Tail light bulb and turn signal upgrade to LEDs

BRYANHARRIS87

MEMBER
1984 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD
4.1L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

I bought a couple of LED brake light bulbs for my car listed above. Nothing was wrong with the old ones I just want something brighter.
The LEDs light up but they don’t flash when they’re supposed to. I put the old bulbs back in and they flash when I use the turn signal.
Am I missing something? I want bright noticeable brake lights and turn signals.

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

LED bulbs use a much lower voltage than a traditional incandescent bulb. Oftentimes, the signals will hyper flash when you install LEDs because the system thinks there is a bulb burned out.

Here is what to try: Go back to the parts store where you purchased the LED lights and ask if they have a signal flasher for LEDs that will fit your vehicle.

As far as the flasher, it should be on the bottom right of the fuse box.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

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Sunday, July 25th, 2021 AT 8:31 PM

BRYANHARRIS87

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14 POSTS

So I swapped out the signal flasher that you mentioned and nothing has changed. I only have the tail lights on LEDs. Do I need the front LED as well to make it work? They’re still incandescent up front. I attached a picture of what I bought.

Images (Click to make bigger)

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Tuesday, July 27th, 2021 AT 2:18 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
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Hi,

I didn't realize the fronts were original. I can't guarantee it, but I know that mixing LEDs and standard lights doesn't work well. If you have the bulbs, I would try that to see if it makes a difference. Although the lights are in different places, they work off the same circuit. There is a good chance that is the cause.

As far as the flasher, that should work with LED lights, so keep it.

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, July 27th, 2021 AT 7:37 PM

BRYANHARRIS87

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14 POSTS

Got it working. Thank you for the help.

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Thursday, July 29th, 2021 AT 3:09 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Thanks for the update. What finally took care of it? Was it the front lights needed to be changed to LEDs as well?

If possible, let me know. I'm sure it will help others in the future.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future. You're always welcome here.

Joe

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Thursday, July 29th, 2021 AT 7:40 PM

BRYANHARRIS87

MEMBER
14 POSTS

I changed the flasher on the fuse block which apparently was the hazards only. When the incandescent bulbs were in and working I noticed the clicking sound came from under the steering column. Stuck my head under there and noticed another signal flasher clipped to the column. When I replaced it with another electronic flasher the actual turn signals started working on LEDs. Would have never known about the signal flashers until you mentioned it.

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Friday, July 30th, 2021 AT 8:10 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Thanks for that info. I know it will help others in the future. Also, I'm glad to know it's working for you.

Once again, feel free to come back anytime in the future. We're here if you need help.

Take care and thanks again,

Joe

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Friday, July 30th, 2021 AT 8:28 PM