Need to dim down LED rear lamps

[slemmer]

I updated my rear tail lamps with an Ebay sourced LED version only to be told by those that follow me they are extremely bright at night and if it weren't for the third brake lamp they couldn't tell if I was riding the brakes. Does anyone know by way of using a resistor if I can turn down the voltage from 12 VDC to 9 VDC or to reduce the amperage by 1/4 watt? Also, if the resistor needs to be wired in parallel to the lamp or in-line (series) with the 12+ lead?

 

Thanks

 

Stephen

 

[00Silverado4x4]

The resistor would have to wired in series with the lights. The exact resistance needed I'm not sure.

[intheburbs]

Regular LEDs are not dimmable. They operate at a range of voltage at the same brightness. If the voltage drops below that range, they go off.

 

LEDs are brighter. That's the point. I love mine. Converted both my trucks. Don't worry about it.

 

Switching back to your OEMs is the easiest/simplest solution, if you're really concerned about the drivers behind you.

[hollis092]

I'm sure a potentiometer could do the trick.

[rjgti]

use a pot to set the brightness, and yes you can dim an led

[slemmer]

use a pot to set the brightness, and yes you can dim an led

yes, just read up on them and that should do the trick. Thanks!

[CaptWill]

Without know the current draw or power rating (wattage) of the LED lights, this is mostly an educated guess, but I am pretty sure this should be about right.

 

I would try something in the 220 to 470 ohm, 5 watt range. Radio Shack might be a source. Don't buy the small little 1/4 or 1/5 watt resistors. They will probably overheat and burn up, but 5W shold be safe. You don't have to be concerned with buying a resistor that has a higher wattage rating than you need, but a lower wattage will overheat and fail.