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Old 12-12-2018, 10:43 PM   #1
Bick in New Zealand
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Default Tail light problem

Just replaced stoplight switch with the new correct one, and also replaced tail lights with LED version. Problem now is both stop and tail lights come on when braking or if the lights are on, appreciate any ideas on where to start looking....
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Old 12-12-2018, 11:19 PM   #2
Bill G
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Default Re: Tail light problem

My opinion is that somewhere along the way, both light wires are touching each other or they are being connected to each other somehow.
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Old 12-12-2018, 11:45 PM   #3
Jim/GA
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Default Re: Tail light problem

Bick, I think that is how the LED lights are wired, to have all of the LEDs come one. See if they look dim when serving as tail light and brighter when acting as a brake light. If so, that's correct.

I'm not sure if you can get only the bottom segment of the LEDs to light up when serving as tail light and the upper section to light up separately when the brakes are applied. That would be cool.

You should also check the ground on the tail light housing, especially where it attaches to the fender. Bad grounds result in all kinds of funny behaviour with lights.

Good luck.
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Old 12-13-2018, 07:54 AM   #4
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Tail light problem

Some of the lights [ can't remember the brand] have the upper and lower lights connected requiring the wire between them to be cut. That should be with the literature.
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Old 12-13-2018, 08:51 AM   #5
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Default Re: Tail light problem

I would surmise if you did not have the problem before it is the taillight wiring.
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Old 12-13-2018, 08:58 AM   #6
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Default Re: Tail light problem

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What Patrick sez
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Old 12-13-2018, 09:38 AM   #7
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Default Re: Tail light problem

Quote:
Some of the lights [ can't remember the brand] have the upper and lower lights connected requiring the wire between them to be cut. That should be with the literature.

On my LED tail lights there is a green wire (if I remember correctly) that has to be cut in order to separate the upper and lower LEDs. I have 4 of these lights and only 1 had the instruction sheet with all the options available.


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Old 12-13-2018, 02:36 PM   #8
Bick in New Zealand
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Default Re: Tail light problem

Thanks guys, for the great advice. Yesterday when I was checking them it was a bright sunny day. I rechecked this morning in the dark, and yes they are brighter when the brake is applied. I also hunted out the original packaging...." If all else fails, check the instructions!" And they are designed this way. Thanks again and Merry Christmas everyone.
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Old 12-15-2018, 10:54 PM   #9
TerryO
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Default Re: Tail light problem

Here is a scan of the instructions that came with one of my LED tail lights. They are made by United Pacific and they are USA made. I bought them from Mikes.
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Old 12-16-2018, 01:27 PM   #10
woofa.express
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Default Re: Tail light problem

Problem solved.
I have been concerned for some time now about being seen by approaching traffic. I had stuck those adherent reflector tapes on the rear of both my Tourer and Ute. they are most effective. However I want more (the Oliver syndrome) so I called a supplier of A parts to buy some LED bulbs for my tail lights. He suggested I go to a bicycle shop and purchase one of those pulsating red lights one sees on push bikes at night. They have, he said, a long life battery, he turns his on for each drive and hardly ever changes the battery. What a good idea.
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File Type: jpg bicycle tail light.jpg (12.4 KB, 7 views)
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Old 12-17-2018, 01:40 PM   #11
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Default Re: Tail light problem

I think you have some wires mixed up
1st: Be sure to identify which wire is brake/tail light (should be 3 wires)
2nd: Hook your brake lights up and get them working correctly
3rd: Hook your tail lights up and get them working correctly
>Final test will be they all work correctly together.
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