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High Beam indicator?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by custommx3, Dec 6, 2018.

  1. Dec 6, 2018 at 7:27 AM
    #1
    custommx3

    custommx3 [OP] Active Member

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    Stupid question... I don't seem to see a dash light that indicates the high beams are on. is there one? I mean.. I know when they're on but I just noticed that today, but I did swap to LED headlights today. Coincidence?
     
  2. Dec 6, 2018 at 7:50 AM
    #2
    02hilux

    02hilux Paved roads not required

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    There is a high beam indicator. The led probably the issue. Might need to add an inline resistor?
     
    Crock112 likes this.
  3. Dec 6, 2018 at 9:24 AM
    #3
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger,Haltech,meth, 750k

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    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 750,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger, 1.9” pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC TRD supercharger,(MUST DO) TRD supercharger ported, every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 2” pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks nerf bars, add a leaf for rear springs trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel,
    If you go LED you need to get an inline resistor which I had but took it off when I burnt my hand touching it
    when I was poking around in the engine area.
    Last thing I need is an electrical fire
     
  4. Dec 6, 2018 at 9:52 AM
    #4
    JasonLee

    JasonLee Hello? I'm a truck.

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    Not a coincidence. This is one of many issues with LED headlight "upgrades".
     
  5. Dec 6, 2018 at 10:05 AM
    #5
    DrZ

    DrZ Well-Known Member

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    Look at a wiring diagram before altering anything electrical. The high beam indicator relies on the resistance of the normal stock low beam filament. You replaced it with a bulb with a higher resistance. And I hope you're not blinding all the drivers that are approaching you. What kind of LEDs did you put in?
     
  6. Dec 6, 2018 at 12:11 PM
    #6
    custommx3

    custommx3 [OP] Active Member

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    I ordered these as they were recommended by another 1st gen owner.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XHD78DQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


    They arent overly bright and they are more white than yellow which is nice. My aftermarket replacement headlights came with these crap bulbs. These are definitely worth the upgrade IMO.


    If its just the indicator not showing up, I can live with that as long as I can see! :)

    I'll do some searching on where the resistor goes and size and see if I can come up with a solution.
     
  7. Dec 6, 2018 at 12:47 PM
    #7
    whitetaco01

    whitetaco01 Well-Known Member

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  8. Dec 6, 2018 at 12:59 PM
    #8
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    #8
  9. Dec 6, 2018 at 1:03 PM
    #9
    xtremewlr

    xtremewlr Well-Known Member

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    Same issue here with no high beam indicator and LED bulbs. I'm chucking the LED bulbs and doing the Ultimate H4 Headlight Upgrade with normal bulbs instead.
     
    cruiserguy and RysiuM like this.
  10. Dec 6, 2018 at 4:42 PM
    #10
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger,Haltech,meth, 750k

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    V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger, 1.9” pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC TRD supercharger,(MUST DO) TRD supercharger ported, every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 2” pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks nerf bars, add a leaf for rear springs trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel,
    This unit will work if you really need the hi beam indicator
    You need one inline on the passenger side

    It’s plug and play in-line

    DA71691D-879D-4FAA-9747-7AA6B0FCDDDD.jpg
     
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2018
  11. Dec 7, 2018 at 8:38 AM
    #11
    custommx3

    custommx3 [OP] Active Member

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    Thank you guys!
     
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  12. Dec 7, 2018 at 9:21 AM
    #12
    RysiuM

    RysiuM Well-Known Member

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    Stupid question... why anybody would want to swap perfectly good incandescent bulbs for LED (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...in-halogen-reflectors.454371/#post-13377858)?
     
    Running Board Man likes this.
  13. Dec 7, 2018 at 11:25 AM
    #13
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger,Haltech,meth, 750k

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    V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger, 1.9” pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC TRD supercharger,(MUST DO) TRD supercharger ported, every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 2” pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks nerf bars, add a leaf for rear springs trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel,
    Mine too ALOT more
     
  14. Dec 8, 2018 at 1:37 AM
    #14
    RysiuM

    RysiuM Well-Known Member

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    DD Deck+backup camera, LED DRL, All LED except H4 Hella
    What housing do you use? For 95-97 anything gives more light than stock 200mm sealed beam.

    By the way the stock sealed beam does not have low beam cut-off but has low focus point (standard used in 50's). 200mm E-coded Hella with 55W halogen bulb gives ALOT more light on the road than stock.

    Also what LED bulb you guys have that gives ALOT more light and no glare (for road legal)? The low beam is the most challenging. High beam is is not as you can easy suplement it with led bars and pods.
     
