Patrick - LED Taillight problems

[Xack]

Originally Posted by DanEC

I feel I've invested more time in this endevor than it's worth. I've polished up the inside of my reflectors, added foil over the open areas on top and installed brighter flashing 2357 bulbs and it looks pretty good. It's not going to blind people sitting behind me a a stop light but they will see it unless they aren't paying attention texting or something - at which time it probably won't matter anyway.

I'm still thinking a flasher issue - that's what most LED bulb problems come down to. But maybe it is the trailer relay. My issues are just too wierd:

Install LED bulb in one front parking light:

- Parking lights off and turn signal on - all lights flash including license plate light.

- Parking light on and turn signal on - nothing happens on side with LED bulb.

- Tried both sides and tried two different LED bulbs and same results.

Install LED bulbs in rear only:

- Parking lights off and turn signal on - all 4 lights flash including license plate light.

- Parking lights on and turn signal for right or left side - turn signals and brake lights flash normally at front and rear.

Completely opposite results with parking lights on depending which end of the car I install the LEDs. Too wierd. I do have a couple extra trailer relay units so who knows - if I get to needing something to do.

Dan,
It seems you have feedback which has enough difference in potential to drive your lights on. My initial thought is regarding your grounds. You stated that should not be an issue. That is easy enough to measure.

I'm curious if you have similar issues if you just take one of the incandescent bulbs out and do not have any LED bulbs in your circuit. This may help you eliminate issues that do not depend on the LED question. LED's have low current and 12 volts can be measured at the hot side of the bulb when on. This is similar to open circuit condition.