Have you ever thought about upgrading your car’s headlights to LED lights, only to be frustrated by flickering or overheating issues? Don’t sweat it!
You’re not alone in this journey. As LED headlight conversions become more popular, so do the problems that come with it. But no worries, we got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll go over the most common LED headlight conversion problems and provide you with practical solutions to tackle them like a pro.
here are LED headlight conversion problems and their solutions:
It is important to note that problems usually occur as a result of improper installation. Also, when we install misfitted or mismatched parts into our headlight housing. For instance, take an example of a Dodge Ram that is distinct from common vehicles. If misfit parts are installed during LED headlight conversion, it can lead to glare, poor beam patterns, and flickering/strobing issues.
Therefore, it is crucial to select the right LED headlight conversion kit that is right for the Dodge Ram’s headlight housing. If you own a 2006 Dodge Ram, find the best-fit headlights for your Dodge Ram 2006. Otherwise, If you own a Silverado, seek the best-suited suited aftermarkets headlights for your Silverado. All in all, it is wiser to pick the right ones rather than suffer the consequences later.
1) Incompatibility Issues
The first and most common LED headlight conversion problem is the incompatibility issue.
Each car has its own electrical system and headlight housing, which means some headlight conversion kits that are not made for your car’s specific make and model just might not provide the desired results.
This incompatibility of the conversion kit can lead to issues like flickering and even total headlight failure.
Moreover, other reasons this might happen are wiring, voltage requirements, or the Canbus system of the kit just doesn’t match up with your ride.
How to fix it
To fix this issue, you have to find the correct conversion kit that is specifically made for your car’s make and model. That might help.
Another thing you can do is install an aftermarket Canbus decoder or voltage stabilizer to make sure everything is compatible.
Canbus decoder or voltage stabilizer recognizes the fluctuation in the voltage and balances it internally for a consistent output range.
2) Flickering and Dimming Issues
Flickering and Dimming can be another potential LED headlight conversion issue. Flickering and Dimming can happen due to a lot of different reasons like uneven distribution of power by the battery from poor wiring, voltage fluctuation, or bad battery connections.
Mostly, when the LEDs are working fine, they do have their required power, but in some cases, they don’t get it, which can cause dimming.
How to Fix it
To fix this issue, check the battery connections, and if it’s loose, tighten them. Moreover, ensure that the wiring and bulb of the headlights are also in place.
If there is a problem with the bulb or wiring, you can change it yourself or take help from professional hands.
3) Overheating Issues
Overheating can happen if you use a low-quality conversion kit for the headlights.
These low-quality conversion kits don’t provide enough cooling or just don’t install the headlight the way it should.
Moreover, when a headlight overheats, it can break down early, meaning you’ll have to replace them sooner than you’d like.
And if things get even worse, Overheating could even damage other parts of your ride.
How to fix it
To fix this issue, make sure that you are using a high-quality conversion kit that has the right cooling system.
Another thing you can do is to make sure that you put the parts that get hot in the right spot, like not too close to each other.
However, if the overheating issue is still there, it’s time to call in the experts. Talk to a mechanic who knows about automotive lighting to get things sorted out.
4) Electrical or polarity Issues
Next, we have the polarity issues. This problem is due to the dual filament LED bulb used in the headlight.
As a basic halogen bulb doesn’t care about specific polarity, meaning that the ground and power side of this halogen light may not make a difference at all.
However, installing and wiring LED headlights is a totally different story; you have to make sure the polarity requirements are fulfilled to make it work.
And this problem mostly arises in dual filament LED headlight bulbs.
How to fix it
To fix this issue, if after connecting the power source your LED doesn’t turn on, you should try flipping around the power source and reconnecting it to its LED, and it will hopefully start to work again.
In this issue, the LED conversion kit is not to blame as they are not responsible for the polarity issue.
A Video on Troubleshooting headlight polarity
5) Glare Issues
Glare is another one of the potential LED headlight conversion problems. Glare can be caused by the way your headlight conversion kit emits light or by improper aim.
Furthermore, glare can be extremely distracting for other drivers on the road and, if not addressed, can also lead to a serious accident.
How to fix it
If the glare is caused by installing headlights with a bright conversion kit. You can try adjusting the brightness level or choosing a kit with lower brightness.
If, on the other hand, the cause is improper headlight alignment, ensure that the headlights are properly aimed at the front of your vehicle and not pointing too high or too low.
6) Regulatory Issues
When there are LED headlight conversion problems, there might be some regulatory issues you should consider.
These issues depend on the location and what rules are on the types of headlights you’re allowed to have on the road.
For instance, in some places, you have to make sure that your headlights meet a certain brightness and color temperature standard to be legal on the road.
And if you don’t follow these standards, you might get a hefty fine or, even in severe cases, your ride impounded.
How to fix it
To steer clear of any regulatory issues, make sure that you know local laws and regulations before you start your headlight conversion.
And if you don’t feel sure, you can always go to an auto repair shop and ask a skilled mechanic or automotive expert to ensure that your conversion meets all the requirements.
7) Installation Issues
Installing LED headlight conversion kits can also sometimes come with a few hiccups.
Sometimes you might run into LED headlight conversion problems like dodgy wiring, loose connections, or parts that just aren’t cutting it.
