Upgrading to LED brake lights can significantly improve your vehicle’s visibility and safety. However, many car owners encounter a common issue: the dreaded “light out” warning on their dashboard after installing LED brake lights. This is often caused by the lower power consumption of LEDs compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, tricking your car’s electrical system into thinking a bulb is out. The solution? Bypassing the light out warning by wiring in a resistor. This guide will walk you through the process of wiring LED brake lights while bypassing the light out warning, ensuring your new lights function flawlessly.
Understanding the Light Out Warning with LED Brake Lights
Your car’s electrical system is designed to detect faulty bulbs by monitoring the current flowing through the lighting circuit. Incandescent bulbs have a higher resistance, and therefore draw more current, than their LED counterparts. When you switch to LEDs, the reduced current flow can trigger the “light out” warning, even though the LEDs are working perfectly.
Why You Need a Resistor
A resistor is a simple electronic component that adds resistance to a circuit. In the context of LED brake lights, a resistor tricks your car’s electrical system into “seeing” the expected current draw, preventing the “light out” warning.
Choosing the Right Resistor
Selecting the correct resistor is crucial for both functionality and safety. Using a resistor with insufficient resistance won’t effectively bypass the warning, while a resistor with excessive resistance may cause the LEDs to be dim or not illuminate at all. You’ll need to choose a resistor with the appropriate wattage and resistance rating. Consult your LED bulb manufacturer’s specifications or use an online LED resistor calculator to determine the ideal values for your specific vehicle.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following:
- LED compatible load resistor(s)
- Wire strippers/cutters
- Electrical tape
- Heat shrink tubing (optional)
- Soldering iron and solder (optional, but recommended for more secure connections)
- Basic hand tools
How to Wire LED Brake Lights Bypassing the Light Out Warning
nsx wiring led brake lights bypassing light out warning
Step 1: Disconnect the Battery
For safety, always disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery before working on any electrical components.
Step 2: Locate the Brake Light Wiring
Access the rear of your vehicle and locate the brake light wiring harness. This is usually behind a panel in your trunk or hatch.
Step 3: Identify the Brake Light Wires
Using a multimeter or referring to your vehicle’s wiring diagram, identify the positive and negative wires for your brake lights.
Step 4: Wire the Resistor
Connect one lead of the resistor to the positive brake light wire and the other lead to the negative brake light wire. You can do this by splicing the resistor wires into the existing wiring using wire strippers and electrical tape, or by using quick-disconnect connectors for easier installation and removal.
Step 5: Secure the Resistor
Ensure the resistor is securely fastened and cannot come into contact with any moving parts or heat sources. You can use zip ties or mounting brackets designed for resistors.
Step 6: Test Your Lights
Reconnect the battery and test your brake lights. The LEDs should illuminate brightly without triggering the “light out” warning on your dashboard.
Step 7: Reassemble and Enjoy
Once you’ve confirmed that your new LED brake lights are functioning correctly, reassemble the rear panels of your vehicle.
Additional Tips and Troubleshooting
- If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical components, it’s best to consult a qualified mechanic.
- Make sure the resistor is rated for the appropriate wattage to handle the heat generated.
- Consider using dielectric grease on all connections to prevent corrosion.
- If you’re still encountering a “light out” warning, double-check your wiring and ensure you’ve selected the correct resistor value.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can successfully wire LED brake lights while bypassing the light out warning. Enjoy the enhanced visibility and modern look of your upgraded brake lights, knowing you’ve completed the installation correctly. If you’re still experiencing issues, remember that professional help is always available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use LED bulbs without a resistor?
A: While it’s possible in some vehicles, most cars will trigger a “light out” warning due to the lower current draw of LEDs compared to incandescent bulbs.
Q: Will using a resistor affect the brightness of my LED brake lights?
A: When wired correctly, the resistor should not noticeably affect the brightness of your LED brake lights.
Q: What happens if I use the wrong resistor?
A: Using an incorrect resistor can lead to various issues, including the “light out” warning not being bypassed, LEDs being dim or not illuminating at all, or even potential damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.
Q: Are there any alternatives to using a resistor?
A: Yes, some vehicles may benefit from using a led brake light warning device or replacing the entire flasher unit with an LED-compatible one. However, using a resistor is often the simplest and most cost-effective solution.
Q: Do I need to use resistors for both brake lights?
A: Yes, it’s generally recommended to install a resistor for each LED brake light to ensure proper function and prevent any potential electrical imbalances.