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The use of LED (light-emitting diode) headlights for vehicles has already become a famous trend because of its advantages. Not only does it promote security and visibility but energy efficiency as well. There are times, however, that the LED headlights we install experience flickering issues or what is known as “hyper flashing”.
This article will provide you with ideas on how to fix flickering led headlights and restore it back to normal.
Normally, the naked eye sees a LED headlight flickering, but in reality, the LEDs are just turning on and off quickly. Unlike other types of light like incandescent, LED switches off when the voltage fails. Considering that LEDs do not have any delays, it would appear like it’s flickering.
Table of Contents
Causes of LED Headlights Flicker
Failed communication between your car’s computer system and the headlight’s electrical system
There are various reasons for flickering led headlights, but the most common cause is a failed communication between your car’s computer system and the headlight’s electrical system.
When there is a discrepancy between the headlight’s electronic frequency and the car’s computer, it will lead to flickering. The electronic frequency and power of LED lights are different from the usual halogen bulbs resulting in flickering issues. This problem can be solved by using load resistors, LED decoders, warning cancellers, and anti-flicker adaptors, which will be discussed later on.
Think of these items as language translators, which will bridge the miscommunication of your LED headlight and vehicle computer.
Problems with the CAN-bus system
Another factor that can even worsen this miscommunication is the CAN-bus system (Controller Area Network) of modern vehicles.
The CAN-bus system can be compared to a human’s nervous system, which is used in transmitting messages to the other systems or parts of the body. Similarly, the CAN-bus system is responsible for allowing the effective communication of micro-controllers and devices in the car.
That is why whenever choosing decoders, whether choosing warning cancellers or load resistors, it is important not just to know how to fix flickering LED headlights but also to check the equipment’s compatibility with the CAN-bus system of your vehicle.
The Jeep Wrangler, for example, is installed with a CAN-bus system, which is not easily compatible with many brands.
Unsteady electrical supply from your car
Another probable cause is an unsteady electrical supply from your car. This is usually solved by installing a driver on the headlights that are able to support the steady voltage needed by the LED headlight.
It’s possible that the wiring on the car is not able to deliver the needed stable current, so a driver will shoulder that burden. If the flickering persists, double check the relays, switches, and other wirings for possible damages.
Equipment for Anti-flickering
The market is saturated with a variety of equipment that will address your problem on how to fix flickering LED headlights.
LED decoder
One good product that will do this job is a LED decoder. This is a component capable of storing electricity inside and releasing it in a stable manner. Some cars are supplied with pulse power, a technology that reduces the heat of halogen bulbs and their power consumption by providing intermittent power.
LED headlights, however, need a constant supply of current for it to function well. This is where the LED decoder comes in to provide a large capacitance and release a constant amount of supply. LED decoders can easily be found on online stores like Amazon. Common brands you can check out are Anycar, Hikari, Koomtoom and Auxbeam.
Load resistor
Another piece of equipment you can use to address the flickering issue is a load resistor. When converting from halogen bulbs to LED bulbs, there is a decrease in power draw since LED bulbs generally require less power to function. Load resistors remedy this situation by compensating for the small power draw.
In this manner, your car’s computer system can communicate properly with the electrical system of the electrical bulbs. The load resistors available in the market are plug and play, so it will be easy for you to install them. A good product you can try in the market is the H7 LED Load Resistor.
Conclusion
With modern technology today and online availability, it is easy to get a grip on equipment for flickering issues. However, it is important also to really familiarize the technicalities of your own vehicle to determine compatibility issues before fixing or purchasing anything for your vehicle.
Read more:
- DOT Approved LED Headlights: Are Your LED Lights Safe to Use?
- Flicker Flame Light Bulb – How To Choose & Where To Use?
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