3157 VS 3157CK LED Bulbs
Overview of What The Article Will Cover
Are All 3157 bulbs the Same?
The 3157/T25 wedge-shaped bulb is most commonly used in vehicles for turn signals, reverse lights, brake light bulbs, etc., and is a very common bulb size.
The main number for this bulb is 3157, but some manufacturers make bulbs with different numbers depending on the characteristics of the bulb. For example, If it is a long-life bulb the bulb number may be listed as 3157LL or 3157K. And the 3157NALL is a standard filament-type bulb with amber coating while the 3157A was high output clear bulb. If you have a 3157 bulb socket, any of the bulbs listed above will work.
But when it comes to LED the other incandescent bulb features are not important.
It is necessary to note whether the socket type the bulb plugged is CK or standard.
Why is this important? Let us explain next.
Consequences of installing an incompatible bulb
Before we discuss the differences in sockets, let's look at the effect of installing the wrong bulb. If you install a CK model LED bulb in a standard socket, this bulb will not work properly. What's worse is that it may blow the protective circuit fuse - that depends on the vehicle.
You may ask why this does not affect incandescent or halogen bulbs. Incandescent bulbs and halogen bulbs use heated coils to illuminate, requiring only one positive contact and one negative contact. From an electrical point of view, there is no "polarity sensitive" operation with incandescent or halogen bulbs, only with LED and HID systems.
Polarity sensitivity simply means that a bulb can only be inserted and contacted in one way to work properly (from positive to positive, from negative to negative).
If the connections are incorrect (negative to positive, etc.) then they will not operate or damage the fuse. So this is why it is important to connect the 3157CK LED bulb to the 3157CK wired socket.
What is different between the Standard and CK Socket?
Standard Bulb Socket CK also known as SCK, SACK, or SRCK like this: 3157CK, 3157SACK, 3157SRCK
What is the difference between the Standard and CK sockets? Although they look the same in appearance, the difference is in the way the sockets are connected.
CK/SRCK sockets are wired differently than standard sockets in most Japanese and American vehicles, and you can view the wiring for the standard bulb vs. the CK bulb in the image below!
These wire configurations can be found on standard 7443 LED bulbs and 7443CK LED bulbs in addition to standard 3157 LED bulbs and 3157 CK LED bulbs.
However, in some years, only a few manufacturers produce cars that use CK wired outlets.
HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR SOCKET TYPE
1. Search for vehicle information on Google, vehicle forums, or YouTube
If you drive a popular vehicle, someone on the Internet may have already tested if your car or truck requires a CK or a normal-style bulb via next Method and provided you with the answer.
We recommend you do some searching research on Google, YouTube, Vehicle Facebook groups, or Vehicle forums with your vehicle's year, make, model, and keywords like "LED", "CK", "C/K", "Turn Signal Bulb", or any other applicable keywords you can think of. You can even ask a direct question on the forum and you may get the answer you want soon!
2. Check the original halogen light bulb size
If you cannot find the information you need using the search engine, we recommend checking the light bulbs or sockets on your car. Most CK bulbs will mark SRCK on the bulb base, but not all will be marked.
Another method is to remove the taillight socket and take a look at the inside. Orient the socket so that it matches the image below. Standard sockets have both grounds on the left side of the socket and the high and low circuits on the right. CK wired socket has the ground on the top and the high and low circuits below.
3. Do your own testing
The third method with digital multi-meter or test light is more professional and technical. If you are not familiar with how to conduct the test, we recommend that you find relevant testing videos on YouTube to guide you through completing the socket style test or ask a technician. In addition, please remove all tail light bulbs before testing, otherwise, the filament in the brake circuit will read as a “false ground”.
(3157 or 7443 CK type or standard type test from @JDM ASTAR)
What vehicles have CK sockets?
Here is a list of possibly confirmed vehicles that use CK-style sockets (NOTE: You must test your sockets BEFORE you purchase your new LED bulbs):
- 2008-2015 Scion xB brake lights: 7443SRCK
- 2013-2015 Ford C-MAX outer Brake/taillights: 7443CK
- 2005-2010 Honda Civic COUPE (not sedan) Front Turn Signals: 3157CK
- 2005-2013 Toyota Corolla front turn signals: 3157CK
- 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma front turn signals: 4157CK
- 2006-2019 Toyota Tundra front turn signals: 4157CK
- 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima front turn signals: 3157CK
- 2004 Acura MDX front turn signals: 3157CK
- 2005 Nissan Pathfinder front turn signals: 3157CK
- 2005-2011 Nissan Xterra front turn signals: 3157CK
- 2002-2007 Toyota Camry front turn signals: 3157CK
- 2008 Ford Escape front turn signals: 3157CK
- 2011 Toyota Avalon front turn signals: 3157CK
- 2013-2015 Honda Accord Coupe front turn signals: 3157CK
- 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek front turn signals: 7443CK
- 2018 Land Rover Discovery front turn signals: 7443CK
- 2012-2014 Acura TL front turn signals: 3157CK
- 2016-2020 Chevrolet Colorado front turn signals: 7443CK
- 2013-2018 Chevrolet Equinox front turn signals: 7443CK
- 2015-2017 Chevrolet Impala front turn signals: 7443CK
- 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado Custom front turn signals: 7443CK
- 2018-2019 Ford Expedition front turn signals: 7443CK
- 2019 GMC Canyon front turn signals: 7443CK
- 2010-2013 Honda Pilot front turn signals: 3157CK
- 2006-2007 Nissan Frontier front turn signals: 3156CK
- 2019-2020 Ram 1500 front turn signals: 3157CK
- 2018-2019 Subaru Impreza front turn signals: 7440CK
- 2005-2020 Toyota Sienna front turn signals: 7440CK
- 2008-2012 Toyota Sequoia front turn signals: 3157CK
LED bulbs compatible with standard and CK sockets
Are AUXITO bulbs suitable for both standard and CK sockets?
Checking whether your 3157 OR 7443 bulb is CK or standard can be a tricky task for most people unless you are a professional electrician.
AUXITO offers these polarity-insensitive LED bulbs that are compatible with standard and CK sockets for use in vehicle tail lights, reversing lights, brake lights, turn signal lights, and marker lights. You don't have to worry about problems caused by installing bulbs with incompatible polarity.
In addition, the AUXITO 3157 OR 7443LED bulb with dual contact and dual function can emit a 360° viewing angle for better, allover light emission with reduced hot spots.
3157 LED Bulbs
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14K |
54H |
102H |
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7443 LED Bulbs
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Series |
14K |
54H |
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Main Feature |
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