Using single LED indicator light with filament turn signals?

M

mattfeet

Been Around the Block
Howdy - Im trying to hook up my new custom dash (as seen in build thread in my sig) and I cannot figure out how to use a single LED indicator light for my turn signals. The OEM idiot box has a single filament bulb and it works for both L & R turn signals when plugged in appropriately.

I installed my single LED 12v indicator light into those same points in the harness and the indicator only works for the left OR right, depending on how I have it plugged in. It will NOT indicate for both turn signals. How can I get around this? I know it's an LED issue, I just don't know what I can do to remedy it.

-Matt
 
A LED is a Light Emitting Diode.

Diodes only let current flow one way, as you have worked out.

I guess you could try to install two LEDs, one wired up each way.

If that doesn't work, you would need one of the resident elec gurus to help.
 
Sonreir - thanks for the link. My only question is that that is the reverse of what Im experiencing. You're talking when the indicator is a filament bulb and the turns are LED's. I have the opposite situation and can't figure out what I need to do based off of your reply.

I struggle with electric stuff. I appreciate the help.

-Matt
 
Same solution, but because of different reasons.

If you splice the orange and blue wires feeding the LED indicator and then produce a new ground wire for that bulb then your indicator will now work properly.

On the down side, you get all four signals flashing when you indicate. So you insert the diodes to isolate the left and right circuits from one another.
 
Just about any diodes will work for this application. It's low voltage and low current.

Also, be aware that diodes are polarized. As you've noticed with your Light Emitting Diode indicator, they don't work if they're put in backwards.

The diodes will come with a gray stripe on one end and that's the end that should be wired closest to the LED.
 
Yup. Just like this:
 

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Welp, when the Radio Shack guys tell you one thing and DTT tells you something else, listen to DTT. Fortunately, I made the correct choice the first time in placement of the diode, put it all together, and it works perfectly! Thanks SO much for the help. :)

-Matt
 
Oh - I do have a follow up question. Why is the blue high-beam indicator SO much brighter than the turn signal/neutral indicators? I mean, it's far and away brighter. Thoughts?

-Matt
 
mattfeet said:
Oh - I do have a follow up question. Why is the blue high-beam indicator SO much brighter than the turn signal/neutral indicators? I mean, it's far and away brighter. Thoughts?

-Matt
Click to expand...
Any ideas on this?

 
The turn signal led is going through an extra diode, so the voltage is a little lower. the high beam gets a full 12V. Add a resistor, or another diode inline to reduce the voltage to the LED. I have the same issue on my NH750. I actually blocked the top of the LED (I have the separate blue lens) so only the sides of the LED light up the indicator, and it is still pretty bright.....
 
Hmm...Id rather the other two be as bright as the brights indicator but I s'pose that isn't an option, is it?
 
Did you buy all the bulbs from the same place at the same time?

Never had that issue with mine. Skip to 1:25 on the video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rygh-fySMEg
 
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