What is the difference between these bulbs?

[Matthew]

Decided to pull the front turn singnal / parking light bulbs out to have a look at them. The number on the bulb is 2537 bulb and socket is the same as the 1157 bulb and socket. Would an 1157 bulb work in a 2537 socket?

Topic

[redfury]

“A 2357 bulb is a direct replacment of the 1157. Same physical bulb base, but has bright brake element (40 lumens versus 32 lumens) with minor additional current draw”

Found that with a quick google search.

So, yes, you can use either bulb, you will have different brightness from them.

[richiepearce]

do you mean 2357? if so it will work, However you should use the bulbs specified in the manual as the amperage’s are different.

[Coty Miller]

Based on information provided above it will be fine, but take caution that the bulbs will not be as bright… The brighter the better, that way people can see your lights better…

@richiepearce: A lower amperage draw will not do anything electrically, otherwise people would have tons of problems when swapping their lights for direct LED replacements, or when putting “power saver” bulbs in their homes, however using more amperage than a circuit is rated for would most likely blow a fuse and different voltage is completely different, as it could blow a bulb or fail to power it. 😉

[richiepearce]

@dohc-kindaguy: I agree to the lower amperage draw explanation you have given.

I still stand by my advise to use the bulb the vehicle manual recommends,as you state the the bulb will not be as bright.

Just because a bulb will fit does not mean it will be ok. the circuits are designed for specific amperage.

Why go to the bother of researching if a replacement bulb is ok to use on a particular circuit when they only cost pence, unless a mod is being carried out.

I have seen led upgrades on indicators that affect the flash rate as the mod has not been carried out correctly.

[redfury]

Usually that’s due to not upgrading to a digital flasher instead of the old analog one, or getting the appropriate resistors designed to allow normal flashing.

I do agree that getting the proper bulb is the way to go, but in a pinch it’s good knowledge to have that another bulb will work temporarily. It’s always good to pursue knowledge, even if it’s something as simple as bulb terminology and deciphering the numbers. There’s a reason the manufacturers use particular bulbs, and there’s a reason they are labeled the way they are as well…everyone is going to have to replace an automotive bulb at least once in their lives.

[richiepearce]

Here in England bulbs are available a nearly every petrol station, hardware store, mot station and garage. So as far as bulbs are concerned using an incorrect rated bulb has no justification unless there is some modding going on.
On an xtype Jag where you either need tiny hands or move the bumper would you want to do the same job twice for a few pence? That’s not what I call fun.

Something that has not be mentioned is certain vehicles are fitted with bulb warning indicators and when fitting an incorrect bulb the ecu will still report bulb failure due to the wrong signal being received.

For information this link has a list of bulb part numbers and information.

http://www.candlepowerinc.com/pdfs/numerical.index.pdf

[Author]

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