GEN 2 Brighter BLIS LEDs on mirror, or possibly install an aftermarket additional bulb?

[Ski4Ever]

I've noticed that if I just give a quick glance to my mirror, especially during a bright day, or when driving at night and there's a lot of additional traffic around, that it's hard to immediately tell that my BLIS LED is on. It's not that it's broken, or that it doesn't work as well as it used to, it's just that I'd prefer if it was brighter, or in a different location. Anyone else had this problem and decided to do anything about it? I was thinking of doing something like what this guy did in the link below, assuming it wouldn't be possible to just replace the existing LED with something brighter. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions one way or another?

BLIS LED visibility mod? - Ford Flex Forum

For those that don't want to scroll through that entire post, here's what he ended up doing:

 

[ColoradoBoss]

I never rely on BLIS, I always check my mirrors and look over my shoulder.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I never rely on BLIS, I always check my mirrors and look over my shoulder.

So do we but it isn't bad to have BLIS to double check you.

 

[Ski4Ever]

Anyone (@FordTechOne, maybe?) have any ideas if I can just disconnect the existing LED and replace it with a different one that could be mounted in a different location? Or would that screw with some other signal, etc?

 

[ColoradoBoss]

Anyone have any ideas if I can just disconnect the existing LED and replace it with a different one that could be mounted in a different location? Or would that screw with some other signal, etc?

The LED is integrated in the glass so you would have to pull the signal off the harness somewhere and attach it to your own LED like they did on that Flex. I wouldn't jerryrig stuff like that on my $70k+ rig, but that's just me.

 

[Ski4Ever]

The LED is integrated in the glass so you would have to pull the signal off the harness somewhere and attach it to your own LED like they did on that Flex. I wouldn't jerryrig stuff like that on my $70k+ rig, but that's just me.

Yeah, I'm guessing/hoping there's some sort of plug/harness inside the mirror that I can disconnect that will allow me to get the LED signal (which I'm hoping is just 12VDC). I could then see about adding another LED similar to what they did. I would just temporarily attach it at first, to see if it works, and how it looks. Then, once I get something that works and I like the location of, I can drill a small hole for it. I'd also try to find something that could easily be plugged with a small black plastic cap, if need be, if I decide at some point that it doesn't look right.

 

[melvimbe]

Here's the mirror part.

2015-2020 Ford F-150 Mirror Glass FL3Z-17K707-AH | TascaParts.com

2015-2020 Ford F-150 part # FL3Z-17K707-AH - Mirror Glass

www.tascaparts.com

You are correct that there is a wiring harness for this and you can just pull the mirror off (gently) to access behind the mirror. I've replace the signal lamps on mine previously.

If you really want to pursue this, I would pull off your mirrors, disconnect the BLISS and have a look around. You might be able to get a new harness for your new LED at an autoparts store, or pull one from the junk yard. Or buy spare mirrors and tear those a part. I wouldn't want to leave the existing mirror in tact.

The other thing I'd be concerned about is that whatever new LED you use will have to match voltage and maybe amps of the existing LED.

 

[Oldfart]

Maybe @FordTechOne will chime in, but from everything I have seen so far on the electronics on these trucks, there are no easy solutions because all the voltages are being read by one of the modules and when the readings of the draws bump a little, it causes an issue. I miss the old days sometimes!

 

[FordTechOne]

That LED in the first picture looks like it would cause some bad window glare at night. I’ve never had an issue seeing the BLIS indicator in my mirrors; also remember that if it’s illuminated and you turn on your turn signal, it will begin to flash as a warning.

Wiring diagram shows that the DDM and PDM provide power and ground to the BLIS LEDs in the mirrors. Which means they can most likely defect a change in resistance due to an incorrect bulb. It’s not something I would recommend modifying.