What are LED Load Resistors and Flashers?
Load resistors and flashers are great for ensuring the proper operation of LED vehicle bulbs. After upgrading your vehicle with LED bulbs, you may notice hyperflashing or ‘bulb-out’ warnings. This is because traditional bulbs require more power to operate, and the vehicle may not register the LED bulb because of its low power draw. Installing load resistors and flashers will fix this issue by mimicking the current created by traditional bulbs.
When Should I Use a Load Resistor vs a Flasher Relay?
Deciding between a load resistor and a flasher relay can depend on what they’re being used for:
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Load resistors should be used for LED bulbs installed in traditional vehicle bulb housing experiencing hyperflashing or ‘bulb-out’ warnings.
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Flasher relays should be used for turn signal or hazard lights and can fix hyperflashing.
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Motorcycle bike diode kits should be installed if you’re using LED turn signals on your motorcycle. If the kits aren’t installed, the power will backfeed across the indicator light, causing the turn signals to flash simultaneously.
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Warning cancellers are ideal for fixing “bulb-out” errors, and are designed to work with your vehicle's CAN bus systems.
What Load Resistor Do I Need?
The load resistor or flasher you should choose for your application will depend on the type of vehicle it’s being installed in (motorcycle-specific flashers are available) and the bulb type– H4, H7, H13, 9005, 9006, etc. You can also use our vehicle bulb finder to find a compatible load resistor or flasher based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
How Do I Install a Load Resistor for Cars, Trucks, and SUVs?
Follow the steps below to securely install a load resistor in your vehicle.
1. Select the load resistor that fits the bulb in your vehicle.
2. Disconnect the vehicle’s battery.
3. Locate the lights and wiring.
4. Disconnect the bulb and make the appropriate connections so the relay is plugged into both the bulb and the vehicle connector.
5. Secure the bulb back into its housing and mount the resistor in a safe location. Avoiding plastic and components that can be damaged by heat.
How Do Resistors Melt or Damage Nearby Components?
It is important to note that load resistors can get very hot, and they can damage or melt nearby objects. To avoid this, you should mount them against a metal surface, not near plastic, painted pieces, or other non-heat-resistant materials.
Are Flasher Relays Plug-and-Play?
Our flasher relays are equipped with a plug-and-play design to simplify installation. 2-pin American, 3-pin (American, Japanese, or European), 4-pin, 5-pin, and 8-pin flashers are available depending on what your vehicle requires.
How to Install an LED Flasher Relay on a Motorcycle
The plug-and-play design of the flasher relays ensures the installation in motorcycles is fairly straightforward. Locate and remove any existing flasher relays, if applicable, and install the flasher relay in a safe position. Mount as needed. Typical installation locations for vehicles are located under the dashboard, near the steering column, or sometimes under the hood near the main fuse box. For motorcycles, they are usually found under the seat, near the battery, or behind the side fairings. The flasher relays will fix the hyperflashing, but won’t eliminate the ‘bulb-out’ warnings.
