Topic: LED Tail Lights

[Jeffy]

I wouldn't worry about relays for the LED's.  They are low amp lights.  The real concern are those back-up lights.  Those are 55w, if I remember right.  That would mean, you're pulling 110w which is a lot when the original wiring is setup for under 50w.  I think it's something like 25w each side.  I run a single 55w for my back-up light.  Still a better option would be to use a relay and a SPDT switch then you can turn the backup light on independantly as well as have it on when you go into reverse.

[Mozman68]

I'll wait and see what comes with the kit...the description makes it sounds like it wires right in somewhere.  I must admit, I do like the idea of being able to turn them on independantly though.

I need the relay for the LED's though to avoid fast flashing....you needed that as well, right Jeffy?

[iismet]

What Jeffy said. The LEDS can run off of the factory wiring. The 55 W lights cannot. More than one guy has burned wire trying. You need to run the factory backup wire (purple and white if I remember right) to the relay and then run some heavy wire between the relay and the battery and the relay and the lights. When you put put the transmission in reverse the current thru the factory wire closes the secondary side of the relay and allows battery current to flow to lights. Some mount the relay forward but I did not as I did not want to slice into the wiring harness. I located the reverse light wire on the drivers side and pulled it back thru the harness where the harness goes thru the drivers side fender well. I mounted the relay on the rear wheel well behind the roll bar.

[Jeffy]

I'll wait and see what comes with the kit...the description makes it sounds like it wires right in somewhere.  I must admit, I do like the idea of being able to turn them on independantly though.

I need the relay for the LED's though to avoid fast flashing....you needed that as well, right Jeffy?

Yeah, the Blinker relay will be required.  I think I have a link off my LED how-to for TJ's.

[Mozman68]

Yup...finally found the instructions on-line.  Lights arrive tomorrow and doesn't look like I will need anything.  Relay and all wiring is included...psych!!! :D

http://www.kchilites.com/faq/instructions/517_backup.pdf

[Mozman68]

FYI...if you install LED's be careful about altering or replacing the flasher.

Bought a replacement trico EP26 flasher and still had fast flashing....ended up altering the existing flasher by cutting into the circuit board.

Found out this morning that Trico has updated there replacement flasher recently so that it works for OEM lights AND LED's....here's a picture of it from another site:



Note how the new ones actually say "LED" on them.....the one I bought at NAPA last night was obviously a straight replacement for the OEM flasher as it flashed really fast.

I should also note that cutting into the circuit board, while slowing down the "fast flash", does not completely get the flashing down to the stock pace.  Flashing is fine, but I would still like it a little slower.

Btw...here are mine installed:





Unlit area on the lights are the white back-up LED's....new pair of 55w back-up lights are arriving today as, like Jeffy noted, the LED's, while bright, really do not have a great light spread.  Thanks for all the advice.