Installing a tail light resistor is an essential step when upgrading to LED tail lights. LED lights, while energy-efficient, can cause hyper-flashing—a rapid blinking of turn signals—due to their lower resistance compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. A tail light resistor corrects this issue by simulating the resistance of a standard bulb, ensuring your vehicle’s lighting system operates smoothly and safely.
In the following guide on how to install tail light resistor, we’ll walk you through the necessary tools, safety precautions, and step-by-step instructions to install a tail light resistor on your vehicle. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner, these instructions will help you achieve optimal results.
Why Install a Tail Light Resistor?
Tail light resistors are essential when upgrading to LED lights for several reasons:
Prevents Hyper-flashing:
As mentioned earlier, hyper-flashing is a common issue with LED lights due to their low resistance. A tail light resistor ensures the turn signals flash at a normal rate, preventing confusion for other drivers on the road.
Maintains Safety Standards:
LED lights are brighter than traditional bulbs, providing better visibility while driving. However, hyper-flashing can reduce their effectiveness by causing intermittent blinking. By installing a tail light resistor, you ensure that your LED lights function correctly and maintain safety standards on the road.
Tools and Materials Required
Before starting the installation process, make sure you have the following tools and materials ready:
- Tail Light Resistors (Specific to Your Vehicle’s Make and Model)
- Wire Cutters/strippers
- Electrical Tape
- Heat Shrink Tubing
- Soldering Iron and Solder (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat Gun or Hair Dryer (Optional but Recommended)
8 Simple Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Install Tail Light Resistor
Step 1: Safety First
Before you begin the installation of a tail light resistor, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety. Start by ensuring the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the engine is turned off. Engage the parking brake to prevent any movement. Make sure the tail lights are cool to the touch to avoid burns.
Use protective gear such as safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from possible electrical hazards. If you’re working in a dimly lit area, make sure to use adequate lighting to avoid any mishaps while handling electrical components. Always disconnect the vehicle’s battery before working on any electrical systems to eliminate the risk of electric shock.
Step 2: Locate the Tail Light Assembly
To successfully install the tail light resistor, you’ll need to locate the tail light assembly of your vehicle. Begin by opening the trunk or rear hatch to access the rear light fixtures. In most vehicles, the tail light assembly is secured with a combination of screws and clips. Use a screwdriver to gently remove these fasteners.
Carefully detach any clips that may be holding the tail light assembly in place, taking care not to break them. Once the fasteners and clips are removed, you should be able to gently pull out the tail light assembly to expose the wiring and bulbs behind it. Ensure you have a clear view and access to the wires connected to the tail lights, as this will be crucial for the installation of the resistors.
Step 3: Identify the Turn Signal Wires
Once you have exposed the tail light assembly, the next step is to identify the turn signal wires. These wires are typically connected to the socket holding the turn signal bulb. To find the correct wires, refer to your vehicle’s wiring diagram, which can often be found in the owner’s manual or a repair guide. If you’re unable to access a wiring diagram, look for wires leading to the turn signal bulb, which is usually a different color from the brake and tail light wires.
Using a multimeter set to measure voltage or continuity can help verify which wires are powering the turn signal. Activate the turn signal to trace and confirm the wire that shows intermittent power, corresponding to the blinking of the signal. Clearly marking these wires with tape can help distinguish them for easy connection to the tail light resistor in later steps. Be sure to handle the wires gently to avoid damaging them while making these identifications.
Step 4: Prepare the Tail Light Resistor
Before connecting the tail light resistor, it’s essential to prepare it for installation. If your resistor comes with pre-stripped wires, you can skip this step. Otherwise, use wire cutters/strippers to remove approximately half an inch of insulation from each end of the resistor’s wires.
To ensure a secure and stable connection, we also recommend using a soldering iron and solder to join the wires instead of relying on electrical tape alone. Soldering creates a stronger bond between wires that may experience vibrations while driving, making them less likely to come loose over time. If you’re not familiar with soldering, there are many helpful tutorials available online.
