12 volt LED turn signal indicators ??

[Daves69]

I installed 12 volt LED turn signal indicators in the dash for a friend in his 1969 ElCamino. The problem is the leds keep burning out. I am thinking there is a voltage spike when the flasher breaks current to the bulbs and leds.
Should there be a resistor in line or a capacitor to absorb the spike? Do I need to install some sort of led driver? The leds are from chevs of the 40's.

Thanks

Dave

 

[oldjamesy]

It has been my understanding that a typical incandescent bulb flasher won't work for the very reason You described .

A few places I've found online that sell LED's for automotive application also offer compatible flashers.

I've never done business with this outfit , but at least You can see what's available .

[URL="http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/led-vehicle-replacement-bulbs/vehicle/1969-chevrolet-chevelle--/11-351--/[/URL]

 

[Daves69]

The electronic flasher was another thought I had to help resolve the issue.

 

[Bib Overalls]

I have been told that having a regular bulb in series will also work. Kind of defeats the long life argument for using LEDs.

 

[dogdog]

maybe get something like this? a load resistor ?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...istor-kit/_/N-2659?itemIdentifier=505013_0_0_

 

[nehog]

Please better describe what you did. Where did you get these LED units?

 

[theoldwizard1]

The electronic flasher was another thought I had to help resolve the issue.

I would try one of these first.

 

[sneasle]

Resistor might help. LEDs are diodes (Light Emitting Diode) and typically are low resistance devices, so it is possible that what you are experiencing is not an overvoltage problem (that shouldn't hurt an LED, or a diode, within reason), but an over current problem.

If you can better describe the type of LED you are using, we can give you a better answer. Off the top of my head, a 330Ohm resistor would be a safe value to try in series with the LED, but it may not allow the circuit to operate correctly (ie, it is possible it won't flash with that resistor installed, or won't flash at the correct rate).

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Most of the "budget" LEDs are made with little just concession to working with incandescent flashers, so he needs to get the proper flasher or get the LEDs that will work with an incandescent flasher. That vehicle uses 1157 bulbs. Here's an LED flasher for an Elky:

http://www.elcaminostore.com/1969-chevy-el-camino-flasher-taillight-led.html

Tommy

 

[lilredex]

I put LED #1157 (rear) and #194 (dash indicators) in my old Dodge van without changing anything else, and they work just fine........

 

[The Detailer]

What is your budget? Personally and I'm sure everyone here is going to hate me for it but you should just get a pnp full system led. These are all I use now...

http://www.vleds.com/v3-triton.html

They are expensive but, do it once do it right.

I've run through over 50+ types of LEDs from cheap smds to modified Cree x+ series.

 

[Daves69]

Resistor might help. LEDs are diodes (Light Emitting Diode) and typically are low resistance devices, so it is possible that what you are experiencing is not an overvoltage problem (that shouldn't hurt an LED, or a diode, within reason), but an over current problem.

If you can better describe the type of LED you are using, we can give you a better answer. Off the top of my head, a 330Ohm resistor would be a safe value to try in series with the LED, but it may not allow the circuit to operate correctly (ie, it is possible it won't flash with that resistor installed, or won't flash at the correct rate).

A 330 ohm was in my thoughts also.

What was installed are the 1/4" LED in the dash turnsignal indicators. https://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/19710/Led_Indicator_Light_Blue_14_Diameter.html

We installed a Covans Classic dash with Autometer guages. I installed the leds for high beam and turn signal indicators. All the bulbs in the car are still conventional incandescent bulbs.

 

[48RON54]

Have you tried calling chevs of the 40s and talking to them about it? They aren't the greatest at everything but I have found that if I have an issue or a question about parts they will get some guy on the phone to go through my issue...

 

[Daves69]

I just called Chevs of the 40's and no problems.