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Alpharex NOVA-Series low beam flicker

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by hdc.unbound, Feb 11, 2023.

  1. Feb 11, 2023 at 6:36 PM
    #1
    hdc.unbound

    hdc.unbound [OP] Member

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    I've bought my 2020 TRD OR in 2021 used and the truck had AlphaRex NOVA-Series Headlights. Love the look and brightness. However a few weeks ago my passenger side low beam started flickering. I've had trouble getting responses from AlphRex. I sent a video as requested and their only response was that I'm out if warranty and they could sell me a single headlight. No advice on what's causing the issue or if it's fixable. Anyone had this issue and had any luck fixing it?

    Here's a link to a video of the issue.
     
  2. Feb 11, 2023 at 6:54 PM
    #2
    na8rboy

    na8rboy 18 DCLB Sport Cement

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    Hate to say, but I think whole assembly will need to be replaced, rebuilt. Don't think it a easy fix.
     
    hdc.unbound[OP] and Skydvrr like this.
  3. Feb 11, 2023 at 7:31 PM
    #3
    shotgunbilly420

    shotgunbilly420 OG Owner 249+ mi club/Tacoma enthusiast

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    That sucks man I went with morimotos
     
  4. Feb 12, 2023 at 7:15 AM
    #4
    soundman98

    soundman98 Well-Known Member

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    because it's affecting multiple led's, it appears it's a bad led driver. now where to source it, or how easy it is to get to are entirely different questions. everyone's always just bolted those headlights on, no one's torn a set down to my knowledge.
     
  5. Feb 12, 2023 at 1:32 PM
    #5
    hdc.unbound

    hdc.unbound [OP] Member

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    I was afraid of that.
     
  6. Feb 12, 2023 at 1:34 PM
    #6
    hdc.unbound

    hdc.unbound [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the explanation. Makes sense. Sucks to have something this expensive that isn't repairable.

    Is this rare or something you think will just happen at some point? Trying to figure out if I'm replacing one or replacing both with a different brand.
     
  7. Feb 12, 2023 at 1:35 PM
    #7
    hdc.unbound

    hdc.unbound [OP] Member

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    How long have you had them?
     
  8. Feb 12, 2023 at 1:59 PM
    #8
    soundman98

    soundman98 Well-Known Member

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    unknown. i don't know enough about the companies design, or the product enough to make any statements on quality or longevity.

    their warranty info says 2 year warranty. if you were just out of warranty, i'm surprised they're not offering any sort of prorated replacement parts.

    but i agree, non-serviceable sucks, and is not beneficial to the end product.
     
  9. Feb 12, 2023 at 2:10 PM
    #9
    Chew

    Chew Not so well known user

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    I would think this has to do more with low quality aftermarket assemblies. Good OE quality assemblies are very expensive.
     
  10. Feb 12, 2023 at 2:22 PM
    #10
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Constantly Tinkering Member

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    Alpharex is cheap crap. Swap to the OEM LEDs and be done with it. Or find some takeoff halogens and go back to those (if the truck had them originally).
     
  11. Feb 12, 2023 at 2:43 PM
    #11
    CraigF

    CraigF Well-Known Member

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    none yet
    par for the course with aftermarket headlights
     
  12. Feb 12, 2023 at 2:50 PM
    #12
    Integerdy

    Integerdy Aspiring "SR5 Pro"

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    Same. I went morimotos. Alpharex looked cheap AF and reviewed poorly
     
  13. Feb 12, 2023 at 4:33 PM
    #13
    hdc.unbound

    hdc.unbound [OP] Member

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    Thanks everyone. I'm going OEM.
     
  14. Feb 12, 2023 at 4:36 PM
    #14
    Chew

    Chew Not so well known user

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    I think this is a very wise choice!
    If you don't have the funds to go OE LED, I am guessing now that they are readily available, the OE halogen resale is for shit. If you buy used, make sure seller sends you high res pics, including all mounting tabs, these break easily and some try to pass them off. Also, if you are going OE LED, I think you will need to modify the wiring or buy a wiring kit, there is a guy here that makes qualify stuff @daveeasa
     
  15. Feb 12, 2023 at 5:10 PM
    #15
    hdc.unbound

    hdc.unbound [OP] Member

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    Thanks Chew, buying new OE LED from Sparks. My TRD OR came with OE LED based on what I'm reading. Sparks' price is in line or better than AlphaRex or Morimoto.
     
    musicisevil likes this.
  16. Feb 12, 2023 at 5:11 PM
    #16
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Constantly Tinkering Member

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    Absolutely boggles my mind someone would swap their OEM LEDs for Alpha’s finest trash. My guess is they were getting another truck that had halogens and wanted to take their lights with them lol.

    Good choice on the OE LEDs.
     
  17. Feb 12, 2023 at 5:19 PM
    #17
    Chew

    Chew Not so well known user

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    you bet buddy!
    Be careful though- this is often confused! The wording is easily confused. The TRD OR's came with LED daytime running lights (the slim strip), but the LED headlights (main for nighttime) was optional. If it didn't come with OE LED headlights, you will need the adapter still. I highly doubt someone ditched the awesome OE LED's for subpar aftermarket headlights,,,, essentially a downgrade, big time.
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2023
  18. Feb 12, 2023 at 5:25 PM
    #18
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Constantly Tinkering Member

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    Do you have one big headlight plug from the truck that goes to the Alpharex or do you have a bunch of smaller plugs? OE Led use one large plug.
     
  19. Feb 12, 2023 at 6:11 PM
    #19
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A トヨタ純正男娼

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    Make sure the mounting screw to the fender is tight. My DRLs flicker or go out completely if that screw is loose (happened several times due to vibration on the trail). I suspect the Alpharex design uses that as a ground. You will have to pull the bumper cover at the corner to access the screw.
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2023
  20. Feb 18, 2023 at 4:39 PM
    #20
    hdc.unbound

    hdc.unbound [OP] Member

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    Doesn't look like it. Appears I only had LED DRLs. Looks like this adapter will will work.

    [​IMG]
     
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