Switchback nightmare

[yodge]

I've tried putting switchbacks in my 2013 ram 4 times. I had just single color all white led turn signals for a while with an inline 50w resistor which eliminated my bulb out message. However I tried a set of generic DDM switchbacks didn't work. They would strobe while on the running light function. So I removed them and tried another set from eBay to no avail. They strobed as well. So I finally asked my friend who has a ram with switchbacks ordered the same exact set he had and they strobe at a slower rate. I added a second resistor to each bulb and this did not work either. Does anyone have any solutions ?


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[darthdzl]

If you're wiring the resistors inline (in series), that could be your problem.

Resistors need to go IN PARALLEL with the turn signals, not in series.

They go from the turn signal wire (one of the white ones, varies at each corner I think) to the ground wire (the black or dark gray one). Don't try to use a vehicle ground; doesn't seem to work from my experience, although others may have had better luck.

If that's not the problem, it might help to know which switchbacks you've installed (manufacturer and model).

 

[yodge]

If you're wiring the resistors inline (in series), that could be your problem.



Resistors need to go IN PARALLEL with the turn signals, not in series.



They go from the turn signal wire (one of the white ones, varies at each corner I think) to the ground wire (the black or dark gray one). Don't try to use a vehicle ground; doesn't seem to work from my experience, although others may have had better luck.



If that's not the problem, it might help to know which switchbacks you've installed (manufacturer and model).

I wired them as you stated the correct way. One to the turn signal wire and spliced into the ground on the turn signal harness and I also have one on the running light wire and spliced into the same ground too. They are generic 50w gold resistors. Is there a specific brand that works for dodge ?


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[darthdzl]

I wired them as you stated the correct way. One to the turn signal wire and spliced into the ground on the turn signal harness and I also have one on the running light wire and spliced into the same ground too. They are generic 50w gold resistors. Is there a specific brand that works for dodge ?

Are they 6ohm resistors?

 

[yodge]

Are they 6ohm resistors?

Yes.


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[darthdzl]

Far as I know, there's nothing special about resistors. If they're 50-watt, 6-ohm, they should work.

What headlights did the truck come with? Quads? HIDs? (something else?)

Where'd you get the switchbacks from? (each of them) Reputable company, or the cheapest made-in-Bangladesh things on eBay?

Switchback bulbs or whole assemblies?

 

[yodge]

Far as I know, there's nothing special about resistors. If they're 50-watt, 6-ohm, they should work.



What headlights did the truck come with? Quads? HIDs? (something else?)



Where'd you get the switchbacks from? (each of them) Reputable company, or the cheapest made-in-Bangladesh things on eBay?



Switchback bulbs or whole assemblies?

My trucks came With quads
I got the switch backs online they are bulbs

Mind you this is not the only bulb I've tried


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[LB3711]

you can go to metal ground. Thats the way I have done 4 different vehicles. My Switchbacks i got from The retrofit source. work great. Just had to make sure they were in the corect way. Then resistor from signal wire to ground(need to be a good contact to metal not paint) amd I was good to do. What headlights dont matter for the turn signals thats only for the headlights. I got mine thru Retroshop

Here is mine.

 

[darthdzl]

I'm mystified. I haven't heard of that particular problem. I considered getting switchbacks for mine, but ultimately went with just amber ones, so I'm not sure I can be much help.

Sounds like you've got 'em wired up right and the bulbs don't look that much different than mine (got mine from DiodeDynamics, but got other bulbs from SuperBrightLEDs and Retro-Solutions, and they all work fine).

Other than maybe a hidden short somewhere or a bad tap/solder (depending on how you hooked up the resistors) that you haven't spotted yet, I dunno what else to suggest.

 

[LB3711]

I know my friend had a 2011 Durango thats having switchback issues. I think he got ebay ones though. I pointed him to TRS when hes ready to spend bucks on good ones

 

[0212353]

I actually have quite a few of the TRS ones here. I am going to sell 'em off and probably wont carry any for a bit......or if I do, the Diode Dynamics ones. I'm 84235% impressed with everything I see coming from those guys there.....and their service is just killer.

Hell, they are at the house 1-2x a week delivering parts (they are 10 minutes away). I get to work on their '15 Mustang too

 

[Warl]

Why can't there be anything cool down here?

 

[LB3711]

ehh I just looked at the DD's switchback. They just don't jump out at me. i like the TRS design better. Especially that it looks less like a LED bulb.

 

[firebuff17]

I have the same problem as the OP. I am not installing standard switchbacks though. I am attempting to install a dual purpose OEM bulb and emergency warning bulb. Designed for police interceptors. Whelen HALO is the system
I tested the system prior to installation with no problems. I installed the system into the truck and it requires cutting and tapping the OEM turn/signal/ground harness.
I get a flickering with the running light circuit. I have 2 resistors installed in each side to fix bulb out and hyper flashing.
So I took the system out for now until I figure out the problem. I was tossing around the thought of putting a capacitor in there as well, much like you would to solve flickering in your HID retrofits.
I had some LED 3157 bulbs from my old truck that I installed for the hell of it and those do NOT flicker. #confused.
I have been subscribed to see what you guys have for info.


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[yodge]

My resistors are getting hot so I mean they are working. And my Evic has no bulb our message so they are functioning it is just that damn running light function that my truck is not having. I had some all white led 3157 bulbs I bought from pep boys when i first got the truck and those never failed. So I'm really confused. With the diode dynamics will those work?


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[darthdzl]

Honestly, I don't understand why your current ones don't work, so it's hard to say. Everything I've bought from them has been quality, though. I'll at least go out on the limb and say if you get theirs and they don't work, it's almost certainly something else (wiring, computer, etc).

 

[yodge]

Well i broke this any suggestions ? It won't clip into my headlight harness which means no headlight


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[darthdzl]

Which part broke? The light assembly housing or the bulb-holder?

 

[yodge]

this part did I just zip tied it together


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[darthdzl]

Ouch. The harness connector then. You might be able to get one of those separately, but I'm not sure where. Perhaps someone else could chime in who's got experience buying small replacement parts like that?