Installing a tail light resistor is a crucial task for anyone experiencing hyper-flashing issues with their vehicle’s LED tail lights. This problem typically arises because LED lights consume less power than traditional bulbs, causing the vehicle’s system to interpret it as a fault or a burned-out bulb. A resistor helps to simulate the load of a regular bulb, ensuring the proper operation of the vehicle’s lighting system.
In this guide on how to install tail light resistor, we’ll walk you through the necessary steps to safely and effectively install a tail light resistor, highlighting the tools and precautions you’ll need along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or a first-time DIYer, this installation process is straightforward and economical, saving you time and money on professional repairs.
What is the Tail Light Resistor?
A tail light resistor is a small component that helps to regulate the electrical current flowing through the LED bulbs. It’s designed to add resistance to the circuit, mimicking the load of a regular bulb and preventing hyper-flashing. The resistor can be installed on any vehicle with LED tail lights, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and more.
It’s important to note that not all LED tail lights require a resistor. Some newer vehicles are equipped with built-in resistance or have a system that can adjust the current automatically. Before purchasing a tail light resistor, it’s always a good idea to consult your vehicle’s manual or do some research to determine if it’s necessary.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
To install a tail light resistor, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
Tail Light Resistors:
You can purchase these resistors from any automotive store or online retailer. Make sure to choose ones that are compatible with your vehicle’s LED tail lights.
Electrical Tape:
This will be used to secure the connections and prevent any exposed wiring.
Wire Cutters and Strippers:
These tools will help you cut and strip the wires for a clean connection.
Heat Shrink Tubing (Optional):
This is recommended for added protection and durability of the connections.
Soldering Iron (Optional):
If you have experience with soldering, you can use this tool to create a more secure connection between the resistor and wires.
8 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Install Tail Light Resistor
Step 1: Locate the LED Tail Light Wires
Begin by accessing the back of the tail light assembly on your vehicle. This typically requires opening the trunk or tailgate, depending on your vehicle type. Once you’ve accessed the area, carefully remove the tail light to reveal the wiring harness. The LED tail light wires are usually part of the harness connected to the LED bulb.
Look for the wires leading directly to the tail light and focus on the positive and negative leads. Identifying these wires is crucial for correctly installing the resistor, as it will be connected in parallel to these leads to properly simulate the load of a traditional bulb.
Step 2: Prepare the Resistor
If your resistor did not come with pre-soldered wires, you’ll need to prepare it for installation. Begin by cutting two lengths of wire that are long enough to reach from the tail light wires to the resistor. Use your wire stripper to remove approximately half an inch of insulation from each end of these wires.
Next, take the resistor and bend its leads in a U-shape, making sure they’re evenly spaced and parallel to each other. This will make it easier to connect them to the wiring harness later on.
Step 3: Connect the Resistor Wires
With the resistor and wires prepared, it’s time to connect them to the tail light wiring harness. First, identify the positive and negative wires on both the tail light wiring and the resistor. Use your wire cutters to carefully splice into the positive and negative tail light wires, ensuring that you do not cut them completely. This will create a small opening to connect the resistor wires.
Next, take the prepared wires attached to your resistor and connect one to the positive wire and the other to the negative wire of the tail light. Secure these connections using electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to prevent any short circuits or exposed connections.
If you have a soldering iron and choose to solder the connections, this will provide a more robust connection, though it is optional. Once the connections are secure, double-check to ensure there is no loose wiring before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Test the Resistor
Once you’ve securely connected the resistor to the tail light wiring, it’s time to test your work before reassembling the tail light assembly. Begin by turning on your vehicle’s lights to ensure the tail lights are functioning correctly. Specifically, watch for the elimination of hyper-flashing when you activate the turn signals. If the lights flash at a normal rate, it’s a good indication that the resistor is properly installed and functioning as intended.
It’s essential to verify that all lights work correctly—both in regular illumination and when signaling—before proceeding. If the hyper-flashing persists, re-check your connections to ensure there is no loose or incorrectly attached wire. Proper testing at this stage will prevent the need for future disassembly and adjustments.
