'01 Tundra LED install fiasco

[JeffKeryk]

In January I replaced our trusty Tundra's stock headlight bulbs with 9003 LEDs. I thought all was good, but I don't use the truck a lot, especially at night.
Anyways, the brights seemed to be the lows because there was virtually no road illumination, only distance.
Well, I didnt know the bulb was 2 piece; you separate the 3 tab disk, install it with the spring retainer clip and then install LED with a short turn.
So now it's better. But no fog lights and no dash bright indicator. Oops.
So Google instructs me to install a load resistor on the passenger side bulb.
Motorcycle Load Resistor

Easy peasey. Now all's good. The fogs and dash indicator are back. I think the lights are working better.
I will check tonight.
Sometimes I have the bad habit of fixing things to my own detriment. Oops.
Oh yeah, don't waste your time if you don't polish and restore your headlight plastic...

 

[Danno]

The system didn't see the expected load and went into limp mode. The resistor restored the correct load.

 

[JeffKeryk]

The system didn't see the expected load and went into limp mode. The resistor restored the correct load.

Thanks Danno. I am not familiar with limp mode that only affected headlights, fog lights and dash brights indicator.
Do you have any suggested links where I might read up on this?

Again, thanks. The headlight system seems to be working correctly now.

 

[4WD]

In January I replaced our trusty Tundra's stock headlight bulbs with 9003 LEDs. I thought all was good, but I don't use the truck a lot, especially at night.
Anyways, the brights seemed to be the lows because there was virtually no road illumination, only distance.
Well, I didnt know the bulb was 2 piece; you separate the 3 tab disk, install it with the spring retainer clip and then install LED with a short turn.
So now it's better. But no fog lights and no dash bright indicator. Oops.
So Google instructs me to install a load resistor on the passenger side bulb.
Motorcycle Load Resistor

Easy peasey. Now all's good. The fogs and dash indicator are back. I think the lights are working better.
I will check tonight.
Sometimes I have the bad habit of fixing things to my own detriment. Oops.
Oh yeah, don't waste your time if you don't polish and restore your headlight plastic...

$100-$150 for new headlight assembly pairs that include blinker section …

 

[Danno]

Thanks Danno. I am not familiar with limp mode that only affected headlights, fog lights and dash brights indicator.
Do you have any suggested links where I might read up on this?

Again, thanks. The headlight system seems to be working correctly now.

It was a common issue when LEDs are retrofitted. Went through the issue with up fitting trucks and using LEDs on the up fit. The lighting system works at a reduced or a not to spec capacity, which I called "limp" mode. Rapid blinking of LED tail lights was something I encountered. Installing proper resistors is a solution, as you discovered.

 

[JeffKeryk]

It was a common issue when LEDs are retrofitted. Went through the issue with up fitting trucks and using LEDs on the up fit. The lighting system works at a reduced or a not to spec capacity, which I called "limp" mode. Rapid blinking of LED tail lights was something I encountered. Installing proper resistors is a solution, as you discovered.

Apprecaite your comments. I understand pretty much squat about electricity...