Custom Dynamics LED's - burning out...?
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Custom Dynamics LED's - burning out...?
Last February I upgraded my '13 Slim to Custom Dynamics LED turn signals all around.
All has been well ...until lately.
One month ago I noticed that one of the front amber turns had a burned out LED, just one out of the 48.
CD offered an immediate hassle-free replacement.
Yesterday I had my son follow me to a shop to have a rear tire installed.
Once home I asked him how those bright lights looked from the rear.
He said "bright as hell, but there were dark spots on both rears".
When I got home I checked it out and sure enough, now both rear red LED signals had multiple burned out LEDs.
A quick e-mail to CD (which they answered immediately) said that this was highly unusual and to check the voltages, that maybe something was wrong with the regulator.
They also suggested looking for water entry, which has since checked out bone dry, except for that little bit of dielectric grease in each socket...
I did that this morning, and even went back to the dealer to have them look as well.
At rest (ignition off), I'm getting 12.25V at the battery.
When idling, it jumps slightly to 13.25V, and at 3000 RPM it remained unchanged.
The dealer confirmed these readings, going so far as to say everything was "perfect".
So the questions becomes, has anyone else had any issues with these LED's burning out prematurely?
I was under the impression that these would last for years - so far I lost 3 out of the original 4 in just 6-7 months.
Is there something else I should be looking for??
All has been well ...until lately.
One month ago I noticed that one of the front amber turns had a burned out LED, just one out of the 48.
CD offered an immediate hassle-free replacement.
Yesterday I had my son follow me to a shop to have a rear tire installed.
Once home I asked him how those bright lights looked from the rear.
He said "bright as hell, but there were dark spots on both rears".
When I got home I checked it out and sure enough, now both rear red LED signals had multiple burned out LEDs.
A quick e-mail to CD (which they answered immediately) said that this was highly unusual and to check the voltages, that maybe something was wrong with the regulator.
They also suggested looking for water entry, which has since checked out bone dry, except for that little bit of dielectric grease in each socket...
I did that this morning, and even went back to the dealer to have them look as well.
At rest (ignition off), I'm getting 12.25V at the battery.
When idling, it jumps slightly to 13.25V, and at 3000 RPM it remained unchanged.
The dealer confirmed these readings, going so far as to say everything was "perfect".
So the questions becomes, has anyone else had any issues with these LED's burning out prematurely?
I was under the impression that these would last for years - so far I lost 3 out of the original 4 in just 6-7 months.
Is there something else I should be looking for??
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
They even offered to send out the replacements already, even on a weekend - so yeah, their support is top notch.
But I hate the idea of having to do this every 6 months especially if it's something preventable on my end...
Maybe I just got unlucky with a bad batch?
Something tells me that ain't it.
I just don't know what else I should be checking...
I had the original (stock) lamps in for 6 months before the swap and never had any of those burn out.
I'm also still running the original headlight & aux. lights. All are fine.
Seems to me that if there was an over-voltage condition it would be affecting a lot more than just my turn signals.
At the same time I installed the CD LED turns, and for additional visibility, I also added their Knight Riderz LED Light Bar for use as an extra Run/Brake light under the rear fender (replacing the stock reflector).
It continues to function normally - no issues...
Last edited by jam436; Sep 1, 2013 at 12:10 PM.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
It doesn't surprise me that CD gave you new units. They're a top notch business. I've had mine for 4-5 months. I haven't looked to see if I have any out. Maybe I should, just in case.
Question...did you have to send your old units back, before or after they sent you a new one? Or did they even ask for them back?
As for your situation, I suck when it comes to electrical stuff/problems. Good Luck fixing it.
Question...did you have to send your old units back, before or after they sent you a new one? Or did they even ask for them back?
As for your situation, I suck when it comes to electrical stuff/problems. Good Luck fixing it.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
All they asked for was a picture of the front of the LED showing the burn out (trickier than it sounds considering how bright they are), and a photo of the rear of the unit (the circuit board) ..to look for discoloration maybe I guess?
The front amber that had one LED out, showed some light yellow/brown discoloration, which they said was normal.
Here it is, barely visible:
The rears, which each have multiple LED's out, show no such discoloration - they look as though they were installed yesterday.
So, I'm really not sure what they may have been looking at...
Last edited by jam436; Sep 1, 2013 at 12:06 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,810
From: Centennial, CO
They asked about water getting in? Surprised because the visored bullet lenses don't seal that well. I mean there is no gasket between the lense and the LED unit, just around the bulb bucket.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
I decided not to when I saw how they cut off the light from the sides.
They make the lights only visible from directly in front of, or behind.
The whole point with the LED's was visibility and the visors seemed like they'd defeat the purpose.
Anyway, the stock lenses seems to protect from water rather well, I've never seen any leakage - they're a nice tight fit.
Now if I were using a pressure washer that might be another story...
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Newcastle, Ca.
I have had red CD led clusters on the rear for about four years and had one bulb lose two little led's about two years ago. All has been fine other then that one time. CD made me return my led to the company I purchased from, then that company sent me a replacement. Sounds like the warranty transaction is easier if purchased directly from CD.
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 87
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From: Buffalo NY
I've had my CD's for a little over a year now and I haven't had any problems. I bought mine from a HD dealer and the first thing they told me is they they frequently see the bottom lights burn out. I just have to go there and exchange them no questions asked. Well worth the money! Good to hear that they are willing to work with you.