LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

[bruceb58]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

Okay, I learned something new today. I do see what they did, but seriously can't understand their reasoning

The reason they do this is so they only have to have one array of LED lights in their tailight section since they now can do both brake and running with the same array of lights.

 

[TRAILN]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

Thanks for all the input here guys. Much appreciated

 

[bruceb58]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

You would think that some enterprising person would start selling a little harness with a 4 pin on each side and resistors in the middle if this is a common problem.

Apparently, Ford fixed this in later models. You would think Ford could just have a replacement BCM but they probably figure that not many people tow with an Escape and have LED trailer lights.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

Apparently, Ford fixed this in later models. You would think Ford could just have a replacement BCM but they probably figure that not many people tow with an Escape and have LED trailer lights.

Yes, I would imagine that the normal Escape trailer is a 4x8 utility

 

[Thalasso]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

probably easier and cheaper with less headaches just to replace with regular lighting

 

[oldjeep]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

probably easier and cheaper with less headaches just to replace with regular lighting

I'd just get a male and female plug - put resistors between them. Then he doesn't need to change lights or cobble up his trailer wiring.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

I'd just get a male and female plug - put resistors between them. Then he doesn't need to change lights or cobble up his trailer wiring.

Might get too hot. The power resistor kinda needs to be mounted to something to dissipate the heat.

Or...get rid of the LED lights like Thalasso said.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

That would be easy enough to handle by just taping it to the tongue so that they heat sink.

 

[Bondo]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

Ayuh,.... Just addin' a couple of Extra incandescent tail lights should be enough to fool the car into thinkin' it's haulin' a wagon,...

Right,..??

 

[bruceb58]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

Ayuh,.... Just addin' a couple of Extra incandescent tail lights should be enough to fool the car into thinkin' it's haulin' a wagon,...

Right,..??

Yep!

Until that one bulb burns out and then the all the lights don't work.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

The more I think about this, you probably don't want to add that module that is sold by etrailer. My thinking is that somehow the body control module needs to detect a load on the trailer lights to enable the trailer sway control function. Either go back to regular bulbs or add the load resistors.

 

[TRAILN]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

Would the load resistors be connected in series? I'm thinking yes but all the diagrams floating around the net show them attached in parallel. Now I'm confused lol

 

[bruceb58]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

You will need 3 load resistors. One end of one resistor to left turn, one resistor connected to right turn and one resistor to running. The other end of each resistor gets connected to ground. Basically, the same as if you were adding another light to each circuit.

 

[TRAILN]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

You will need 3 load resistors. One end of one resistor to left turn, one resistor connected to right turn and one resistor to running. The other end of each resistor gets connected to ground. Basically, the same as if you were adding another light to each circuit.

Got it, thank you. Sounds like its indeed a parallel connection.

 

[TRAILN]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

I made this and its fixed all my issues. It looks real ghetto but I don't care.
Thanks guys for you help

 

[bruceb58]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

They will get a bit warm if you keep your brakes applied and held. Normally I would mount them to the trailer but since its something that isn't normally on very long, you are likely ok.

Have some one step on the brakes and hold them in your hand to see what I am talking about.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

They will get a bit warm if you keep your brakes applied and held. Normally I would mount them to the trailer but since its something that isn't normally on very long, you are likely ok.

Have some one step on the brakes and hold them in your hand to see what I am talking about.

I was going to say the same thing. Unless he tows at night a lot, or has his turn signal/hazards on for an extended period of time, I don't think it will be that significant.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: LED lights not working properly. Pulse Width Modulation?

I see he doesn't have them on the running lights so that isn't an issue.