Led Tail Lights

I don't know how many have led tail lights on their older rv's.  Anyway I was changing mine as my neighbor gave me brand new lights before he got rid of his 18 wheeler.  Whoever installed these lights with the resistor screwed into the back of the lights should not be allowed to work on rvs'.   I attached a picture.  The resistors got so hot that it melted the plastic.  The other light actually was melted thru.  STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!

Must have spent some serious time with the foot on the brake. The resistor is one way to make the turn signals flash at the 'normal' , not quick rate.



Another way is to get a 'solid state' turn signal.

I have installed these on cars that had 'bulb out' warning systems that were fooled by LED lights low current draw. I am guilty of mounting them to plastic housings also....    never seen them melt like that.

I have them wired like your diagram BUT I did not screw them into the plastic light.  If I didn't have the resistors already I would just purchase a $17 led turn signal flasher.  I don't know if this was factory or aftermarket.  Doesn't matter.   Just thought I would throw it out there for others to see.

I am not sure when Phoenix started using LED vehicle clearance/stop/turn lights but believe it was between the 2010 models and 2015 models.   The year 2013 sorta clicks in my mind but not positive on that.

Also, on the picture you posted, the melting isn't by the resistor, it's down by the wire feed into the housing.   That would indicate to ME, that the heat came from the LED assembly not the resistor OR you have already removed the resistor from it's original position.

I could certainly be wrong on both the above.

I removed the resistor that's why I came to the conclusion the resistor got so darn hot it melted the plastic.   I believe this is aftermarket, but I could be wrong. 
This is for Ron.  Does your 07 have led taillights?

I am 99% sure the 4" round LED tail lights on my 2006 were stock from PC.  I replaced them with newer LED.  Blinker still blinks fast, I like to be different. 
The upper markers on the rear cap, along with the #3rd brake light are still stock style LED.

All other coach marker lights were incandescent, as were the Ford lights.

Yeah, looking at that picture here at home it looks like the melted(?) area isn't from resistor heat. Would like to see the other light! 

I will take a picture.  It is actually worse as it melted completely through. 

The light on the left is the previously posted.  The light on the right is the one that actually melted thru.

Holey Lights, Batman! 


That is strange. But those are the same brand of LED that were in my 2006. Looks like a date code of 0106 on yours, January 2006 manufacture date maybe?  I will check mine out later on today if I remember.

Sure does look like the resisters were mounted above the melted spot at one point. The only way I would see that happening is if the brake lights were on for a LONG time. 

'Back in the day' when LED lights were a new aftermarket thing, it wasn't uncommon to see resistors mounted (usually with 2-sided trip tape) to the plastic housing. This is the first melt down I have seen, evidently it can happen.   

I would not re-install them, either get a solid state turn signal relay or live with the fast flash.

After posting this I thought maybe they used some glue that melted the plastic.  But they screwed them in.  I looked at these under a magnifying glass and some of the letters are disformed.  To me the plastic was melted.  I re-used the rectifiers, but DID NOT attach to lights. 

Wow, that is not good.

I will have to inspect mine, maybe add large flat intermediate plates of aluminum to absorb the heat and spread it across a much broader surface.

@Bob - they are not rectifiers. They are resistors. Their purpose is to make the current draw from the turn signals greater.

(On vehicles with 'bulb out' detection, they are also used when converting from Incandescent to LED. In your case they are not wired that way)

Not just to 'waste' energy, but to put the proper load on the turn signal relay. This was the 'old school' fix for the rapidly flashing turn signals back when LED lights were new to the automotive market.

That still works, but solid state turn signal relays are the preferred fix IMO.  ~$13 from Autozone, or your local parts store should have them.

https://www.autozone.com/electrical-and-lighting/turn-signal-hazard-warning-flasher/p/novita-hazard-warning-flasher-ep34/849389_0_0

I really should fix mine, they are on 'hyperflash'. While it does get other drivers attention, the turn signals are supposed to flash no faster than 120 flashes/minute. 90 is the goal. I suppose an enthusiastic law enforcement official could cite them as a defect, and issue a 'fix it' ticket.  I would be better off paying $13 for the relay than $14 for the inspection fee AND still have to pay for the relay. 

I did originally did call them resisters.  Darn old age!!!   Thanks for the explanation.  I will probably get the flasher.  Much simpler solutions.  Have done that to 2 other vehicles. 

This is an interesting topic.  The replies explain the problem and provide answers to most of my questions. 

I had a turn signal / stop light fail and was surprised at how easy it was to find a direct replacement for a fifteen-year-old vehicle. Upon installation, I found the Flasher / Light combination was not in sync.  This Forum is my go-to source for repair suggestions.  And except there was nothing told about the specific wattage resistor to order - the advice worked.  The resistor re established an appropriate light sequencing

Contrary to a friend, who is an accomplished mechanic, the solid state flasher won't solve another issue that would motivate me to shed the resistors. I would like to correct the Flasher and find a replacement that is audible.

Contrary to a friend, who is an accomplished mechanic, the solid state flasher won't solve another issue that would motivate me to shed the resistors. I would like to correct the Flasher and find a replacement that is audible.

$50 here.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174057303651?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28

At 85Db, you will hear it over the radio. There is quieter ones also, the 97233 is 60db.