[JobeaQuartz]

I recently installed a full set of LEDs into my 98, the blinkers are now solid, I'm certain I just need to replace my flasher relay with one for LEDs, so my question is; since I see one blue connector and one yellow, which do I put the flash relay in? or do I need two relays?

 

[novanutcase]

Usually, for turn signals, what happens is you get hyperflash which can be remedied by splicing in voltage stepdowns.

Also, the 3rd gen stock flasher unit runs both the turn signals and the hazard lights. I've read of a mod you can do to the flasher that will stop the hyperflash but I didn't do that since you'd still be over volting the LED turn signals. BTW I used switchbacks so that I can have white running lights and amber turn lights.

John

 

[JobeaQuartz]

I'm gonna be honest, I'm pretty new to all this, are voltage stepdowns those little load resistor things? What is a switchback?

 

[1993tracer]

I believe what also works is to just leave one regular bulb in the turn signal circuit. I have this on my 98 wagon with a regular bulb in the front signal.... no hyperflashing.

 

[novanutcase]

I'm gonna be honest, I'm pretty new to all this, are voltage stepdowns those little load resistor things? What is a switchback?

No worries. That's what this forum is all about. Helping fellow Escort enthusiasts keep their rides on the road.

Yes, the little amber volt stepdowns. I bought a small subloom that has them spliced in that I can plug into the stock socket and not have to cut into the factory loom.

Switch backs are dual color LED's. They have both white and amber LED's on the same bulb. The white ones can be used as running lights or DRL's while the amber ones are used for turn signals.

John

 

[JobeaQuartz]

Got it done, the hyperflash stopped, although that was a surreal pain in the bum to do for the taillights. I did the switchbacks like you suggested, they also work great.

 

[novanutcase]

Got it done, the hyperflash stopped, although that was a surreal pain in the bum to do for the taillights. I did the switchbacks like you suggested, they also work great.

Pics Brother Pics! LOL!

John

 

[JobeaQuartz]

Pics Brother Pics! LOL!

John

you got it

 

[novanutcase]

Nice. So how did you setup the relays for the switchbacks in front? What bulbs did you use for your brake lights?

I haven't installed LED's back there because LED's aren't set up for voltage drop signaling unless they have a PWM to modulate the voltage.

The LED brake light bulbs I've seen in action don't really differentiate in light output so going from running to brake light is somewhat indistinguishable. Not very safe for an approaching car.

A PWM(Pulse Width Modulator) can be programmed to raise and lower LED output.
John

 

[JobeaQuartz]

Nice. So how did you setup the relays for the switchbacks in front? What bulbs did you use for your brake lights?

John

I pretty much just took the parking light wire and spliced it into the drl part of the switchbacks, I just used regular LED 3157s that I got from amazon, they work pretty well, the only problem is I'll get power drops in my gauge lights and my climate control when I use my blinkers, but they work.