Adding Resistors for LED turn signals to your motorcycle is a great way to improve the look and safety of your bike. They make your bike stand out, but they also make it easier for other drivers to see you turning.
In this article, we will show you how to install resistors for led turn signals motorcycles. Follow these simple instructions, and you will be able to enjoy the benefits of brighter and safer turn signals in no time!
When you are looking to install resistors for led turn signals motorcycles, there are a few things you need to know. First, we will go over the basics of resistor installation and show you how to do it correctly.
Summary: Installing resistors for LED turn signals on a motorcycle is an essential step to ensure the proper function of the lighting system. LED turn signals draw less current than traditional incandescent bulbs, which can cause rapid blinking, also known as hyper-flashing. To rectify this issue, you will need to install resistors to simulate the electrical load of the original bulbs. Before beginning the installation process, gather the necessary tools and materials, including the appropriate resistors (typically 6-ohm or 8-ohm), wire connectors, a wire stripper, a multimeter, and pliers. Make sure to consult your motorcycle’s manual for any specific requirements or recommendations.
Begin by locating the turn signal wires, which are usually found behind the motorcycle’s headlight, under the seat, or near the rear fender. Identify the positive and negative wires for each turn signal, using a multimeter if necessary. Next, connect one end of the resistor to the positive wire of the turn signal using a wire connector or by splicing the wires together. Connect the other end of the resistor to the negative wire, again using a wire connector or by splicing.
Secure the resistor in place with zip ties, ensuring it is attached to a heat-resistant surface to avoid potential heat damage. Repeat these steps for each LED turn signal you wish to install a resistor. Once all the resistors are connected, test the functionality of the turn signals to ensure the hyper-flashing issue has been resolved. If the rapid blinking persists, consult a professional or refer to
How Does the Led Turn Signals on Motorcycle Works?
The Led turn signals on a motorcycle use a basic principle of electrical resistance to function. When you apply power to the system, it flows through the resistors and the LEDs.
The resistors create a drop in voltage, which allows the LED to light up. Therefore, it is important to use the proper size and type of resistor for your particular application.
The Typical Led Turn Signal resistors are usually between 1-5 watts. The number of ohms will depend on the application, but you will often see a range of between 47 and 100 ohms being used.
Therefore, it is important to consider both the power requirements and the amount of resistance needed for your specific turn signal system when selecting the proper resistor size.
Why The Led Turn Signals Motorcycles Need Resistors?
The Led Turn Signals Motorcycles need resistors because the turn signals will flash too quickly without them. This is because the led bulbs require less power to operate than traditional bulbs.
As a result, the turn signals will appear to be flashing faster than they actually are, which can be confusing for other drivers.
You can slow down the flash rate to match that of traditional bulbs by adding resistors. This will make your turn signals more visible and easier for other drivers to understand.
In addition, the Led turn signals work on low wattage so the addition of resistors will not affect the function or brightness of the turn signals.
What do You Need to Know Before Installing Resistors on Led Turn Signals?
Now that we have gone over the basics of how the system works let’s talk about what you need to know before installing resistors for led turn signals motorcycles.
First, it is important to select the proper size and type of resistor for your application. Second, you need to ensure that the selected resistor can handle the required current draw of your led turn signals.
Third, you need to determine the correct value or resistance for installing resistors. If the resistors are too large, they will not be able to slow down the flash rate effectively.
If the resistors are too small, they may overheat and cause damage to the system. So you need to make sure you select the right resistor size for your application.
Tools & Supplies Needed:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Resistors (we recommend using 2 watts, 50-ohm resistors)
- Soldering iron and solder
- Wire strippers
- Crimping tool
Complete Guideline on How to Install Resistors for Led Turn Signals Motorcycle
Step 1: Start by Disconnecting the Battery.
To avoid any potential accidents, it is always best to start by disconnecting the battery. This will ensure that you do not accidentally short-circuit anything while working on the system. It will also prevent the battery from draining while you are working.
Step 2: Remove the Turn Signal Lenses.
The next step is to remove the turn signal lenses. This will give you access to the bulbs to remove them. In most cases, the lenses will pop off. However, some models may require the use of a screwdriver to remove the lenses.
Step 3: Remove the Turn Signal Bulbs.
Once you have access to the bulbs, you can remove them by twisting them counterclockwise and pulling them out of the socket. Be careful not to touch the glass portion of the bulb with your fingers, as this can cause premature failure.
Step 4: Locate the Turn Signal Wires.
After removing the bulbs, you will need to locate the wires that connect the turn signals to the motorcycle. These wires will be located behind the fairing or behind the headlight in most cases. Once you have located the wires, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Tap Them Into the Appropriate Wire.
Now that you have located the wires, you can tap them into the appropriate wire. The wire that you tap into will depend on the make and model of your motorcycle.
In most cases, you will tap into the running light wire. However, some models may require you to tap into the brake light wire. If you are unsure which wire to tap into, consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual.
Step 6: Test The Wires.
After you have tapped into the appropriate wire, you will need to test the wires to ensure that they are working correctly. To do this, turn on the running lights and press the brake lever.
If the turn signals are working correctly, they should flash at a slower rate than before. If they do not, you may need to adjust the value of the resistor.
Step 7: Install the Resistor in Line With the Wire.
Once you have tested the wire connection, you can install the resistor in line with the wire. To do this, simply splice the wire and then solder the resistor onto the wire. Be sure to use heat shrink tubing to protect the connection.
Step 8: Cover the Connection With Electrical Tape.