Step 5: Connect the Resistor to the Wires
With the tail light assembly exposed, turn off your vehicle’s interior and exterior lights. Take one of the identified turn signal wires and connect it to one end of the resistor, either by twisting them together or soldering them. Repeat this process with the other wire connected to the same socket, connecting it to the remaining end of the resistor.
The resistor should now be in series with the turn signal wires, meaning that the current will pass through it before reaching the light bulb. This added resistance will prevent hyper-flashing. Be sure to secure the connections by covering them with either electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.
Step 6: Test the Turn Signals
After connecting the resistor, it’s important to test the turn signals to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Reconnect the vehicle’s battery and turn on the ignition. Activate the turn signal for the side where the resistor was installed. Observe the blinking pattern of the turn signal; it should flash at a regular rate without any signs of hyper-flashing.
If the turn signals flash at the correct pace, you’ve successfully installed the resistor. In the event that hyper-flashing persists, double-check the connections to ensure they are secure and that the resistor is correctly wired in series with the turn signal wires. Correct any loose connections and test the turn signals again. Additionally, check the resistor’s specifications to confirm compatibility with your vehicle’s voltage and current parameters. Proper testing will ensure that your turn signals are reliable and maintain your safety on the road.
Step 7: Reassemble the Tail Light Assembly
Once you’ve confirmed that the turn signals are working correctly, it’s time to put everything back together. Carefully reattach the tail light assembly by aligning it with the vehicle’s body and securing it with its respective screws and clips.
Before closing up the trunk or rear hatch, activate all your lights again to ensure they are functioning as expected. It’s essential to test both turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights to confirm there are no issues after reinstalling the tail light assembly. Make any necessary adjustments before proceeding to the final step.
Step 8: Clean Up and Final Check
To complete the installation process, clean up any tools or materials used and properly dispose of any waste. Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure and that no wires are exposed. Finally, turn off your vehicle’s ignition and disconnect the battery again before closing the trunk or rear hatch.
Following these steps on how to install tail light resistor, you can successfully install a tail light resistor to prevent hyper-flashing and ensure safe operation of your turn signals. Remember to always consult your vehicle’s manual or seek professional help if you encounter any challenges during this process. With proper installation, your turn signals will function reliably and keep you visible on the road for safer driving.
Additional Tips and Considerations:
- It’s important to use resistors that are compatible with your vehicle’s voltage and current parameters to avoid overloading the circuit.
- When selecting a resistor, consider its power rating to ensure it can handle the load from the turn signal bulbs without overheating.
- Always handle wires and electrical components with caution to avoid injury or damage.
- If you are unsure about any step in the installation process, consult a professional mechanic or refer to your vehicle’s manual for guidance.
- It’s advisable to test the turn signals periodically after installation to ensure they continue functioning correctly.
- In some cases, it may be necessary to use multiple resistors for each turn signal circuit, especially if your vehicle has LED lights or additional lighting modifications. Consult a professional for assistance with these situations.
- Tail light resistors can also be used for other types of lighting modifications, such as installing sequential turn signals or LED strips. Make sure to follow proper wiring and resistor requirements for these applications.
- Do not attempt to modify or alter your vehicle’s electrical system if you are not familiar with how it works. Improper installation can lead to damage to your vehicle and potential safety hazards. Seek professional help if needed.
- Be sure to clean up any debris and dispose of used materials properly after completing the installation process.
Conclusion
Successfully installing a tail light resistor to prevent hyper-flashing is an important task for ensuring that your vehicle’s turn signals function reliably. By following the detailed step-by-step process on how to install tail light resistor outlined, you can achieve a stable and lasting connection that meets the electrical requirements of your vehicle’s lighting system. Always remember to prioritize safety and consult professional guidance if you encounter any uncertainties during installation.
Properly functioning turn signals are crucial for road safety, as they provide clear communication to other drivers. With careful attention to detail and adherence to the recommended guidelines, you can enhance the safety and functionality of your vehicle’s lighting modifications.
