LED Switchbacks strange issue

[theparagon]

I've tried installing two sets of LED Switchbacks (amber-off type) on my FR-S and they both have the same issue. The problem is that the light will flash white-amber-off instead of the correct amber-off sequence. This occurs during the following actions:

-Unlocking/Locking doors
-Emergency lights
-Turn signals when headlights and parking lights are off

Has anyone encountered this issue or have an idea of what could be causing it? Thanks.

Here is a video of the issue: [ame]http://youtu.be/GZQbMXsjm3Y[/ame]

[Cockatoo]

Well, if your normal halogen bulbs work like they are supposed to then the problem is with your switchbacks.... Which Brand did you get?

[theparagon]

They are diode dynamics. Their customer service had been great but they haven't been able to track down the issue yet.

[husker741]

That's kind of badass.

[Cockatoo]

I had an issue with my one of bulbs from them, but they sent out a replacement that worked great, I will say their customer service was great! @Diode Dynamics

[Jyn]

Sorry for threadjacking but kinda related to the video... what are switchbacks supposed to do??

[continuecrushing]

Originally Posted by Jyn

Sorry for threadjacking but kinda related to the video... what are switchbacks supposed to do??

They are white when the car is running/driving normal(when driving lights or headlights are on), but when you flip on your blinker they turn orange(law states blinker bulbs must emit orange)

[phobos512]

Originally Posted by Jyn

Sorry for threadjacking but kinda related to the video... what are switchbacks supposed to do??

There are two different ways they're generally supposed to operate.

The first is White normally, alternating Amber/off when turn signal active.
The second is White normally, alternating Amber/White when turn signal active.

Which way they work depends on the particular type you've got - most of the distributors on the forum sell both types.

I'd bet the OP has been taking part in a bad batch of parts.

[czechm8]

Mine do that exact same thing. Only when I have the headlights off.
I thought it was pretty cool, so I'm OK with it. Definitely no doubt I'm turning!

I had regular LED's (Diode Dynamics) on all four corners and was using an LED Flasher module from them. Everything worked fine.
Then I swapped out my stock tail lights for Valenti units. Since the Valenti's have resistors built in, I had to put the stock Flasher unit back in and I ordered a new set of switchbacks from DD along with the 6 ohm resistors. Just put the stock front turn signals in while I waited for the switchbacks and resistors since I had the hyper-flash issue with the LED's up front.
Once I installed the new switchbacks and resistors, everything works as it should, except for that little white flash of the turn signal just like in your video. It doesn't happen when I have the park lights, or the headlights on though.

I'm sure it's probably a small current draw issue - either a little too much or too little, but I'm kind of digging the strobe thing anyway!

[Jyn]

Originally Posted by Shutter

They are white when the car is running/driving normal(when driving lights or headlights are on), but when you flip on your blinker they turn orange(law states blinker bulbs must emit orange)

Originally Posted by phobos512

There are two different ways they're generally supposed to operate.

The first is White normally, alternating Amber/off when turn signal active.
The second is White normally, alternating Amber/White when turn signal active.

Which way they work depends on the particular type you've got - most of the distributors on the forum sell both types.

I'd bet the OP has been taking part in a bad batch of parts.

Thanks, y'all. And I assume there's some relay or some sort of module to install with these, or is it just a direct swap of the bulbs?

[continuecrushing]

Originally Posted by Jyn

Thanks, y'all. And I assume there's some relay or some sort of module to install with these, or is it just a direct swap of the bulbs?

I think its a direct swap...

but you might have to get a different relay...Someone who has these wanna chime in? I was under the impression they had resistors or whatever built in, but I could be wrong.

[phobos512]

Originally Posted by Shutter

I think its a direct swap...

but you might have to get a different relay...Someone who has these wanna chime in? I was under the impression they had resistors or whatever built in, but I could be wrong.

Depends on the lights. Believe with DD you'd need to add resistors or new flasher relay.

[Diode Dynamics]

You will need to add resistors or a relay with all turn signal LEDs. It's very simple with the FR-S

Here's a video demonstrating the normal operation:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAEz3YC8SCA"]FR-S / BRZ Fix Turn LED Hyperblink with Flasher - YouTube[/ame]

Thanks!
Nick C.

[arbnpx]

Originally Posted by czechm8

Then I swapped out my stock tail lights for Valenti units. Since the Valenti's have resistors built in, I had to put the stock Flasher unit back in and I ordered a new set of switchbacks from DD along with the 6 ohm resistors.

Did you try the Valenti taillights with the CF18 flasher relay? Did the turn signals actuate properly, and at what speed? I'm curious, because I got a set of DD switchback units, and I have Spyder taillights in the rear. I got the CF18 relay, but now I'm wondering if I should've gone with resistors instead. I'll report back with my findings.