Is Taillight Converter Needed for 2002 Infiniti I35

Question:

If I use LED Bulbs In my Trailer lights and my car tail lights do I still need to install a converter??? Will the Voltage/ Amps be lowered enough with the the use of LED Bulbs so that the cars computer works properly ???? 2002 Infiniti I - 35

asked by: Clayton P

Expert Reply:

There are two reasons why a wiring converter like the # 119178KIT would be used on a given vehicle. If the tow vehicle uses a three wire system like your I35, with separate bulbs for the turn signals, and brake/running lights, a converter is used to combine the brake lamps and turn signals onto the same circuit. A vehicle that has a 3 wire system is also referred to as having a 'separate' taillight set-up. A two wire system that has the brake lamp and turn signals combined onto one circuit is referred to as having a 'combined' wiring system.

In some cases where the tow vehicle and the trailer both have a combined system, a converter is still used to provide circuit protection for the tow vehicle. This protects the vehicle's electrical system from any short circuits that might occur in the trailer wiring.

The fact that your vehicle or trailer has LED lamps won't effect whether or not you need a taillight converter.

Using the converter shouldn't have any effect on the vehicle computer. The only time LED bulbs can have an effect is is the tow vehicle has a bulb-out sensor. Because LED's draw so little power, the bulb-out sensor is fooled into thinking the bulbs are burned out, which causes the turn signals to hyperflash. If this occurs, you'll need to install a load resistors like # DI34ZR inline on the turn signal/brake lamp circuits on the trailer.

The # 119178KIT is the recommended wiring harness for your vehicle. I'll link you to an install video showing the kit being installed on a Honda Civic. Although the vehicle is different, the procedure on your vehicle would be pretty similar.