Is Load Resistor Required for Converting 3rd Brake Light to LED Bulb

Updated 09/14/2017 | Published 09/13/2017

Question:

I see the answer for the 3rd brake light, but is this the same with one that has a cargo light in it? I am changing from a standard bulb light to an LED one. I have a 2001 dodge ram 1500, and i keep blowing my IOD fuse, and the place that I bought it keeps telling me that it needs i resistor, although they gave me a full refund on the product and do not want it back, smells fishy to me,LOL.

asked by: Michael M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Load resistors can be required for LED lights when the vehicle wiring is unable to recognize the light's presence due to its very low power draw. Standard incandescent bulb lights draw more power and so they are more easily "seen" by the wiring harness. Load resistors like # DI34ZR drain away some power and so they mimic the characteristics of incandescent lights.

You can try a load resistor to see if it corrects the blown fuse for your IOD display but usually it is only blinking lights like hazards and turn signals that need them.

expert reply by: Adam R