Glad you pointed that out, just realized I have the 20-LED switchbacks also... :o
SMT Switchback Tower problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Waldorf MD
SMT Switchback Tower problem
I have a 1999 FRC with SMT Switchback 30 led Towers installed. However, one side partially works after a day of driving. I took a look and couldn't figure it out why the left is fine and the right side only activates when signaling (blinking yellow) but not for daytime running mode (constantly on led white). So I bought another tower from the vendor. The new tower does the same thing. Has anyone experienced this before or know how I can fix this problem? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
JM
JM
Last edited by gixxer05; Nov 21, 2008 at 05:15 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,997
Likes: 36
From: Ocean Springs MS
Have you tried rotating it and replugging it back in? Or swapping the switchback to the other side to see if the problem happens there? If not, then you are having some sort of DRL problem. Maybe one of the contacts or wires going to the plug are loose or pulled out.
I just had a switchback problem myself, it would go out after a few seconds of turning the lights on, think a solder connection must have come loose. Would come right back on if I tapped on it, but then after a few more seconds would dim and go out again. Ordered another one and when got it a few of the LED's on top wouldn't light. Vendor said it was an old non-current model that some how got mixed up with the newer models. Was able to exchange it and finally got one earlier this week that did work all the way.
I just had a switchback problem myself, it would go out after a few seconds of turning the lights on, think a solder connection must have come loose. Would come right back on if I tapped on it, but then after a few more seconds would dim and go out again. Ordered another one and when got it a few of the LED's on top wouldn't light. Vendor said it was an old non-current model that some how got mixed up with the newer models. Was able to exchange it and finally got one earlier this week that did work all the way.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 6
From: hagerstown md
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Do your DRLs work with regular bulbs? Stick a regular bulb in there and see if it fires up normally. If it fires normally, then I'd switch the side I knew worked, with the side that didn't, to make it isn't another defective bulb.
If it doesn't, then start with the fuses, then check the wiring to make sure nothing is crimped, split, or broken.
If it doesn't, then start with the fuses, then check the wiring to make sure nothing is crimped, split, or broken.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Waldorf MD
Yep, I tried everything but switching sides. I'll try that next. Could it also be the load equalizers? I initially didn't think it would be, since amber still works. I'm planning on pulling everything from the wiring harness once I find another to install as a end all tell all.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,997
Likes: 36
From: Ocean Springs MS
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Oakland Ca
St. Jude Donor '09
The polarity is probably backwards. Unplug the bulb and rotate.
Are you using a Flasher Bypass or resistors?? I'm using the 48 LED towers and flasher bypass with no problems.
Are you using a Flasher Bypass or resistors?? I'm using the 48 LED towers and flasher bypass with no problems.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Waldorf MD
Wow, the 48 led tower looks super bright. Did you have any problems installing them? I have resistors from the same vendor. Interesting, I didn't know there was difference in polarity (positive/negative) on the bulb. Is this what you're referring to? The bulb or the resistor?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,420
Likes: 8
From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I would bank on polarity being the culprit here also. LEDs (like any diode) ARE polarity specific and pass current one way only. 
