LED Tailight Weak Flashing Issue - *Solved*

[2DHoop]

***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!

[2DHoop]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Apply independent + - feed to lamp, What happens?

That was going to be my next action, but knowing that the 12 volt test light probe touching the connection in parallel convinces the LED light to operate normal, I thought that the extra load applied (test light) might be a factor.

I scrounged a small resistor (30 ohms) and added it in in series with the problem LED and it works normal. Just not sure if his is an acceptable fix.

[2DHoop]

wa8yxm wrote:
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 it

Flashers. 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.

I'm calling the weak flash a dimmer level of brightness coupled with a faint "blinking" versus a much more noticeable brightness and a distinct "blinking" equal to the other (normal) side. I connected to a different tow vehicle and the issue remains, so I don't think it's the vehicle's system failing to deliver a strong signal.

[campinginthewoo]

Maybe change suspected bulb to one you know works and see if your problem still exist. Just a thought

[ScottG]

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.

[wa8yxm]

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 it

Flashers. 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.

[Lwiddis]

"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.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Apply independent + - feed to lamp, What happens?

[SidecarFlip]

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