***not sure if "taillight" or "tail light" is correct" as I've seen both...Item in question is the Bargman series 84 light set with the 47-84-420 LED part #.Just one side has the issue of an intermittent weak flash. Test light flashes correctly so I believe this indicates good signal from the wiring If I apply the test light to the connection, then the LED assumes full strength again. I'm guessing this is an issue with he LED light but before I apply a fix action, I wanted to determine from the experts if adding a permanent small load (as the test light does) would be smart or just try a repacement LED light for about $30?Thank you*Replaced the fixture with above mentioned part # and it works as it should. Problem was a malfunctioning LED fixture and not the wiring. Thanks for the help from everyone!

I think the issue is your flasher unit, not the LED driver.

Apply independent + - feed to lamp, What happens?

"not sure if "taillight" or "tail light" is correct" as I've seen both..."Great thing about American English is if enough spell it "wrong" it becomes "right." The change from "hung" to "hanged" still bothers me.

What do you mean by "Weak flash" (NOt as bright or different speed)most common issue is a bad ground on the lamp socket though any bad connection might do itFlashers. come in two flavors one the light comes on the INSTANT you move the lever.. This type can be seriously affected by lamp current.The other the light comes on a fraction (about 1/2) second later. This one can flash one lamp, 10 lamps. more. And now days we have all electronic (Solid state) and those.. I can not comment on never having used one.

Since only one light does it, it isn't the flasher. That's a good thing since I beieve it's in the TIPM. I would just replace the light itself. It sounds like its drivers are messed up.

LED Tailight Weak Flashing Issue - *Solved* | Good Sam Community

22 Replies

2DHoop
Explorer II
Sep 21, 2017
DrewE wrote:
One possible way to isolate if it's the bulb or the socket/wiring is to swap bulbs between the two taillights and seeing if the problem moves or stays. Apologies if you've tried that already.

It kind of sounds like a poor connection to me, possibly corrosion in the socket or a loose wire/ground or that sort of thing. I could be all wrong, of course.

I will be able to provide an update in about 2 hours, as the replacement was delivered today.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Sep 20, 2017
DrewE

Isn't it frustrating to diagnose-by-wire? Hands-on would reveal the cause in seconds.
:)
DrewE
Explorer II
Sep 20, 2017
One possible way to isolate if it's the bulb or the socket/wiring is to swap bulbs between the two taillights and seeing if the problem moves or stays. Apologies if you've tried that already.

It kind of sounds like a poor connection to me, possibly corrosion in the socket or a loose wire/ground or that sort of thing. I could be all wrong, of course.
2DHoop
Explorer II
Sep 20, 2017
jplante4 wrote:
When I put on the Bargman LED upgrades, I notice weak and intermittent operation of the turn signals. I hose clamped around the light socket (the upgrades use the existing light socket) and coated the whole thing with dielectric grease.

Good idea to use the grease. The fixtures I have are not the upgrade versions. I have about had it with trailer lights, especially with my two boat trailers...
2DHoop
Explorer II
Sep 20, 2017
beemerphile1 wrote:
Taillight fixture has a poor ground.

I checked the ground and it is good and I also ran an alternate ground just to be sure. Thank you for the suggestion.
jplante4
Explorer II
Sep 20, 2017
When I put on the Bargman LED upgrades, I notice weak and intermittent operation of the turn signals. I hose clamped around the light socket (the upgrades use the existing light socket) and coated the whole thing with dielectric grease.
2DHoop
Explorer II
Sep 20, 2017
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Use the resistor. The lamp's VOLTAGE REGULATOR is malfunctioning and sensing what it believes to be too high of incoming voltage. So it drastically limits current.

I would suggest "overkill city" with the resistor. Lots of wattage rating.

With my home built third brake light systems I enable the lamp for 5 minutes continuous operation. Then gingerly touch fingertip to resistor. If I yell unprintable words, I up the wattage rating.

Thanks for your expertise. I'm going to try a new light fixture and be done with it...hopefully.
2DHoop
Explorer II
Sep 20, 2017
MrWizard wrote:
I was ready to say the probe across the fixture did two things, lower the resistance by being parallel and add a new ground to the circuit

Then you said you put the resistor in series with the fixture (not parallel like the test probe) increasing the resistance

Either way, it is the fixture that is the problem

Thank you, Sir. I have a new light on order.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Sep 14, 2017
Taillight fixture has a poor ground.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Sep 14, 2017
Use the resistor. The lamp's VOLTAGE REGULATOR is malfunctioning and sensing what it believes to be too high of incoming voltage. So it drastically limits current.

I would suggest "overkill city" with the resistor. Lots of wattage rating.

With my home built third brake light systems I enable the lamp for 5 minutes continuous operation. Then gingerly touch fingertip to resistor. If I yell unprintable words, I up the wattage rating.

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LED Tailight Weak Flashing Issue - Solved

22 Replies

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