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Hey all. I'm hoping you guys can see the simple answer here, because I'm suuuuuper rusty on my electrical knowledge.
I have a (cheap) 3-stage taillight sequencer that's made for 3-stage LED taillight swaps (classic Mustang reno, etc.). There's three wires (besides ground), and each one corresponds to the three steps in the lighting sequence. To translate this to the C5's (effectively) 2-stage LED taillight, I'd like to light the inner light, the inner+outer light, then the outer light (the three stages).
It's obvious to me that the first stage wire needs to go to the inner light, and the third stage wire needs to go to the outer light, but my dumbass can't figure out how to wire the second stage without it interfering with the other stages as well. It's obviously not as simple as connecting the second stage wire to both lights, as that would cause both lights to illuminate for all three stages.
I know a diode could work, but I'm not sure how common diodes are in automotive applications, and I wouldn't know how to size it anyway. I think there might be a way to use automotive SPST relays, but I haven't quite been able to figure that one out.
Any help would be appreciated! I'm hoping there's some veterans on here who think this is ezpz.
There was a fella on one of the FB groups that did it, I'm not sure if there are any posts here. Where this will be installed, you're more likely to see dust over water, so I wasn't concerned with weatherproofing it. Haven't got around to installing it myself yet though. If you want a weatherproofed, ready to install version, this guy also sells them. Basically looks like the same board, but with weatherproofing and wires ready to go:
There was a fella on one of the FB groups that did it, I'm not sure if there are any posts here. Where this will be installed, you're more likely to see dust over water, so I wasn't concerned with weatherproofing it. Haven't got around to installing it myself yet though. If you want a weatherproofed, ready to install version, this guy also sells them. Basically looks like the same board, but with weatherproofing and wires ready to go:
If you are going to use these timers, be sure to limit the input voltage to about 12.5VDC MAX.
Most vehicles today have a 14.6VDC regulator and will burn these up. Use a regulator or series diodes.
I use 4ea 1amp silicon diodes in series with the 12V positive lead to drop 2.8VDC to the timer. I have used these timers
on my Z06 DRL white switchover circuits for years with good service, AFTER, I wasted about 20 due to over voltage.
Most all cheap Chinese LED bulbs I have tried are limited to 12.5VDC Max. If you over voltage them, they will start
to blink randomly, then die.
Teeter477
How does your 3 stage sequencer work, Is it Stage 1 = Light 1 On, Stage 2 = Light 2 On, Stage 3 = Light 3 On Or is
it Stage 1 = Light 1 On, Stage 2 = Light 1 and 2 On, Stage 3 = Light 1 and 2 and 3 On ??
If it is the first scenario, it would be easy to get your desired results. BUT, not sure how the Brake Lights will effect the operation??
Both the Brake Lights and the Turn Signals use the same high wattage filaments of the bulbs.
I was thinking that if a diode was placed inline to each of the stage outputs, and connect stage 2 output to both + leads. Not knowing what the drive circuit looks like, the diode voltage drop might cause the tail lights to be dim though. The three diodes would be inline with the diode symbol which looks like an arrowhead towards the tail lights. The diodes would prevent back-feeding power from the stage output that is on to the other stages when off.
Would need three diodes capable of 12-15 Vdc and probably about 25mA or so. I do not know what the current draw is for your LED tail lights, but have to match it to the diodes. And be sure to double the individual LED tail light current draw for when both are on. But only need that diode for the stage 2 output.
Just a thought, maybe something to try, diodes are cheap.
I have some diodes in my parts box....may have to find this cheap sequencer and give it a try.
Last edited by LannyL81; Mar 26, 2023 at 01:28 PM.
I was thinking that if a diode was placed inline to each of the stage outputs, and connect stage 2 output to both + leads. Not knowing what the drive circuit looks like, the diode voltage drop might cause the tail lights to be dim though. The three diodes would be inline with the diode symbol which looks like an arrowhead towards the tail lights. The diodes would prevent back-feeding power from the stage output that is on to the other stages when off.
Would need three diodes capable of 12-15 Vdc and probably about 25mA or so. I do not know what the current draw is for your LED tail lights, but have to match it to the diodes. And be sure to double the individual LED tail light current draw for when both are on. But only need that diode for the stage 2 output.
Just a thought, maybe something to try, diodes are cheap.
I have some diodes in my parts box....may have to find this cheap sequencer and give it a try.
Actually only two diodes on the yellow (#2 ). One in each of the forks going to the positive terminal of the two lamps. Prevents back feed from either the #1 and #3 outputs lighting up the opposite lamp.
Run a wire from Stage 2 with a diode in it to each lamp. So 2 wires and 2 diodes. The diode prevents backfeed from Stage 1 or 3 lighting up up the other lamp.
[Electrical] 3-Stage Taillight Sequencer Wiring
