Keep blowing reverse light bulbs

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Jan 30, 2025 | 09:20 PM

DeputyDiesel

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Tuned

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Keep blowing reverse light bulbs

As the title states I’ve got a 2017 XLT 6.7 that keeps blowing out reverse lights. I’ve replaced them 3 times now so obviously there’s a short somewhere. Any idea where to start?

Jan 31, 2025 | 08:27 AM

Sport45

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From: Too close to Houston

Are the bulbs burning out? Can’t picture how a short would cause that unless maybe the reverse lights are on all the time.

Are these regular bulbs, a brighter than stock replacement, or LED?

Jan 31, 2025 | 10:52 AM

DeputyDiesel

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The originals were OEM halogen then I bought some off brand LED’s which promptly burned out then I bought Slyvania LED’s which did the same.

Jan 31, 2025 | 12:37 PM

Sport45

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From: Too close to Houston

How long did the halogens last? Might be worth going back to them if the LED bulbs aren’t lasting.

Jan 31, 2025 | 12:59 PM

DeputyDiesel

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The originals lasted 5 years so perhaps LED’s are the problem

Jan 31, 2025 | 03:41 PM

Don Ridley

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The power for most lights in newer Fords is not a normal 12v DC signal. Power is pulse width modulated (PWM) meaning it is a high frequency square wave. This is done for signal control and electrical efficiency. Connecting many aftermarket devices to a PWM power source can cause problems.

Jan 31, 2025 | 07:14 PM

kayakingpoodle

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2024

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From: Up in Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Ridley

That is interesting, that would definitely mess with the led drivers in the bulbs. I wonder if there is a setting in forscan to change this, and if so is it a global change or can the individual circuts be selected?

Can you direct me to any information on this, I would love to research this.

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Feb 1, 2025 | 08:40 AM

jimzpsd

Cargo Master

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From: Wisconsin

I put LED's in my '17 (XLT) back in 2018, originals were halogen. I can't remember who makes mine but they still work good.

Feb 1, 2025 | 06:42 PM

#10

DeputyDiesel

Thread Starter

Tuned

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So turns out the slyvania bulbs are undersized. I went to change them out and both bulbs were out of the socket and rolling around in the housing. They do still work but I put halogens back in.