Electrical question on car light bulb load resistors?

Question

I recently purchased some after market LED bulbs for my car's rear turn signals. They work fine, but now the flashers are flashing much quicker. I understand that this is because the new bulbs use less power, so the system thinks a bulb is burnt out and indicates that by flashing quicker.

Because the new bulbs require less power than what is being supplied to them, will this cause premature burnout of the new bulbs or any problems with my car's electrical system if I don’t use load resistors? I'm fine with the increased flash rate otherwise.

Car: 2000 Nissan Altima SE
Stock bulb info: Turn signal, Wattage: 27, Size: 3156K

I'm not really sure what the exact specs for the new bulbs are, but they are designed to replace 3156 size bulbs.

Thank you.

Answer 1

A quick look at a site that supplies LED lights suggests replacing the flasher or installing a load resistor in parallel with the lamp. I don't think the faster flash rate would hurt anything except possibly shorting the life of the flasher.

http://www.superbrightleds.com/carbulb-notes.htm

Answer 2

The new LED bulbs will last much longer than (old) filament bulbs, regardless of the flashing rate. If you are fine with the higher flashing rate, then that's the way it will be -- probably until you sell the car (i.e. the LED bulbs will probably last longer than you own the car).

There are only 2 reasons for that ballast resistor to be installed.

1. To slow the flashing rate

2. To fool some computer light-bulb sensors into thinking the lights are on or off (if the sensors can't recognize the new LED bulbs). This is probably not true in your case.


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Answer 3

The new led lights only use as much current as they need,which is less than the filament types,as you already know.They will self regulate the required current and do no harm to the existing system.The fix for the fast flash rate is to replace the mechanical flasher with an electronic type.They operate by means of a solid state circuit that pulses at a proper rate regardless of the current flow.I'm sure if you ask around you can locate one,they came standard in some GM vehicles for a period of time.

Answer 4

there may be a heavy duty replacement flasher mechanism available for your car. the HD units do not depend on the current draw to operate and will flash the same for both light and heavy loads.

Answer 5

if you have mechanical flasher, it may wear out sooner.
MIKE