LED map and dome lights dim

[EnvoyXL_2006]

Hi,

I just replaced the map lights and dome lights with LEDs. The problem is that the LEDs are dim if the lights are turned on using the on-light switch but they come on bright when a door is opened or if the dash switch is used to turn them on. Anyone know what's going on? Thanks.

 

[The_Roadie]

Hiya!

I think the issue is there's two circuits up there, and some LED lamps don't connect as many LEDs to the dimmable circuit. And sometimes the dimmable circuit needs one filament-based lamp turned on to smooth the voltage (like a capacitor DRL mod will also do).

If you have mirror visors, open the cover to turn on the lamp, and see if the LED behavior changes.

 

[Boricua SS]

its a common issue with the LED swap... mine has acted the same exact way for the past 3 years that I've had LED's in my done lights..

 

[Short Bus]

with Juan. What LEDs did you get? If you get these you'll like that you can turn them on dimmer while driving

[EBAY]271014359580[/EBAY]

 

[EnvoyXL_2006]

Hiya!

I think the issue is there's two circuits up there, and some LED lamps don't connect as many LEDs to the dimmable circuit. And sometimes the dimmable circuit needs one filament-based lamp turned on to smooth the voltage (like a capacitor DRL mod will also do).

If you have mirror visors, open the cover to turn on the lamp, and see if the LED behavior changes.

Hello,

I tried your suggestion and turned on the visor light and voila, the map light LEDs brightened. What is going on and how can I fix the problem permanently? Thanks so much!

 

[ItsOnVoy]

I never had that problem when I did the change, I have them all over

 

[The_Roadie]

The filament in the vanity lamp is a different sort of load for the dimmer circuit in the BCM than the LEDs present. The dimmer was designed to have a constant filament on it at all times. Some folks just wire in a small filament lamp and then hide it somewhere where it won't start a fire, or a power resistor (such as a 10 Ohm, 10W unit from Radio Shack). Same issue with making wire it doesn't start a fir, because it WILL heat up. Only way it can work. Similar to the way some flasher units don't like replacement LED turn signals, and they hyperflash (too fast.)

 

[Short Bus]

Hello,

I tried your suggestion and turned on the visor light and voila, the map light LEDs brightened. What is going on and how can I fix the problem permanently? Thanks so much!

Get brighter LEDs that are bright enough in "dim mode"