Step 5: Secure Connections and Resistor
After verifying the proper function of your tail lights, use electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to secure the connections and resistor wires. This will prevent any movement or shifting that can cause damage to the wiring or affect the resistor’s performance. If you choose to solder the connections, this step is not necessary as they will be permanently secured.
You can also secure the resistor itself to prevent it from interfering with any other components in your vehicle. This step is not always necessary, but it’s recommended for added protection and durability of the resistor.
Step 6: Reassemble the Tail Light Assembly
With the resistor installed and tested, you can now reattach the tail light assembly to your vehicle. Carefully align the assembly with its mounting points and screw or clip it back into place. Make sure all wires are tucked away neatly and none are pinched or obstructed by any parts of the tail light.
The resistor and connections should be positioned in a way that does not interfere with the assembly’s fit or function.
Step 7: Repeat for Other Tail Light
Now that you’ve successfully installed a tail light resistor on one side, it’s time to repeat the process for the other tail light. The steps will be identical except for identifying which wires are positive and negative as they may vary between tail lights on different sides of the vehicle. Repeat Steps 1-6 for the remaining tail light.
It’s essential to install a resistor on both tail lights to ensure proper functioning and load simulation.
Step 8: Test Final Installation
Once you’ve installed the resistor on both tail lights, it’s crucial to test the final installation before considering the job complete. Turn on your vehicle’s lights once again and verify that both tail lights function correctly in regular illumination and signaling. If everything is working as intended and there is no hyper-flashing, your tail light resistor installation is now complete!
You can enjoy your modified LED tail lights without any worries of malfunction or hyper-flashing. Remember to regularly check the connections and resistor for any signs of damage or wear, especially after long drives or exposure to extreme weather conditions. Proper maintenance will ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your tail light resistor.
Additional Tips
- If you have difficulty identifying positive and negative wires, use a multimeter to test for current flow.
- It’s recommended to use heat shrink tubing over electrical tape for a cleaner and more secure finish.
- If your vehicle has a Canbus system, you may need to install additional resistors in other areas of the lighting system. Consult with an automotive specialist or do further research before proceeding.
- Some vehicles may require accessing the wiring harness through the trunk interior or under the bumper. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for specific instructions.
- Always disconnect the vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work to prevent any potential damage or injury.
With these steps on how to install tail light resistor, you can now confidently modify your LED tail lights for a more stylish and functional upgrade. Remember to take caution and double-check all connections to ensure a successful installation. Enjoy your new tail lights and happy driving!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I Install a Tail Light Resistor on Any Type of Vehicle?
A: Yes, tail light resistors can be installed on any vehicle with LED tail lights. However, the specific steps and locations may vary between different makes and models. The steps outlined in this guide are general and may need to be adjusted for your specific vehicle.
Q: Will Installing a Tail Light Resistor Void My Vehicle’s Warranty?
A: No, installing a tail light resistor will not void your vehicle’s warranty. It is considered a minor modification and does not affect the overall function or safety of the vehicle. However, if you are unsure, consult with your dealership or manufacturer before proceeding.
Q: Can I Install Multiple Resistors on One Tail Light?
A: Yes, it is possible to install multiple resistors on one tail light if needed. This may be necessary for vehicles with a complex lighting system or a canbus system that requires additional load simulation. Again, consult with a specialist or do further research before proceeding.
Q: Can I Remove the Resistor Once Installed?
A: Yes, you can remove the resistor if needed. However, this will cause hyper-flashing to resume and may result in damage to your LED tail lights over time due to increased current flow. It’s recommended to keep the resistor installed for optimal function and safety.
Conclusion
Installing a tail light resistor for LED bulbs is a simple and effective modification that can improve the functionality and appearance of your vehicle’s tail lights. By simulating the load of traditional bulbs, it eliminates hyper-flashing and prevents any damage to the lighting system.
With proper installation and maintenance, you can enjoy brighter and more efficient tail lights without any worries. So go ahead and give it a try, and experience the benefits of LED lighting for yourself! Thanks for reading this article on how to install tail light resistor.