Load equalizer
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 981
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From: Vancouver Canada
Load equalizer
Howdy,
I have a 2009 Ultra Classic that I just installed front/rear LED turn signals. I was about to buy a CD load eq but realized that all the other lights on the bike are LED. My TP/tail lights, brake light, front fender light...all LED. Does this mean I already have a load eq installed and just need to program the turn signals...or are they 2 different units? Or do the LED'S currently installed not require a load eq?
Thanks!
I have a 2009 Ultra Classic that I just installed front/rear LED turn signals. I was about to buy a CD load eq but realized that all the other lights on the bike are LED. My TP/tail lights, brake light, front fender light...all LED. Does this mean I already have a load eq installed and just need to program the turn signals...or are they 2 different units? Or do the LED'S currently installed not require a load eq?
Thanks!
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Joined: Aug 2021
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From: SoCal
A load equalizer is only relevant to the turn signal circuit & flasher, EXCEPT in vehicles where the ECM can determine that a bulb is out based upon the current draw.
For instance, no equalizer on the TS means the lights will flash quickly, or possibly not at all. This can usually be corrected with a load equalizer and/or a different flasher module.
If the ECM can determine that a brake light or marker light is out, (and it provides some type of additional user feedback/notification such as a light on the dash, etc.) then installing an LED light in that location MAY impact the ability of the ECM to identify that bulb as an LED without a flash or reprogramming of the ECM to accommodate the lower current draw.
One more point is that SOME LED bulbs actually contain the load equalizer as a built in circuit, but the less expensive (cheap!) versions typically do not.
For instance, no equalizer on the TS means the lights will flash quickly, or possibly not at all. This can usually be corrected with a load equalizer and/or a different flasher module.
If the ECM can determine that a brake light or marker light is out, (and it provides some type of additional user feedback/notification such as a light on the dash, etc.) then installing an LED light in that location MAY impact the ability of the ECM to identify that bulb as an LED without a flash or reprogramming of the ECM to accommodate the lower current draw.
One more point is that SOME LED bulbs actually contain the load equalizer as a built in circuit, but the less expensive (cheap!) versions typically do not.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 981
Likes: 134
From: Vancouver Canada
A load equalizer is only relevant to the turn signal circuit & flasher, EXCEPT in vehicles where the ECM can determine that a bulb is out based upon the current draw.
For instance, no equalizer on the TS means the lights will flash quickly, or possibly not at all. This can usually be corrected with a load equalizer and/or a different flasher module.
If the ECM can determine that a brake light or marker light is out, (and it provides some type of additional user feedback/notification such as a light on the dash, etc.) then installing an LED light in that location MAY impact the ability of the ECM to identify that bulb as an LED without a flash or reprogramming of the ECM to accommodate the lower current draw.
One more point is that SOME LED bulbs actually contain the load equalizer as a built in circuit, but the less expensive (cheap!) versions typically do not.
For instance, no equalizer on the TS means the lights will flash quickly, or possibly not at all. This can usually be corrected with a load equalizer and/or a different flasher module.
If the ECM can determine that a brake light or marker light is out, (and it provides some type of additional user feedback/notification such as a light on the dash, etc.) then installing an LED light in that location MAY impact the ability of the ECM to identify that bulb as an LED without a flash or reprogramming of the ECM to accommodate the lower current draw.
One more point is that SOME LED bulbs actually contain the load equalizer as a built in circuit, but the less expensive (cheap!) versions typically do not.
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From: South Carolina
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From: OH
Originally Posted by 07UltraGuy;
One more point is that [b
One more point is that [b
SOME[/b] LED bulbs actually contain the load equalizer as a built in circuit, but the less expensive (cheap!) versions typically do not.
TIA
If it needs something to prevent hyperflash go straight to Custom Dynamics and buy the Triple Play module - you can thank me later.
Regarding the LEDs with load equalizers (resistors) built in, skip that route because all resistors do is convert current to heat. The beauty of LEDs is nearly no electrical load - why build it back n with resistors?
Regarding the LEDs with load equalizers (resistors) built in, skip that route because all resistors do is convert current to heat. The beauty of LEDs is nearly no electrical load - why build it back n with resistors?
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 981
Likes: 134
From: Vancouver Canada
If it needs something to prevent hyperflash go straight to Custom Dynamics and buy the Triple Play module - you can thank me later.
Regarding the LEDs with load equalizers (resistors) built in, skip that route because all resistors do is convert current to heat. The beauty of LEDs is nearly no electrical load - why build it back n with resistors?
Regarding the LEDs with load equalizers (resistors) built in, skip that route because all resistors do is convert current to heat. The beauty of LEDs is nearly no electrical load - why build it back n with resistors?
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2021
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Likes: 134
From: Vancouver Canada
No I got your point...but don't want to pay $130 for a load equalizer...even though I know it's the "right" thing to do.
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From: SoCal
A load equalizer is nothing more than a resistor pack. The only difference is that it moves the heat to a place outside the fixture housing, away from the LED array.
This is beneficial from a longevity standpoint, as it maintains lower operating temps for the LEDs.
Cooler LEDs = longer lasting LEDs.
I have a plug n play load resistor in my circuit as well; located under the seat.
Given the size of the heat sink on the Custom Dynamics lights that I have, I suspect they will outlast the rest of the bike.
This is beneficial from a longevity standpoint, as it maintains lower operating temps for the LEDs.
Cooler LEDs = longer lasting LEDs.
I have a plug n play load resistor in my circuit as well; located under the seat.
Given the size of the heat sink on the Custom Dynamics lights that I have, I suspect they will outlast the rest of the bike.