Recommendations for a Vehicle with all Blinkers Converted to LEDs

Updated 11/07/2013 | Published 11/06/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Optronics Mini LED Trailer License Plate Light w/ Chrome Housing - 2 Diodes - Rectangle - Clear Lens

(620)

$7.93

Load Resistor Kit for LED Turn Signals - 50 Watts - 6 Ohm - Qty 2

(36)

$10.56

Optronics LED Trailer Light - Brake, Tail, Turn - Submersible - Oval - Red

(1646)

$12.44

Question:

I am in the process of rebuilding a car and will be installing LED tail, marker and front blinker lights. I’ve noticed from the product description of the Optronics LED lights that the LED light amp draw is listed, which is much lower than OEM kind of the point I know. My question is whether there is any type of resistor pre-installed in the light itself? I ask this because from what I understand the flasher relays on older car electrical systems are set up for a particular resistance. If the relays do not sense the resistance then the blinkers will not operate properly. There are some work a-rounds to this but I wanted to know beforehand. My second question is for the LED Mini Trailer License Plate LightLPL31CB. Does the light come out of the chrome housing? Again this is for a custom application and I will not need the housing. The light will be installed into a custom fabricated recess around the license plate. Because of that design the light will inherently be directed towards the plate so it would be helpful if the chrome housing could be removed.

asked by: Benny

Expert Reply:

There are work arounds that allow you to install LEDs in the place of blinker bulbs. For example you can install a load resistor like our LED Light Bulb Load-Resistor Kit # DI34ZR on each light assembly that will blink with the turn signals. However, since you plan on replacing all your blinkers with LEDs I thing you would be better off going to an electronic flasher relay to replace the thermal one in your vehicle.

Currently none of the LED lights we offer have pre-installed load resistors.

This will allow all of your blinkers to flash properly without requiring you to wire in a load resistor to every bulb. You will also need to get an electric flasher relay for the hazard light circuit as well. I wish we carried one but we do not at this time.

The LED Mini Trailer License Plate Light # LPL31CB that you referenced does has a chrome cover over the light that can be removed quite simply. I pulled one from our warehouse and did a short video to show how easy it is to remove.

expert reply by: Jameson C