Do I need a load equalizer for LED tail lights?

Answered by Michael Wilson

You may need a load equalizer for LED tail lights, depending on the specific vehicle and its electrical system. LED tail lights typically have a much lower energy draw compared to traditional halogen bulbs. This low energy draw can sometimes cause issues with the vehicle’s electrical system, as it may interpret the low energy draw as a burnt out bulb.

When a traditional halogen bulb burns out, it creates a specific resistance in the electrical circuit. The vehicle’s electrical system is designed to detect this resistance and alert the driver that a bulb needs to be replaced. However, since LED bulbs have a significantly lower energy draw, they do not create the same resistance as halogen bulbs when they are operating properly. This can confuse the electrical system, leading it to believe that the LED bulb is burnt out.

To solve this problem, a load equalizer can be used. A load equalizer is an electrical device that simulates the power requirements of traditional halogen bulbs by adding electrical resistance to the circuit. By doing so, it tricks the vehicle’s electrical system into thinking that the LED bulb is a halogen bulb and prevents it from falsely detecting a burnt out bulb.

Installing a load equalizer is typically a straightforward process, but it may vary depending on the specific vehicle and its electrical system. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines when installing a load equalizer to ensure proper functionality and compatibility with your LED tail lights.

In some cases, certain vehicles may already have load equalizers built into their electrical system. This means that you may not need to install an additional load equalizer for your LED tail lights. However, it is always recommended to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to determine if a load equalizer is necessary.

It is worth noting that not all vehicles require load equalizers for LED tail lights. Some vehicles have more advanced electrical systems that can properly detect and accommodate the lower energy draw of LED bulbs without the need for a load equalizer. However, if you are experiencing any issues with your LED tail lights, such as flickering or false bulb out warnings, installing a load equalizer may help resolve these problems.

Whether or not you need a load equalizer for your LED tail lights depends on the specific vehicle and its electrical system. LED bulbs have a lower energy draw compared to traditional halogen bulbs, which can sometimes confuse the vehicle’s electrical system. A load equalizer can be used to simulate the power requirements of halogen bulbs and prevent false bulb out warnings. It is recommended to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to determine if a load equalizer is necessary for your specific vehicle.