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4257 LED Bulbs | Brake, Turn, Tail & Reverse CANbus Replacement

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4257 LED Replacement Bulbs for Brake, Turn Signal, Tail & Reverse Lighting

Underground Lighting collection 4257 LED bulbs, the solid-state upgrade of the OEM 4257 dual-filament incandescent bulb defined by the W2.5x16q wedge base and dual-circuit hi/lo filament architecture (~27W/8W) used in North American rear signalling systems. The 4257 platform supports brake + tail dual-intensity, rear or front turn signal, parking/running light, and reverse (WT21 white) functions in reflector lamp assemblies commonly found in trucks and SUVs, such as Ford F-Series.

Technical attributes:

  • Base / Fitment: W2.5x16q wedge push-in socket (plug-in fitment).
  • OEM electrical: 12V DC nominal; incandescent hi/lo ≈ 27W / 8W.
  • LED electrical: typical draw ~2–10W depending on model (dual-filament emulation requires driver circuitry).
  • Luminous output (LED): model-dependent ~600–1,800 lumens per bulb (brake/turn variants), up to ~1,200–2,400 lm for high-output reverse versions.
  • Color / legal output: amber for turn, red for brake/tail, white for reverse — matched to lens color to meet DOT/ECE color rules.
  • Polarity / CANbus: many units are polarity-sensitive; CANbus-ready models include integrated resistors or driver ICs to avoid hyperflash and bulb-out errors.

Products in this collection are engineered to solve 3 common retrofit issues:

 (1) hyperflash caused by low LED draw (solved with built-in resistors or external 6–8Ω harnesses), 

(2) fitment interference from large heatsinks (solved with compact/fanless SKUs), and

 (3) dual-filament logic mismatch (solved by true dual-channel LED drivers that emulate hi/lo filament states).

Optical & housing integration — what matters: 

4257 LED replacements use radial multi-chip arrays or 360° emitter placement to mimic filament fill inside reflector-based rear lamp housings; this preserves even reflector fill for brake and tail functions and prevents hotspotting. For clear-lens turn housings, amber-output chips or switchback dual-mode chips (white DRL → amber signal) are used to remain street-legal and reduce glare.

Installation & reliability notes (values & warnings): plug-in wedge fitment is no-tool for most sockets, but verify pin orientation and polarity — some LED bulbs require correct polarity to operate. 

CANbus-sensitive ECUs: if the vehicle's blink rate is pre-2008 or the BCM is highly sensitive, plan for a Resistor harness or the “CANbus-Verified” SKU. 

Technology Variants in This Collection

  • Red brake/turn 4257 LEDs with integrated resistors
  • Amber front/rear turn 4257 LEDs
  • White 4257 WT21 reverse CANbus LEDs
  • Vehicle-specific Ford F-Series signal LEDs
  • Dual-intensity brake/tail LED variants

These products enable complete rear signal upgrades through Underground Lighting, preserving OEM socket fitment while improving brightness, response time, and electrical efficiency across brake, tail, turn, and reverse lighting systems.

Explore our premium fog light, turn signal light, and switchback turn signal light collections crafted for maximum visibility and reliability.

Whether you’re upgrading for safety or style, we have options tailored to your needs.

Our Bulb Finder makes it easy to verify the right bulbs for your specific vehicle.

No guesswork—just perfect fitment every time.

Check compatibility now and shop the best lighting upgrades.

Functional Benefits of Underground Lighting 4257 LED Bulb Upgrades

  • Instant Dual-Intensity LED Response Improves Brake Safety

    LED activation is instantaneous, eliminating filament delay and improving reaction time for following drivers during braking and signalling events.

  • Higher Luminous Output Across Brake, Turn & Reverse

    LED brightness of ~600–1800+ lumens significantly exceeds halogen output, increasing visibility in daylight braking, signalling, and reversing scenarios.

  • Accurate Hi/Lo Circuit Replication

    Dual-channel LED drivers preserve OEM tail (low) and brake/turn (high) brightness separation, preventing constant-bright or flicker issues.

  • Reduced Electrical Load & Heat

    LED operation at ~2–10W vs ~27W halogen reduces wiring load, socket heat, and reflector thermal stress in rear lamp assemblies.

  • CANbus-Stable Operation Without Hyperflash

    Integrated resistors or CANbus ICs emulate halogen current draw engineered to mimic 21–27W halogen load signatures, preventing fast-blink and dashboard errors on BCM-monitored circuits.

  • Long Service Life for Fleet & Truck Use

    Solid-state LEDs rated ~20,000–50,000 hours reduce replacement frequency in high-duty vehicles like trucks, trailers, and commercial.

How to Install 4257 LED Bulbs in Your Vehicle

Installing 4257 LED bulbs in your vehicle can greatly improve your car’s lighting. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

  1. Gather Tools and Equipment: You will need tools like screwdrivers, gloves, and the correct LED bulbs for your vehicle.
  2. Check Compatibility: Make sure the 4257 LED bulbs are compatible with your car. Check your vehicle's manual or ask an expert if you're unsure.
  3. Safety First: Disconnect the car battery to avoid any electrical issues during installation.
  4. Remove Old Bulbs: Find the old bulbs by accessing the headlight or taillight housing. Carefully remove them without damaging the socket.
  5. Install New Bulbs: Put the 4257 LED bulbs into the socket and ensure they fit securely. Avoid touching the bulbs directly to keep them clean.
  6. Reconnect Battery: After installing, reconnect the car battery and test the new bulbs to make sure they work properly.
  7. Maintenance Check: Regularly check the bulbs for wear and tear to keep them shining bright.

Follow these steps to install your 4257 LED bulbs safely and effectively.

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