How to Stop LED Lamps on Trailer From Hyperflashing

Question:

When you replace most turn signal lights, whether the entire thing, or just a bulb, from incandescent to LED, you need an adapter. Otherwise the turn signal will flash extremely fast. Is an adapter not needed on this particular unit - so the turn signals will flash as normal?

asked by: Gavin B

Expert Reply:

Typically what causes the flashing is a bulb-out warning sensor on the vehicle which is designed to hyperflash the directional signals to warn the driver of a burned out bulb. Since LED lamps like the # 47-84-420 you had looked at draws so much less power than incandescent lamps, the sensor thinks the bulb is burned out when its not.

The best solution for this is to install a load resistor kit like # DI34ZR on the turn signal circuits on the trailer. Two resistors are included, install one on the right turn, one on the left turn circuit and you'll be good. The resistor adds enough load on the circuit so that the bulb out sensor isn't tripped.

expert reply by: Mike L