Tail light mod (both lights used as brake and signals)?

Just an FYI:

I just installed front LED blinkers (JDM AStar) and no hyperflashing. So my 9 ohms in the back is good for all LED plus this module.

 

I was going to do what y'all are doing with the DD T as T, but I'm noticing the LED's I replaced the rear halogens with let the lenses get bit of snow build up, no heat to melt it enough to prevent it. So I'm going to make my red tailights full brake & running, clear reverse bucket my turn with amber bulbs. My reverse will be my bumper pods. Currently they're on a dash switch, can I leave it that way so I can still turn them on with the switch plus going into reverse turns them on without any issues? Thanks in advance

 

From the diagram it looks like should work. Truck has diodes so it shouldn’t feed back. If it does or you want to be sure put a diode on the reverse feed.

 

Hey Guys, first off let me wish you and your families a "Merry Christmas". I have read this whole thread and I like the idea of making the tail and brake light the turn signal. I am already running Opt7 LED low/high/fog lights I figured it was time to switch completely to LEDs so I decided to go with Philips Vision and Ultinon bulbs for tail/brake/turn/reverse plus change the license plate lights to complete the rear LED conversion. I also changed the front turn signal and side markers to Philips LEDs. When I ordered the lights I also ordered 3 Philips LED Load Resistor Equalizer 21W Hyper Flash fix error canceler decoder which were the ones that Philips recommended for my turn signal bulbs. The other Philips resister 5W Hyper Flash was listed but not for my bulb size. I also ordered in the Diode Dynamics Tail n Turn DIY that was supposed to work for our trucks. I kept reading this thread and a couple others that some of the guys were having real problems with the DD TnT and finding the right resistor to get this to work so far I think @mesojdm along with one or two others are the only ones that have succeeded in making this mod work. Due to being disabled I have to pay someone to do any mods for me I had the LEDs put in, but held off on the DD install someone has the right way to do it. Thanks for any help.

 

Best thing to do is get the 8ohm 50W resistor and use the diagram that has been provided in posts prior.

 

Like splashflash said, the 8ohm (50W) resistor should do the trick. Although it has been hit or miss with the 5 or 6 ohm resistors, the 2-3 guys who have done the 8 or 9 ohm resistance seem to be working without issue. Although I don't think it applies to you (because you have have LEDs already), just make sure that all 4 brake lights are LEDs before you install the DD Tail as Turn module with resistors.

 

This is my plan right now also. Can't stand red turn signals.

 

FINALLY!! 8 ohm resistors fixed my issue of 1 signal then nothing with the DD module and 5 ohm resistor.

I did the install on passenger side tonight. Was about to go crazy, then found out one of the LEDs had a polarity issue - none of my others seemed to have that?? Anyway, just throwing that out there.

Waiting for my JB Weld RTV Silicone to come in to seal the DD TT module.

Here’s a pic of before and after compared to my Lexus and 02 4Runner ( keep in mind my taillights are tinted dark to 15%).



Thanks to all on this thread for helping me out!

 

FYI You can achieve the same circuit as the Diode Dynamics TT module with 2 automotive relays. Not sure which one would be more reliable.

 

YES, another success!!! Glad to hear that the 8 ohms fixed it. I think that makes you the 3rd person who was able to fix it with a little more resistance when using the DD TaT module.


I normally dislike tinted lights, but it looks pretty dang good on your taco.

 

Thx!

Time to tighten things up...

 

Those connectors are cool! I've heard nothing but good things about them.

But, it finally got a good soldering iron and found a bit of joy in using it. Ha! I can't believe that crappy Radio Shack irons were my problem for literally decades.

 

This was my first time using them or a pocket butane torch. I don’t have much soldering experience myself.

Few tips if others are considering using torch for first time. Keep surrounding wires, paint, etc covered! I had some metallic-like tape used for ventilation ducts lying around which was helpful to protect surrounding plastic/wires.

Practice with scrap wires to get a feel for it. I found it helpful to line up wires and heat plastic insulation on both ends first, THEN solder middle section. This prevented wire from “slipping” out if you do center first - if there is slight tension on wire, as soon as solder turns to liquid the wire can slip. Just my 2 cents.

 

Good tips. I haven't used them yet. Butt joints are always fun if you don't have three hands.

I struggled with what I thought were decent 30w irons from RS. One day, I was about ready to bring out the BFH after fighting some stator wires when I just wanted to ride. My neighbor had me try his 25w iron. It limped me through. After that, I did what I always do now, watched for deals on Amazon. This came up one day with great reviews:

$14 Vastar Soldering Iron Kit, Full Set 60W 110V Soldering Welding Iron Kit - Adjustable Temperature, 5pcs Different Tips, Desoldering Pump, Stand, Anti-static Tweezers and Additional Solder Tube

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01712N5C4

It heats up in seconds and doesn't flinch when you get into it. Like I said, it is a bit of fun now.

 

I must be experiencing every bad thing possible in this mod!

I noticed before I soldered everything last night that my Right turn signal would occasionally not work at all while I was driving. I would then hit my hazards and both flashers would work. Followed by my right signal working again. I figured maybe a loose connection since I had not soldered connections yet. Well today, I’m noticing the same thing!!!

The only similar situation to this was when I had the lower resistor hooked up ( no signal at all). Is it possible that I need to increase resistor more on passenger side to 9 ohms??

 

do you still have your other resistors? If so, put them in series and swap them out with the 8 ohm (on just that side) to see if it helps any.

 

I do have them, but based on earlier feedback nervous to increase to 12 ohms.

Crazy... I ordered 9 Ohms on Amazon but not avail til late January.

I’ll be sure to keep you updated

 

Is there any concern with water or moisture getting into the resistors? I'm slightly worried about water and moisture with the turn as tails and the resistor all being outside behind the tails. I know to fill in the holes on the turn as tails, but what about resistors?

 

I wrapped the ends of mine with electrical tape...but that's it. Since they get hot, I was more worried about keeping them in the open so that the fins can cool it as best as they can. I bet that the heat helps dry them out a little faster, but from I can tell after removing my tails a few times over a few weeks, not much gets behind the tail lights (dust or water). So it's not like it's constant water pouring in.

 

The ones I bought are glued into the heatsink with what I assume to be some sort of epoxy. No worries about water.