LED reverse lights dim (All gears)
09-20-2013, 12:19 AM
#1
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LED reverse lights dim (All gears)
I've seen a few instances of this happening before, but don't recall if anyone has actually found the solution to this problem:
Customer has LED reverse lights that are lit dim in all gears, but come on full-power in reverse.
Personally, I think it has to do with the reverse switch, but I can't verify. Any ideas?
Customer has LED reverse lights that are lit dim in all gears, but come on full-power in reverse.
Personally, I think it has to do with the reverse switch, but I can't verify. Any ideas?
09-20-2013, 01:00 AM
#2
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i had that issue before.
what i found is that while a stock fillament bulb won't have that problem, the LED lights will draw power and be dimly lit even when "off".
i went to my local pep boys and added a sealed fillament bulb similar to this:
I wired the sealed bulb inline using the reverse light wiring. i then tucked it away in the rear bumper area when i installed my custom LED reverse lights.
the inline filament bulb will prevent the LED bulbs from turning on when they are supposed to be off.
now the LED reverse lights only turn on when reverse is activated.
what i found is that while a stock fillament bulb won't have that problem, the LED lights will draw power and be dimly lit even when "off".
i went to my local pep boys and added a sealed fillament bulb similar to this:
I wired the sealed bulb inline using the reverse light wiring. i then tucked it away in the rear bumper area when i installed my custom LED reverse lights.
the inline filament bulb will prevent the LED bulbs from turning on when they are supposed to be off.
now the LED reverse lights only turn on when reverse is activated.
09-20-2013, 05:33 AM
#4
Melting Slicks
Mine had the same issue also.After a lot of checking I found that one of the contacts on the bulb wasn't getting a proper connection.Took a small file and smoothed the contacts until they were even with each other and reinstalled the bulb.No problems since!
09-20-2013, 06:04 AM
#5
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St. Jude Donor '13
I had the same issue 99 coupe. My solution? Paid the bulbs forward last Christmas in the annual pay it forward thread.
09-20-2013, 07:28 AM
#6
Le Mans Master
I have LED taillights, backup lights (from RadioFlyer), ten - 2-ft & 3 ft LED Oznium strips, 5 interior LED single bulbs, LED hood light array, Muth LED signal mirrors, LED arrays in rearview mirror and a by-pass harness.
The only one that stays on dim is the hood light? It is also starting to blow out LEDs in the array. I have seen others report the same issue with hood light LEDs.
The only one that stays on dim is the hood light? It is also starting to blow out LEDs in the array. I have seen others report the same issue with hood light LEDs.
09-20-2013, 09:10 AM
#7
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I have LED taillights, backup lights (from RadioFlyer), ten - 2-ft & 3 ft LED Oznium strips, 5 interior LED single bulbs, LED hood light array, Muth LED signal mirrors, LED arrays in rearview mirror and a by-pass harness.
The only one that stays on dim is the hood light? It is also starting to blow out LEDs in the array. I have seen others report the same issue with hood light LEDs.
The only one that stays on dim is the hood light? It is also starting to blow out LEDs in the array. I have seen others report the same issue with hood light LEDs.
09-20-2013, 09:15 AM
#8
George,
I thought you told me a while ago to put a resister inline with the reverse lights. I did the regular bulb thing too, but I just removed the bulbs all together and just use a normal 1157.
Good luck
I thought you told me a while ago to put a resister inline with the reverse lights. I did the regular bulb thing too, but I just removed the bulbs all together and just use a normal 1157.
Good luck
09-20-2013, 09:46 AM
#9
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that will work, but I'm still curious why the reverse light issue has occurred on only 2 cars with the 20w LED bulbs.
09-20-2013, 10:19 AM
#10
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '13
There was a thread on this issue a couple years back, I hope it wasn't in an LED thread, but anyways if I recall there is minimal voltage in both the underwood light and the back up lights. I'm at work and can't search for it. I also don't recall there being a solution other than adding a resistor or extra bulb inline. Both unacceptable solutions to me.
It is a common problem.
It is a common problem.
09-20-2013, 10:42 AM
#11
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There was a thread on this issue a couple years back, I hope it wasn't in an LED thread, but anyways if I recall there is minimal voltage in both the underwood light and the back up lights. I'm at work and can't search for it. I also don't recall there being a solution other than adding a resistor or extra bulb inline. Both unacceptable solutions to me.
It is a common problem.
It is a common problem.
09-20-2013, 03:06 PM
#12
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17,'19,'22
No clue why it happens. My 99 didn't do it, but several customers over the years reported the problem.
Load resistors are fine for the rear. Most people don't stay in reverse long enough for them to even get hot.
Load resistors are fine for the rear. Most people don't stay in reverse long enough for them to even get hot.
09-20-2013, 04:32 PM
#13
Melting Slicks
09-20-2013, 04:38 PM
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There was a thread on this issue a couple years back, I hope it wasn't in an LED thread, but anyways if I recall there is minimal voltage in both the underwood light and the back up lights. I'm at work and can't search for it. I also don't recall there being a solution other than adding a resistor or extra bulb inline. Both unacceptable solutions to me.
It is a common problem.
It is a common problem.
When you come up with the "acceptable" be sure to let us know.
09-20-2013, 04:38 PM
#15
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St. Jude Donor '13
I agree with that, but even I don't want to start cutting the factory wiring. Plug n play would be ok.
09-20-2013, 05:08 PM
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jamieo
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Default leds
Quote:
Originally Posted by Camjamsdad View Post
After digging around I found a pair of rear led back up light bulbs I can offer up. I have a pile of stock parts, but so does everybody else. I'll see what else I can find.
Happy New Year
I need to replace one of mine and could use the led lights if they are still available.Will gladly pay shipping!
It sure was you. I have to ask, Did they work for you? I paid a vendor here $55. for the pair I believe. I knew when I bought them there was a potential of experiencing the dim effect so I don't blame the vendor. I have all LEDs except the back ups and since The Radioflyer is on it maybe the problem will be resolved.
CF Senior Member
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My Corvette Photos
Member Since: Oct 2010
Location: Tollesboro Kentucky
Default leds
Quote:
Originally Posted by Camjamsdad View Post
After digging around I found a pair of rear led back up light bulbs I can offer up. I have a pile of stock parts, but so does everybody else. I'll see what else I can find.
Happy New Year
I need to replace one of mine and could use the led lights if they are still available.Will gladly pay shipping!
It sure was you. I have to ask, Did they work for you? I paid a vendor here $55. for the pair I believe. I knew when I bought them there was a potential of experiencing the dim effect so I don't blame the vendor. I have all LEDs except the back ups and since The Radioflyer is on it maybe the problem will be resolved.
11-01-2017, 10:43 AM
#19
Melting Slicks
Hate to bring back an old thread, but is there an updated product that fixes this? I'm about to go back to a halogen bulb because I don't want to splice one in addition to the LED's. I'm seeing a lot of different vendors for reverse LED's, and I want to make sure I get some that won't have this issue where they remain dim all the time.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?