Do LED's need different blinker fluid?
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
Do LED's need different blinker fluid?
Blinker fluid? 
I am condemned to hell for all the blondes I sent to the auto parts store to get 'blinker fluid'. 
Is it too late to repent?
I just changed to LED's on headache rack. I guess enough of my bulbs are LED's now that the flasher is mad. I'm getting super-fast blinking. Are there different flashers for LED's that 'drop in' yet? I've seen the LED 'fix' thingys, but don't they just add some load to make flasher happy again?
I am condemned to hell for all the blondes I sent to the auto parts store to get 'blinker fluid'. Is it too late to repent?I just changed to LED's on headache rack. I guess enough of my bulbs are LED's now that the flasher is mad. I'm getting super-fast blinking. Are there different flashers for LED's that 'drop in' yet? I've seen the LED 'fix' thingys, but don't they just add some load to make flasher happy again?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
I've heard that the synthetic blinker fluid is required if you have LED's.
I remember reading about LED's not having a big enough amp draw for some flashers to work properly. I don't remember if it's as simple as just a relay swap, or what the fix is. I'm mostly subscribing for future reference.
I remember reading about LED's not having a big enough amp draw for some flashers to work properly. I don't remember if it's as simple as just a relay swap, or what the fix is. I'm mostly subscribing for future reference.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 441
Likes: 0
From: Clinton, MI
Not sure on the amp draw but you can get some high quality synthetic blinker fluid here - Blinker Fluid [BF-01] - $8.99 : KaleCoAuto, Hard to find automotive items!
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
With LED's you do need to change blinker fluid to the higher viscosity fluid, the lower draw of the LED's is compensated for by the higher viscosity of the fluid. Another trick, though not quite as effective, is to install a blinker fluid cooler to help thicken the blinker fluid.
Ryan that web site is priceless, thanks for the link!
Ryan that web site is priceless, thanks for the link!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 0
From: Visalia CA
Not sure on the amp draw but you can get some high quality synthetic blinker fluid here - Blinker Fluid [BF-01] - $8.99 : KaleCoAuto, Hard to find automotive items!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
I was gonna suggest a heavy duty relay, since lots of lights will do that, but it seems like the reverse is happening??? And on top of that, I would assume a vehicle build for pulling would have a relay in there suitable to handle extra lights... I'm curious what fixes this now too...
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Post Fiend
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From: Blairsville,Ga
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 66
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From: Austin, Texas
I have TRIED to put LED 'bulbs' in the overhead lamp in the truck. They work fine for awhile, then they start doing this 'strobe light' effect, flashing like crazy. Super annoying, since I paid a small fortune for the little bastidges. Swapped 'em out too, and the new ones eventually did the same thing.
c.
Oh yeah: you don't need none-a that fancy-schmancy blinker fluid, plain ol' bear grease'll work jes' fine.
c.
Oh yeah: you don't need none-a that fancy-schmancy blinker fluid, plain ol' bear grease'll work jes' fine.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,284
Likes: 6
From: BLT, MN
Not sure on the amp draw but you can get some high quality synthetic blinker fluid here - Blinker Fluid [BF-01] - $8.99 : KaleCoAuto, Hard to find automotive items!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
I happen to have a few bottles of Extra Virgin Synthetic Blinker Fluid. Not to be confused with the cheap imitation stuff. So, if you want some, let me know. Please OM me so I know you are a member and I will give you the member discount price.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 8
From: Williams Lake B.C.
One my 1ton flatdeck its got a bunch of lights on the deck, along with cab lights and a few other lights.
It burned out the headlight switch and almost caused a fire...........
so I went with LED's and now nothing works proper , so I guess theres no happy medium.
It burned out the headlight switch and almost caused a fire...........
so I went with LED's and now nothing works proper , so I guess theres no happy medium.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
you could use a couple relays and not run all the amperage through the switch