Beginning with the oil lamp, progressing to the incandescent sealed beam and now High Intensity Discharge Lamps, LEDs and even Neon Bulbs in High mounted Stop Lights we can see how lighting system technology has kept pace with the changing automotive landscape. But you don't have to be "in the dark" if you just get an understanding of how these systems operate and how to go about diagnosing them so you can fix them right the first time. To learn more about lighting systems check out the latest New Model Features Service Know How(s) that apply to the vehicle line your dealership sells and take the Body Controller Class Components (18044.17W, 18044.16D1+D2 and H) 

High Intensity Discharge Lighting or HIDs offer more light for less power as well as longer life make HID an attractive option for vehicle manufacturers. Do the math; Halogen Low Beam Bulb Lamps need about 55 amps to run but only produce about half the lighting that an HID would. HIDs need only about 43 amps to run in their "steady state". They also more closely mimic actual daylight in color. To learn more about HIDs click here.

Light Emitting Diodes are finding their way into many lighting applications recently. From IPC backlighting to Map Reading lights, LEDs offer the advantages of using less power and providing longer life. But one area where LEDs really shine (pardon the pun, couldn't resist) is in stop light systems. The major reason, faster rise times (time to illuminate) than conventional bulbs. Vehicles traveling behind a driver with these LEDs will se the stop lights come on that much sooner affording the quicker response times. For more on the LED story click here.

Mik Stubing-Lead Instructor Northeast Region