Bulb replacement question (2021 CX-5 GT)

[RonK]

Not sure if this is the correct sub-forum, but from personal experience, can anyone tell me which bulbs can be or SHOULD be replaced with LEDs in 2021 CX-5 GT? Thanks

 

[cornerking]

I'm pretty sure you can replace most bulbs with LEDs, but whether you should is another question. Headlights might need some research. Have you checked the owner's manual for any warnings?

 

[Mazdiod2]

Not sure if this is the correct sub-forum, but can anyone tell me which bulbs can be or SHOULD be replaced with LEDs in 2021 CX-5 GT? Thanks

Do you mean exterior running lights?

 

[RonK]

I'm pretty sure you can replace most bulbs with LEDs, but whether you should is another question. Headlights might need some research. Have you checked the owner's manual for any warnings?

Thanks for the response. I also have a 2021 CX-9 GT and with that, I changed the rear turning signals, back up lighting, license plate lights and interior lights at various places. I was just curious as to why so many are saying to forget the replacements as they NOW require an entire circuit board replacing of halogens and/or LEDs regardless of whether they need replacing or not (you fix one, you fix 'em all). This way the Mazda Service "Industrial Complex" can squeeze MORE out the owners despite their abilities to do upgrades and repairs on their own. I was wondering if the ability to change to LEDs has been relegated to only the CX-9 and NOT the CX-5 GT even of the same year. I cannot seem to find the same LED replacements in the 2021 CX-5 as I do in the 2021 CX-9 manuals. I have both Electronic Manuals , so if you could prove otherwise to my claim with the manual pages, I would forever be in your debt...hehe. Again thanks.

 

[RonK]

Do you mean exterior running lights?

On my 2021 (same year as the one in question) CX-9 GT, I replaced both interior AND exterior bulbs for LED lights. Not all of them but maybe 4-5 different locations. The LEDs that I got for my CX-9 were 921 for Backup/Reverse lights, N3 DE3175 for Dome/Map/Courtesy Lights, CANBUS 7440 Amber for Turn signals, and WY21W (7443NA) for Front Turn signal. I think those were the ones I changed out.

 

[RonK]

This inquiry is for my son (2025 CX-5GT Signature), daughter (2021 CX-5 Sport), and brother-in-law (2021 CX-5 GT). All bought within the past few months. The whole family loves the Mazda line-up.

 

[Mazdiod2]

I think, that at least for my MY16.5 CX5, I can replace about any of the incandesent lights with LEDs, with the exception of the headlights. I don't want to disassemble anything complicated, so the dashboard lighting is too much for me.

Brakes lights (maybe the most important), turn signals, running and backup lights shouldn't be a problem.

What bulbs are used for these function on your vehicle(s)?

 

[RonK]

I think, that at least for my MY16.5 CX5, I can replace about any of the incandesent lights with LEDs, with the exception of the headlights. I don't want to disassemble anything complicated, so the dashboard lighting is too much for me.

Brakes lights (maybe the most important), turn signals, running and backup lights shouldn't be a problem.

What bulbs are used for these function on your vehicle(s)?

Yeah, if you look up at one of my posts, you'll see which ones I replaced (Rear backup, turn signals, license plate, interior map lights, tailgate lights, overhead interior lights. All of these were halogens if I'm not mistaken. I'm thinking that on my son's 2025, these allowable replacements will be gone.

 

[RonK]

So according to this, only the interior bulbs listed, can be replaced

 

[Mazdiod2]

If the 2024 already has LED then I guess you don't need to replace them. What about your 2021?

 

[RonK]

If the 2024 already has LED then I guess you don't need to replace them. What about your 2021?

As you can see with the included picture, the 2021 seems to have more available to switch over to from halogen. There's just nothing to indicate that you can change ANY in the 2024. See I thought you or anyone might have tried to do this. But if you haven't then I'll just wait for someone else to chime in. Thanks for keeping me company

 

[chickdr]

I changed the front and rear turn signals and interior lights on my 21 GTR. The front bulbs needed an external resistor. The rears are bulbs with a built-in resistor. They have worked perfectly for over 3yrs. Interior bulbs were just swap and play. No issues at all. Full LED on the CX-5 now.

 

[Epiphany]

I recently did the BRISHINE brand interior kit for my Canadian 21' GT. Came with bulbs for the plate but mine are factory LED. Huge improvement to the "feel" of the interior I find, the also fade in and out like stock bulbs. Easy to change and worth the price. All exterior lighting is already LED so I'm now full LED on mine too.

 

[Mazdiod2]

Generally, if you can remove the (incandescent) bulb, it will have a number on it that is easily cross-referenced to a compatible LED bulb.