  15. Dec 8, 2018 at 5:43 AM
    #15
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger,Haltech,meth, 750k

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    V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger, 1.9” pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC TRD supercharger,(MUST DO) TRD supercharger ported, every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 2” pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks nerf bars, add a leaf for rear springs trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel,
    There are lots of debates on what type lights to use and what’s good and what’s bad.
    Personally I use Hella H4. HID setup and even through people say it’s a no no, this setup
    works GREAT for me and I get maybe twice the light with stock wire harness (it feels like) then what I had with the Hella 55 watts halogen.
    I have had numerous close calls with mr deer, with the HID 65W I have a much better shot
    at seeing them now.
    Read this link for more options below
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/97-tacoma-headlights.456453/
     
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2018
  16. Dec 8, 2018 at 5:58 AM
    #16
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger,Haltech,meth, 750k

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    V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger, 1.9” pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC TRD supercharger,(MUST DO) TRD supercharger ported, every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 2” pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks nerf bars, add a leaf for rear springs trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel,
    This info below is from the other headlight thread below

    Yes. The Hella 200mm E-code H4s are an outstanding improvement over stock and the best drop in replacement reflector IMO.

    E-code lights have a superior beam pattern with sharper cut-offs to DOT lights and put significantly more light on the road. I've done this on my 89 and 94 pickup that ran sealed beams. The Hellas are a little more expensive but had perfect fit and finish. I've tried lesser brands first and they were loose in the headlight bucket and required shimming. Then I got a rock through the lens and saw how thin the glass was. Went with Hella afterward and was way better quality.

    Here is a link for the Hellas, which are a complete plug and play replacement.

    Hella 200mm E-code H4 conversion:
    http://www.rallylights.com/h6054-hella-200mm-rectangular-e-code-hi-lo-conversion-headlamp-kit.html

    Optionally you can add the 85/80w Osram bulbs used in the ultimate headlight upgrade to the purchase. Running the 85w/80 bulbs will vastly improve output even over the E-codes, but do require the the standalone harness from the linked headlight upgrade. The difference will be literally night and day, more-so with the E-codes than the pictures with DOTs in the thread.

    Running just the Hella E-code H4 conversion with standard wattage bulbs will still see a significant improvement over stock.
     
    cruiserguy likes this.
  17. Dec 8, 2018 at 6:10 AM
    #17
    cruiserguy

    cruiserguy Well-Known Member

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    The Hella e-code and then one of those high wattage headlight bulbs and you will be LOVING it.
     
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  18. Dec 8, 2018 at 8:05 AM
    #18
    RysiuM

    RysiuM Well-Known Member

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    Oh, I see. I thought you were running LED. Just curious of HID bulb in Hella housing do you have a wall shot of low beam in your setup?

    I can't use HID for other legal reasons (HID requires auto-leveling device to be legal here), so I use E-code Hella and quality Silvana halogen bulb. It passes inspection with no problems. Here they don't even do wall test. They use some kind of measuring device that plugs in front of lamp and does all measurements for intensity, pattern and glare.

    My educated guess is that all H4 LED bulbs are designed wrong to fit into reflector optics:

    The size of the Low beam LED chip is to big and oriented into wrong direction (sideways instead of downward). Unfortunately the LED chip technology is still not there to output all the required light from 2mm square surface. As for the orientation technically it is possible to to design a fish eye lens in front of the chip to produce real 180 degree pattern (all LED chips make 60 degree pattern that is only within 30 degree from the center the intensity is above 90% - this is why all LED bulbs have crappy high beam pattern). But such development would take a lot money, so Chinese LED bulb manufacturers use common mass produced LED chips for general use. If the bulb is cheap enough people will buy it regardless of quality.

    As for the high beam the best match have bulbs with 3-way oriented LED chips (3 led chips oriented in 120 degree triangle will emit the equal brightness in each direction with intensity of one LED - yes, you need three LED chips to achieve 360 coverage with intensity of 1 LED at 0 degree angle). But still there is a problem of the LED chip size for the power emitted. Still waiting for that technology to come.

    So I am stuck with quality H4 halogen bulb. By the way the quality of halogen counts more than the power. The best quality bulbs have filaments in very precise spots to get the most out of reflected beam. Poor quality halogen bulbs (mostly delivered when you buy a housing with "bulbs included" deal) may have the filament in not correct spot and the pattern will suffer. This is why I buy brand names halogen bulbs - yes, they are also made in China, but made for brand name and adhere to much tight quality control.
     
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  19. Dec 11, 2018 at 11:08 AM
    #19
    custommx3

    custommx3 [OP] Active Member

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    That fixed it!! Thank you!
     
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  20. Dec 11, 2018 at 1:59 PM
    #20
    Seagull233

    Seagull233 Well-Known Member

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    I believe I am correct in saying that the problem with LEDs and the indicator is that there is not enough resistance, hence the need to add some resistance. I took a very cheap way, and grafted in a second socket, using an incandescent bulb, and it lives inside my front fender, out of harms way. High beam indicator works just as it should now.
     
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