When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Gavin, does switching the flasher get rid of the need for the resistor at the lights I have seen some people mention?
I have been contemplating the LED swap for the running and brake lights.
In a regular incandescent bulb application, the incandescent bulbs put a fair amount of load (current draw) on the flasher relay. This current load heats up the bi-metalic reed switch in the relay. This makes the reed move over and close the contacts, which illuminates the blinker filament in the bulb. The switch cools off, opens, heats back up, closes the contacts again, lights the bulb again and so on.
LEDs have a much lower current draw than an incandescent bulb. Without an added load (resistance) on the circuit and on the blinker relay, it will make the reed switch open and close at a much faster rate. This is known a 'hyper flashing' where the blinkers will flash at a very rapid rate.
If you're using LEDs with a blinker relay meant for incandescent bulbs, you would have to install blast resistors to 'load' the circuit, so the relay will blink at a normal rate.
On the other hand, if you get an LED compatible flasher relay, you don't need to add the bulky load resistors --and it's a lot simpler/cleaner to plug in a relay than to solder/crimp on load resistors.
In a regular incandescent bulb application, the incandescent bulbs put a fair amount of load (current draw) on the flasher relay. This current load heats up the bi-metalic reed switch in the relay. This makes the reed move over and close the contacts, which illuminates the blinker filament in the bulb. The switch cools off, opens, heats back up, closes the contacts again, lights the bulb again and so on.
LEDs have a much lower current draw than an incandescent bulb. Without an added load (resistance) on the circuit and on the blinker relay, it will make the reed switch open and close at a much faster rate. This is known a 'hyper flashing' where the blinkers will flash at a very rapid rate.
If you're using LEDs with a blinker relay meant for incandescent bulbs, you would have to install blast resistors to 'load' the circuit, so the relay will blink at a normal rate.
On the other hand, if you get an LED compatible flasher relay, you don't need to add the bulky load resistors --and it's a lot simpler/cleaner to plug in a relay than to solder/crimp on load resistors.
Thanks for the info Steve!
Originally Posted by SavageNFS
*so excited*
Thanks!
Originally Posted by JEFFFAFA
Sorry to keep jackin' your thread Gavin, but I think he derives to join in on the fun. Whatta you think?
No worries, you can hijack my thread whenever you want Jeff.
How about making Andre the Kingdom Scout Master. He has a ton of experience.
Gavin, I see that you have a 'moon roof' in your truck, was that a hassle to install? And, does it have a shade? Does it open for added ventilation? Front or rear open? Sorry for all the questions, but I have been thinking about installing one... Thanks amigo. I also love your instrument panel... I am still looking for a vacuum gauge for mine..
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
I've got beer any time you head North Gavin 
</td><td class="td2">This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image. The original image is sized 1980x1320.</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td><td class="td2">This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image. The original image is sized 1980x1320.</td></tr></tbody></table>
