) to convert my tail lights to LED on my 02/01 build coupe.

It’s my understanding that I’ll need to code the updated LCZ to not show the mileage tamper dot but have a few questions.

1. will driving the car with the tamper dot cause any issues in tracking mileage/store in the DME that the mileage is off? Not planning on selling this car, but I’d rather not have any funny business with the mileage.
2. (Assuming all of my parts and install are good) Will I need any coding to get the lights to work properly (ignoring the tamper light)?
3. Do I need to take the car to a dealership or Indy shop to clear the tamper dot or is it something I can do at home?

[Bob Sacamano]

Yes, you need to code the LCZ for the new LED tail lights. When you do this, you can also write the mileage to the LCZ so that you don't end up with a tamper dot. There are good YouTube guides on how to do this.

[bavarian3]

1. will driving the car with the tamper dot cause any issues in tracking mileage/store in the DME that the mileage is off? Not planning on selling this car, but I’d rather not have any funny business with the mileage.

The mileage will still be recorded, there's just a mismatch with the LCM and DME resulting in the dot indicator.


2. (Assuming all of my parts and install are good) Will I need any coding to get the lights to work properly (ignoring the tamper light)?

No.


3. Do I need to take the car to a dealership or Indy shop to clear the tamper dot or is it something I can do at home?

No need to shy away from the coding part. t's easily done at home.

You just need a sufficient battery charger(not tender), windows laptop, and one of these PA Soft 1.4 programmers. Then you can code the LCM + read, clear fault codes.

Use this thread for general pa soft 1.4 info and use youtube for the actual LCM vin rewriting part.

There I sourced everything for you now go do it right =) I did this job recently, briefly captured in this build thread post

[dustyice]

I just did this recently. My biggest advice is to use ChatGPT to help with troubleshooting. It was really helpful considering I was using a windows 11 laptop.

The hardest part was locating the software (because the cable comes with it on a CD) and then configuring the ports. It is a bit of a pain, but considering the indy shops near me wanted to just bypass the error using a fuse, im glad I did it properly.

I bought a PA Soft BMW Scanner cable and a used LCM (2004-2006 model) off ebay. I also bough a K+Dcan cable off amazon. I then used this video and this video to walk me through the process.

You got this!

[bavarian3]

I just did this recently. My biggest advice is to use ChatGPT to help with troubleshooting. It was really helpful considering I was using a windows 11 laptop.

The hardest part was locating the software (because the cable comes with it on a CD) and then configuring the ports. It is a bit of a pain, but considering the indy shops near me wanted to just bypass the error using a fuse, im glad I did it properly.

I bought a PA Soft BMW Scanner cable and a used LCM (2004-2006 model) off ebay. I also bough a K+Dcan cable off amazon. I then used this video and this video to walk me through the process.

You got this!

That guy has the software in his video description. It's around. I do now recall having some hurdles installing the software as well, but nothing too bad.

BTW pointing out the K+DCAN cable may be confusing to OP as this isn't compatible or required for this use. Useful cable to have though.

[m3panda]

That guy has the software in his video description. It's around. I do now recall having some hurdles installing the software as well, but nothing too bad.

BTW pointing out the K+DCAN cable may be confusing to OP as this isn't compatible or required for this use. Useful cable to have though.

But wait, you do need the K+DCAN to rewrite the VO via NCSExpert... what would he use to code the LCM?

Tip: If you have previous custom coding done to your LCM – backup your current LCM coding by reading out the FSW_PSW.trc trace file using NCS Dummy. Then, run a diff against the prev trace file against the "fresh" readout once the new VO is written to the LCM.

[YYZ-M3]

Just did this exactly - OEM tails plus version 3.6 LCM.

What tool do I need to update the software in the LCM to the newest version 4.7 to enable the triple blink?

[bavarian3]

But wait, you do need the K+DCAN to rewrite the VO via NCSExpert... what would he use to code the LCM?

Tip: If you have previous custom coding done to your LCM – backup your current LCM coding by reading out the FSW_PSW.trc trace file using NCS Dummy. Then, run a diff against the prev trace file against the "fresh" readout once the new VO is written to the LCM.

Correct me if i'm wrong, but the early model lcm's are not compatible with led tail lights. If they are i'd love to know.

I simply got an lcm from a donor car and swapped. Nothing else was required than what I mentioned.

[Slideways]

Correct me if i'm wrong, but the early model lcm's are not compatible with led tail lights. If they are i'd love to know.

Yes, early LCM are not compatible.

Certain later LCM can upgrade to triple blink and brake force display IIRC.

[m3panda]

Correct me if i'm wrong, but the early model lcm's are not compatible with led tail lights. If they are i'd love to know.

I simply got an lcm from a donor car and swapped. Nothing else was required than what I mentioned.

Ah yes true - I missed the build date part. I have a pre-LCI but have a later build date (Oct 2002), was fortunate to inherit the MK60 and the later LCM (car still came with halogens tail lights).

So yes OP's 02/01 LCM wouldn't work and he would have to get a newer LCM.

[Hammerfang]

Just got all of my parts, so will give it a try this weekend.

My “new” LCM is version 3.6 if that means anything/makes it easier to program.

[Hammerfang]

Well I’m a dumb @$$$…wanted to clean/polish the tail lights before installing and used headlight restorer which left some big streaks and a foggy appearance (which did not exist before).

I’m thinking the headlight restorer is more aggressive as headlights are made of tougher material.

Any thoughts?

[Slideways]

Well I’m a dumb @$$$…wanted to clean/polish the tail lights before installing and used headlight restorer which left some big streaks and a foggy appearance (which did not exist before).

I’m thinking the headlight restorer is more aggressive as headlights are made of tougher material.

Any thoughts?

Which kit is this? Typically, most kits include a standard polish, but some could have a more aggressive compound. Clean them up with some IPA or detail spray and hand polish them with whatever automotive polish you have on hand. Meguires M205 would work for this.

[Hammerfang]

Thanks will give this a try, it was a well reviewed kit on amazon with a “ceramic” coating that I think is the culprit. When I wet sanded with 2000 and 3000 sandpaper it looked pretty good.

[fattycharged]

Just installed a set of OE LED's on an 01, mine are both flickering when on, is this a result of not having them coded and a power issue or...? I had previously run a set of DEPO led's for years until I got tired of the faded red, this was prior owner activities from over a decade ago, assuming he had to code for those as well?