Flickering LED’s wired to upfitter
#1
02-08-2019, 07:15 PM
Flickering LED’s wired to upfitter
My rear LED lights are wired to upfitter #6 in the always hot position. They work without problem when the engine is not running but flicker a lot when the engine is running. When I first installed them I did not have this problem. I have to admit that I have yet to check my connections. Even though I’m fanatical with my wiring and crimping, I’m sure it’s possible something came loose but I have jiggled the wiring with no ill affect while the engine is off. It reminds me of the same problem folks are having when they switch halogen headlight bulbs to LED. Any ideas why?
#2
02-08-2019, 07:47 PM
#4
02-08-2019, 10:11 PM
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#5
02-08-2019, 10:15 PM
#6
02-08-2019, 10:22 PM
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My rear LED lights are wired to upfitter #6 in the always hot position. They work without problem when the engine is not running but flicker a lot when the engine is running. When I first installed them I did not have this problem. I have to admit that I have yet to check my connections. Even though I’m fanatical with my wiring and crimping, I’m sure it’s possible something came loose but I have jiggled the wiring with no ill affect while the engine is off. It reminds me of the same problem folks are having when they switch halogen headlight bulbs to LED. Any ideas why?
#7
02-08-2019, 10:32 PM
Thanks for jogging my memory! It was at the dealer a few months back and while I was checking on the truck I noticed that they did indeed have some of my ground wires disconnected to get to something under the hood. I’ll put money on it that they were not reconnected properly. I’ll check it out in the morning. Thank you
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#8
02-09-2019, 07:01 AM
#9
02-12-2019, 10:42 AM
pulse width modulation, often referred to as PWM. The electrical current runs through your vehicle like this : - - - - - - instead of one continuous current like this : _______ the led’s flash with the pulse. You do not see it with incandescent bulbs due to the nature of their design. You are going to have to run resistors on the circuit. Google PWM circuit and do a little reading if you want to know why manufacturers have switched to this. Some leds work fine when new, but develop the flicker issue after running them for a bit. Some leds flicker right out of the gate. A resistor should fix it.
#10
02-12-2019, 10:53 AM
#11
02-12-2019, 10:55 AM
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I think you may be losing voltage somewhere if you ask me. Do you have a voltmeter to check what you are getting at the lights? When the truck is off, nothing else is drawing juice... when it is on everything is. Before I started changing things up I would check voltage. Also, what type of wiring harness are you using? Correct gauge?
#12
02-12-2019, 11:00 AM
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#13
02-12-2019, 11:35 AM
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#14
02-12-2019, 11:35 AM
They are the sr series. Nothing fancy because they are just backup lights. I'm used at least 14 gauge and the run can't be more than 18 feet. These lights would only draw less than 4 amps between the two of them. I will check the voltage at the Rigid factory connector with the engine off, while at idle and at around 2500 rpm. to see if I am dropping to much voltage. What voltage do you think I need at a minimum so these lights don't flicker? One flickers all of the time and the other is intermittent.
I would like to think the dual alternator setup is pumping out enough voltage when the engine is running but come to think of it I've been using these lights in the morning at idle when the electric heater assist is running and that uses a ton of juice.
I would like to think the dual alternator setup is pumping out enough voltage when the engine is running but come to think of it I've been using these lights in the morning at idle when the electric heater assist is running and that uses a ton of juice.
#15
02-12-2019, 01:47 PM
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They are the sr series. Nothing fancy because they are just backup lights. I'm used at least 14 gauge and the run can't be more than 18 feet. These lights would only draw less than 4 amps between the two of them. I will check the voltage at the Rigid factory connector with the engine off, while at idle and at around 2500 rpm. to see if I am dropping to much voltage. What voltage do you think I need at a minimum so these lights don't flicker? One flickers all of the time and the other is intermittent.
I would like to think the dual alternator setup is pumping out enough voltage when the engine is running but come to think of it I've been using these lights in the morning at idle when the electric heater assist is running and that uses a ton of juice.
I would like to think the dual alternator setup is pumping out enough voltage when the engine is running but come to think of it I've been using these lights in the morning at idle when the electric heater assist is running and that uses a ton of juice.
