Cargo light with LED...woes :-( - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RaceAGMC · 07-28-2013, 10:51 PM

Today I tried to install a LED bulb in my cargo light, it worked beautifully. Maybe too well, cause no matter the position of the switch or if the door was open, or where the headlight switch was positioned it wouldn't turn off. With a regular bulb installed it worked as it should. What gives? Any ideas on why or what I can do to be able to run the LED bulb?
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*Mister-B* · 07-28-2013, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaceAGMC

Today I tried to install a LED bulb in my cargo light, it worked beautifully. Maybe too well, cause no matter the position of the switch or if the door was open, or where the headlight switch was positioned it wouldn't turn off. With a regular bulb installed it worked as it should. What gives? Any ideas on why or what I can do to be able to run the LED bulb?
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That's common with all LED bulbs in a vehicle designed for conventional bulbs, unfortunately. You'll need a load equalizer if you want it to work
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Towstrap · 07-29-2013, 09:08 AM

whats a load equalizer??? and where do you get it

mmiddle · 07-29-2013, 09:54 AM

A load equalizer is a power resister that mimics a standard bulb. The problem with LED's is that they require almost no volt/amps to power them. These older electrical systems have a lot of stray voltage and as such bleed past or around switchs sometimes with enough power to light an LED.

I know I have seen many of them on Fleebay. I'm sure where ever you got your LED bulb might have them.

alsriv2 · 07-29-2013, 11:35 AM

I might need a small correction here, but I do believe that each LED diode only takes .7 volts to fire up and produce light (sometimes less).
mmiddle is correct about the random stray voltages that our trucks typically have and the need for an inline resistor "load equalizer" to be placed in line prior to the LED lamps for them to function correctly.
Higher quality automotive LED light systems will typically have the required resistance built into their product, others will require the new owner to calculate the needed load and install it themselves.

07-28-2013, 10:51 PM	#1
RaceAGMC Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 350	Cargo light with LED...woes :-( Today I tried to install a LED bulb in my cargo light, it worked beautifully. Maybe too well, cause no matter the position of the switch or if the door was open, or where the headlight switch was positioned it wouldn't turn off. With a regular bulb installed it worked as it should. What gives? Any ideas on why or what I can do to be able to run the LED bulb? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 70 CST, 6.0/ 4L80E in the works. Custom harness by 68 Short Step

07-29-2013, 09:08 AM	#3
Towstrap Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: davison Mich Posts: 247	Re: Cargo light with LED...woes :-( whats a load equalizer??? and where do you get it

07-29-2013, 09:54 AM	#4
mmiddle Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Forestburg, Texas Posts: 659	Re: Cargo light with LED...woes :-( A load equalizer is a power resister that mimics a standard bulb. The problem with LED's is that they require almost no volt/amps to power them. These older electrical systems have a lot of stray voltage and as such bleed past or around switchs sometimes with enough power to light an LED. I know I have seen many of them on Fleebay. I'm sure where ever you got your LED bulb might have them. __________________ Mark Jesus is the Way! 2003 2500HD CCLB Duramax/Ali (Clifford) 2014 2SS/RS black on black Camaro (Betty) 2006 Pontiac SOLSTICE silver/black (Lula-Bell) 1970 C/10 Short Wide (Peggy) 1964 C/10 Short Step (Hambone) RIP Jimmy Hamilton Thank you for the trucks

07-29-2013, 11:35 AM	#5
alsriv2 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Formerly MD and San Diego, now loving life in Arizona Posts: 1,636	Re: Cargo light with LED...woes :-( I might need a small correction here, but I do believe that each LED diode only takes .7 volts to fire up and produce light (sometimes less). mmiddle is correct about the random stray voltages that our trucks typically have and the need for an inline resistor "load equalizer" to be placed in line prior to the LED lamps for them to function correctly. Higher quality automotive LED light systems will typically have the required resistance built into their product, others will require the new owner to calculate the needed load and install it themselves. __________________ Alan 2012 Ram 3500 Dually Crew Cab 6.7 Cummins 2014 Palomino Columbus 340RK 5th wheel '69 Chevy C10 396BB



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