Can LED Brake and Tail Lights be Installed on a 2011 Kia Optima
Question:
I am interested in these 1157 LED bulbs for my rear brake/tail light assembly. The rear turn signals are separate and do NOT apply to these bulb sockets. I was told, I cannot change out the stock brake/tail light bulbs without having issues the BCM and LCM body control module/ lighting control module I was told the vehicle needs the stock incandescent parking light bulbs to indicate cruise control settings and also regular functions of the braking of the vehicle....in the past when customers try to change out these bulbs, it causes errors and sometimes the cruise control does not function properly. This is the first time Ive heard of this and want a 2nd opinion if this is actually a fact. I did purchase cheaper 1157 LED bulbs for the brake/tail light but I could not get a solid connection with the parking light mode, with the 1157 LED bulbs I ed. I jiggled the bulb base in the socket harness but the parking light mode would only come on intermittently. Not a solid connection. However the brake light mode with the LED bulb functioned properly. I hope you can help me further with this dilemma with these 1157 LED brake/tail lights on my Optima. If your opinion gives approval of complete normal funtionality of these LEDs, I will purchase 2 of these bulbs from your store.
asked by: Rob N
Expert Reply:
I cannot say for a fact how the bulbs tie into the systems you mentioned on your 2011 Kia Optima but I can imagine that the problem is amperage draw. LED lights draw much less power than incandescent bulbs. This can confuse the computers on some vehicles and cause warning lights to come on and maybe some other issues but I can't give any specific examples.
The fix is to simulate more power draw by using load resistors on the affected circuits. We sell load resistors #
DI34ZR. I have included links to the installation instructions for you.
The reduced power draw of LED bulbs is the only reason I can think of that would cause any issues on a vehicle. Load resistors should take care of that issue since that is what they are designed for.
Products Referenced in This Question
Load Resistor Kit for LED Turn Signals - 50 Watts - 6 Ohm - Qty 2
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Lights
- Load-Resistor Kit
- Diamond
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Putco PURE Premium 1157 LED Bulbs - 360 Degree - Red - 2 Pack
- Vehicle Lights
- Tail Light
- Brake Light
- Pair of Lights
- LED Light
- Replacement Bulb
- 1157
- Red
- Putco
more information >
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