The main reason for all these installation issues can be that the LED conversion kit is too complicated to put in than regular headlights.
Improper installation may cause further problems. Like, as one headlight shining brighter than other, flickering of the headlight, automatic headlights remianing on or turning off unexpectedly, etc. So, if you are not a pro at tinkering with your car’s electrical system, it might be better to have a pro handle the installation.
How to fix it
However, if you are feeling confident in your tinkering skills, make sure you read through the instructions provided with the conversion kit to triple-check everything you are doing.
And if you run into problems, you can always reach out to your local repair shop to get some extra professional hands to help!
8) Maintenance Issues
LED headlight conversion problems also include maintenance issues that require attention over time.
One of the most common issues in maintenance is the accumulation of dust and debris on the headlights, which can result in low brightness and visibility on the road.
This low visibility can be a real safety hazard on the road.
Additionally, the LED bulbs themselves can fail due to low maintenance.
Although LED bulbs are built to withstand and last longer than traditional bulbs, they can still fail due to immense heat buildup or electrical malfunctions.
How to Fix it
To address these maintenance challenges, it’s crucial to regularly clean the headlights with a soft cloth and gentle cleaning solution to remove any dirt or debris.
Moreover, if a LED bulb fails, it’s better to replace it with a new one of high quality and make sure that both headlights have the same brand bulbs to avoid uneven brightness issues.
9) Driver or adapter issue
An LED driver or adapter powers the LED lights by supplying the correct amount of electricity to match the specific need of the LED(s).
Most of the LED come with a driver or an adapter. These drivers mostly go by the name of “ballast,” and their purpose is to provide power conversion to LED, but they sometimes don’t do that.
This can be due to compatibility issues, poor-quality drivers or adapters, or incorrect installation.
How to fix it
If you’re experiencing LED output issues after conversion, make sure you have a working driver or adapter with you.
If it still has the issue with a working driver or adapter, seek out an anti-flicker or decoder device.
However, if you don’t have a driver or adapter, you need to first find one that suits your car’s make and model.
A Video on installing Decoder For your headlights
10) DRLs (Day Running Lights) Problem
Last, we have the DRLs or Day running light issues.
Many modern car companies nowadays provide day running lights in their car models, and this can cause LED headlight conversion problems.
If your lights are not functioning properly, like they are flickering or looking like they are about to die, it may be due to DRLs.
How to fix it
To fix this problem, you have to make a separate path for the electric supply for your LED headlights.
This separate pathway will make sure that your headlights are getting the required power to work out the way they should without causing any fluctuation.
Sounds interesting: 6 Exciting Reasons Why do deer stare at headlights?
What is a LED headlight conversion kit?
LED headlight conversion kits are a set of components that are designed to help you in replacing traditional halogen or xenon bulbs with LED ones.
LED conversion kits come with a simple and easy plug-and-play installation that gives light between the range of 4500-7800 lumens using less power compared to traditional halogen bulbs.
They can also be very durable and last up to 10 times more than halogen, with a huge difference in their brightness.
FAQs
Q: Can you replace normal headlights with LEDs?
A: Yes, you can; all cars are fitted with halogen bulbs headlights from the factory, making them suitable for LED conversion.
However, you will need to purchase a headlight conversion kit for that. These conversion kits are jam-packed with everything needed to switch from traditional light to LED lights, including bulbs and wiring connections.
Although these kits come with instructions on how to install them by yourself, it is best to leave it to professional hands if you are not a pro at tinkering with the car.
Q: Is it worth replacing halogen with LED?
A: Yes, it is. In fact, many car owners, after buying the car from the dealer, choose to convert their halogen headlights to LEDs as they offer several advantages over halogen headlights.
They are brighter, energy efficient, provide more visibility, and are pretty safe while driving at night.
Apart from these benefits, LED lights also are pretty long-lasting and require less maintenance than traditional halogen.
However, you have to keep in mind that LED headlight conversions are not legal or compatible with every car.
Therefore do your own research and choose a good brand that is well-suited for your car make and model.
Q: Can I install an LED headlight conversion kit myself, or do I need to take my car to a mechanic?
A: Well, it depends on the level of experience and expertise you have working on cars.
LED conversion kits require a lot of electrical system knowledge as they are more complex to install than traditional headlights, and improper installation can also cause issues like flickering and overheating.
However, if you are comfortable working on your car, we recommend you to go on and give it a try but make sure to read the instructions and ensure that the connections you give are secure and correct.
But if you are slightly unsure about working on it, we recommend you get some professional help!
Q: Are LED conversion kits legal in my state or country?
A: Nowadays, most modern cars come with a LED headlight included in it, making it entirely legal.
The National highway traffic and safety administration also said that it’s not possible to go wrong with these conversion kits and break any laws or rules regarding how high your headlights can be.
However, there are some states that have stricter laws around the aftermarket of headlights, so make sure that the LED light you are converting with is within the laws and regulations.
Q: How do I properly maintain my LED headlights?
A: Good question! Proper maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your LED headlights. First off, keep them clean by wiping them down regularly with a microfiber cloth.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch the surface. Check the wiring and connections periodically to ensure everything is secure and working properly.
And if you notice any flickering, dimming, or other issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage.
