I've started a project to convert all the exterior lights (aside from the headlights) to LEDs.

Hit a bit of a hurdle in that I need to add load resistors to the turn signals so the bulb out warning goes away and they flash at a normal speed.

It looks like the tail light wiring runs underneath the truck, up under a whole bunch of other stuff.

My hope is that I can tap into the turn signal circuits in the engine bay, and mount the resistors neatly there (they're quite large from vleds with heatsinks).

Any suggestions on where this piece of the wiring loom comes out in the engine bay, or a good spot to mount the resistors without having to drill holes to pass wires through the body?

thank you.

 

I used TO-220 case load resistors and mounted them on heatsinks, then riveted them to the body behind the taillights. I did this about 8 months ago and so far they are still working fine. The TO-220 resistors are much smaller than the large resistors most places sell for LED conversions. I purchased mine from Digi-Key. I am in the process of moving homes so the extras I ordered are packed up, otherwise I'd list the part number here.

-Rod

 

I wonder if it's possible to just change out the relay to a LED compatible one. Link says motorcycle but they have automotive options listed as well:

https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/...asher,60,3608:

 

Deleted

 

I'm not sure what year your Durango is, but on my 2011 the turn signal flasher appears to be integrated as part of the TIPM and is not a separate flasher relay.

-Rod

 

Correct, there are no flashers anymore; there is simply a line of code in the computer that says it should flash x flashes per second when normal and y flashes per second when a fault is detected. The control module monitors the returning wattage and if the returning wattage is too high (bulb not using it) it signifies a fault. The resistors, use the wattage the LED is not so the computer cannot detect a fault.

 

I have a nice screenshot I can post as soon as this stupid Dealerconnect comes up.

 

That would be a massive help, thank you!

 

Sorry, it was down half the day. I guess FCAs IT people were "on backorder" LOL....

BTW, please put your vehicle description in you forum sig, so we know what you have. (Upper RH corner)


You can put the resistors AT the TIPM outputs. Once I have your year model, I can get you the info. Wiring can change drastically from year to year.

 

Thanks, I'll update that now. It's a 2012 durango r/t 2wd.

Mounting them at the tipm sounds like a great plan. I would definitely appreciate any advice on the best way to tap into the harness. My resistors have a pigtail connector, and I'd prefer not to use scotchlok wire taps. I would like it to look as factory as possible. Thanks a ton for the help with this