LED Tail Lights and third brake light.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2015
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LED Tail Lights and third brake light.
Just a heads up. I installed the LEDs and they were to die for. However, as most of you know LEDs draw less current than than OEM lights. Conclusion, I had to reinstall my OEMs because the LEDs caused the ABS and PSM to malfunction and throw warnig lights as they are all on the same circuit. Everything is fine now except I can't use my LED lights.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 10,424
Likes: 229
From: SOcialist republic of CALifornia
I had the same problem on my '99 - it was exacerbated by my underdrive pulley. For some reason, the LEDs plus turning the alternator more slowly made the issue much more pronounced - I'd get the warning lights once every couple of days. Since returning to a stock pulley, I only see the ABS/PSM issue one every 6-8 weeks.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,124
Likes: 103
From: ATL, GA w/a 996TT
Just a heads up. I installed the LEDs and they were to die for. However, as most of you know LEDs draw less current than than OEM lights. Conclusion, I had to reinstall my OEMs because the LEDs caused the ABS and PSM to malfunction and throw warnig lights as they are all on the same circuit. Everything is fine now except I can't use my LED lights.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 10,424
Likes: 229
From: SOcialist republic of CALifornia
^ Even with resistor packs, the LED tails cause trouble for some folks. I'm stoked that I got my issue (mostly) ironed out - I think the LED taillights update the 996 nicely.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,124
Likes: 103
From: ATL, GA w/a 996TT
If the impedance matching of the circuit is done correctly, how could it still cause trouble? I agree the LED light update the backend very very nicely.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,022
Likes: 324
From: Overland Park, KS
Does Delray Customs also sell the narrow body LED taillights? I have had zero problems with their widebody LED taillights. Agree completely on the updated look. I can't imagine going back to stock now.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 455
Likes: 34
From: Columbia, SC
I have the tails in my '02 C2, and they have worked fine for a year now with zero issues. However, I would like to replace the third brake light with the LED version (both places, including the wing) but I worry this might be too little of a load. Anyone done so successfully?
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Nordschleife Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,326
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It's very simple. Each side brake light is 21w. The middle brake light has 7 bulbs 3w each so again 21w total.
You just need a 6 or 8ohm resistor wired in parallel for each brake light you replace with LED.
You just need a 6 or 8ohm resistor wired in parallel for each brake light you replace with LED.
I have the tails in my '02 C2, and they have worked fine for a year now with zero issues. However, I would like to replace the third brake light with the LED version (both places, including the wing) but I worry this might be too little of a load. Anyone done so successfully?
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,467
Likes: 16
From: redmond wa
I used a 50W 12 volt landscape bulb and a minature relay to simulate overall incandescent bulb impedance.
Relay armature coil is connected to brake light circuit and ground, bulb is "powered" with NC, Normally Closed, relay contacts. Bulb low filament resistance simulates brake light off impedance (enables CC), bulb is in circuit for a short period upon brake application simulating high inrush current.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,180
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From: Arizona
Originally Posted by Southern Man
I have the tails in my '02 C2, and they have worked fine for a year now with zero issues. However, I would like to replace the third brake light with the LED version (both places, including the wing) but I worry this might be too little of a load. Anyone done so successfully?
I'm running C4S wide body rear LED tail lights, LED front marker lights, third brake LED with no error codes problems.
Buy a quality light with resistors built in.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,467
Likes: 16
From: redmond wa
Less expensive, MUCH less expensive, to just buy LED bulbs.