Aftermarket tail lights

[hubb10]

Hi there , I mounted a flatbed on my 81 k10 and put some aftermarket led tail lights on. Got them all wired but just can't make them blink. They turn on correctly and you can make them blink by moving the blinker switch back and forth but if you click it into place it won't blink just stays lit up. If I turn the hazards on they both blink correctly. I'm wondering what I need to do to correct this any insight would be greatly appreciated. I tried to find a topic on this but couldn't so sorry if this has been discussed already.

[bake74]

   Did your blinkers work before installing the led's ?
  I believe your blinkers and hazard lights are on different flasher modules.  Have you checked the blinker flasher that is part of your fuse block to see if it is good ?
   It might not be strong enough to make the blinkers work.

[bd]

LED bulbs draw a fraction of the current drawn by incandescent bulbs.  To function correctly, the original equipment "thermal flashers" require more current flow through the turn signal circuit than LEDs allow.  One solution is to add a "load resistor" across each LED bulb installed in the turn signal circuit to increase the current load on the flasher. 

The alternative is to replace the original thermal flasher with an "electronic flasher" that is compatible with the lower current demand of LEDs.  If you're fortunate, you may be able to install an electronic flasher such as a Grote 44891 and be done.  But, don't forget that our trucks use two flashers, one for turn signals and one for hazard warning lights.

Which solution (resistors vs flashers) is best for your circumstances depends on the LED bulbs you've installed and the resulting net current flow.

[hubb10]

Hey thanks for the information. So I bought a electronic flasher, specifically the Grote 44891 you mentioned. Installed it and it won't even light up the LEDs anymore. One of the terminals just plugs into an open hole in the socket, do I need to ground this one or is it the wrong one for my truck?

[bd]

...So I bought a electronic flasher, specifically the Grote 44891 you mentioned. Installed it and it won't even light up the LEDs anymore. One of the terminals just plugs into an open hole in the socket, do I need to ground this one or is it the wrong one for my truck?

 

Grote 44891 plugs into the original 2-prong flasher socket and the short wire attaches to ground.