After you have soldered the connection, you can cover it with electrical tape. This will help to protect the connection from the elements.
Ensure you have covered the connection completely so that no bare wire is exposed. You can use any good quality tape, such as 3M electrical tape.
Step 9: Mount The Resistor.
Once you have covered the connection, you can mount the resistor. In most cases, you can simply zip-tie the resistor to the motorcycle’s frame.
However, some models may require you to drill a hole to mount the resistor. If you are unsure how to mount the resistor, consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual.
Step 10: Reinstall the Turn Signal Bulb and lens.
The final step is to reinstall the turn signal bulb and lens. Simply insert the bulb into the socket and twist it clockwise to secure it in place.
Once the bulb is in place, you can snap the lens back into place. You need to test the connection to make sure it is secure.
Once you have completed these steps, your motorcycle’s turn signals should be working correctly.
If they are not, you may need to adjust the value of the resistor. You can do this by increasing or decreasing the value of the resistor until the turn signals flash at the desired rate.
Safety Precautions and Advice:
1. Always disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
2. Use caution when removing the turn signal bulbs. The glass portion of the bulb can be fragile and may break if mishandled.
3. Be careful not to touch the glass portion of the bulb with your fingers, as this can cause premature failure.
4. When tapping into wires, be sure to use the appropriate size wire tap. Using a wire tap that is too small can cause a loose connection, which can lead to electrical problems.
5. Always cover connections with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to protect them from the elements.
6. Make sure all connections are secure before reconnecting the battery.
7. If you think the resistors haven’t worked after installation, check all connections and make sure the resistors are installed in the correct location.
What Type of Resistors to Use For Led Turn Signals Motorcycle?
The type of resistor you use will depend on the make and model of your motorcycle. There are two types of resistors that are commonly used for motorcycle turn signals:
- Surface-mount resistors
- Through-hole resistors.
Surface-mount resistors: Surface mount resistors are the most common type of resistor used for motorcycle turn signals.
They are small and compact, and they can be mounted directly to the surface of the motorcycle’s frame. You can also install them in any location, as long as the wires can reach the resistor.
Through-hole resistors: Through-hole resistors are a bit larger than surface mount resistors, but they offer a few advantages. First, they are more durable and can withstand vibration better than surface mount resistors.
Second, they provide a better electrical connection. If you are installing turn signals on a motorcycle that will be used for off-road riding, then through-hole resistors are a good choice.
How to Test the Resistor Installation?
After installing the resistors, it is important to test them to make sure they are working properly. The best way to do this is to connect a voltmeter to the turn signal wires and measure the voltage drop across the resistor.
The voltage drop should be between 0.5 and 1 volts. If it is higher than this, then the resistors are not installed correctly.
Another way to test the resistor installation is to turn on the turn signals and make sure they flash at the correct rate.
If they do not, then you will need to adjust the value of the resistor. You can do this by increasing or decreasing the value of the resistor until the turn signals flash at the desired rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Does the Resistor Go on a Led Turn Signal?
it varies depending on the make and model of the headlight. However, most headlights using LED technology will use significantly less power than traditional halogen or incandescent headlights. In general, LED headlights will use anywhere from 10-30% of the power of a traditional light bulb while halogen lights typically use anywhere from 50-70%.
Do You Need a Load Resistor for Led Turn Signals?
Load resistors are not typically needed for LED turn signals, as the LEDs themselves are designed to operate at a lower voltage than traditional incandescent bulbs. In fact, most LED turn signals are designed to operate at only 2 volts, which is much lower than the 12 volts that traditional turn signals require. If your turn signals do not work properly or seem to be experiencing interference, it may be a good idea to replace the load resistors with higher-resistance units in order to reduce the amount of current flowing through the circuit and improve performance.
Is There a Correct Way to Wire a Resistor for Led?
There is no one “correct” way to wire a resistor for LED, as the goal is usually to create a circuit that will work properly and produce the desired results. However, there are a few basic tips that can be useful when wiring resistors for LED:
1. Always use an insulated wire when connecting resistors to LEDs, as this will reduce the risk of short circuits and improve the overall reliability of the circuit.
2. Make sure the leads of the resistors are short enough so that they do not touch each other, as this can cause interference and damage the LEDs.
3. Make sure the voltage applied to the LEDs is consistent throughout the entire circuit, as variations in voltage can cause unwanted behavior in the LEDs.
4. Always test a new circuit before using it in a real application, to make sure it works correctly and produces the desired results.
What Happens if You Use the Wrong Resistor With an Led Turn Signal?
If you use the wrong resistor with an LED turn signal, it can damage the turn signal unit and/or the wiring connected to it. If this happens, you will need to replace the turn signal unit and/or the wiring. In most cases, this will require professional help, as repairing or replacing these components can be difficult and time-consuming. If you are not sure which resistor to use with your LED turn signal, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or a qualified professional.
How Many Load Resistor Do I Need for Led Turn Signals?
the number of load resistors needed will vary depending on the size and type of led turn signals being installed. Generally, however, a minimum of three load resistors will be required for each light assembly.
Final Words
Although this was a basic guide on how to install resistors for LED turn signals motorcycle, it should give you a good starting point.
Installation of resistors for LED turn signals motorcycles is a simple process that anyone can do with the right tools.
Resistors are necessary to ensure that your LED turn signals function correctly and do not cause any damage to your motorcycle’s electrical system.
We hope that this article has been helpful and informative. If you have any questions or run into any problems, be sure to reach out to us, and we would be happy to help. Have fun with your new LEDs!