Flickering LEDs

[Bugs]

I just installed new LED lights on the BX23. Problem is they flicker when I turn them on. Almost at the same time that I think, the fuel pump clicks while warming up the glow plugs. Even flicker after it starts. I even installed the store bought wiring harness with the relay. Still flicker! Any thoughts.

This is what I got: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079L1GSRK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_detailsLED lights

 

[johnjk]

How are they wired? Direct from the battery through a switch? Off the fuse panel or wiring that energizes when the tractor is on? From your post, it sounds like noise generated by that pump since it continues to run while the tractor is running. You could try a different LED manufacturer or look to install a 12v power filter and see if you can knock out that frequency that is causing the flicker.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

supposedly 240 Watt...total so, some old skool math 240W /12V = 20 Amps.
What does the mfr say about 'fuse rating' ? One of the 'wiring kits( B0B44RW3CY )' says 180W not 240W.
What temperature are you in ? It could be a 'thermal' problem.
The big problem for me is not having access to the actual schematic of the lights or parts used so that I can 'reverse engineer' that the guys in China did.
'flickering' could be due to low current,slow PUT,UV/OV protection parameters wrong, etc.

Quick idea. Try ONE unit and see what happens, then the other,report when the results are in.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I've run into this quite a bit with economical LED setups.
You'll need to add a filter to get rid of the flicker.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I'm curious as to what kind of 'filter' you've used.

 

[GeoHorn]

Place a capacitor across the power/grnd wires of the LED circuit.

 

[The Evil Twin]

If you wired them through a relay (and not directly through a switch) it is probably crappy drivers in the lights.

 

[Jsjac]

Do they flicker when the tractor is not running?
If so that tells me that it is the cheap China lights.
If it only does it when the tractor is running. Could be the alternator putting out a little AC voltage. LED lights do not like AC voltage/current. Could be causing the flicker.

 

[Nicksacco]

LED Light flicker is usually caused by the overall circuit not having enough power.
That is, if they aren't defective.
All the suggestions given are good however.
Best thing to try is to just run them directly to the battery and see what they do.
At least you'll know if they are defective.

If the test is good, then start the tractor and see what they do.
If that test is good, then I'll bet your wiring isn't "thick" enough to handle the power requirement of the lights. (Hmmm, outside chance a regulator/alternator or something else is causing the pulse as well.)
But you can always try the thicker wire too. I believe most wiring is around 16 AWS but I wouldn't know what size your lights came with.

The relay suggestion is a possibility too - if you don't know how to use a relay let us know.

 

[mikester]

The only solution to cheap LEDs is to return them to the vendor and get a refund.

 

[Bugs]

I believe I figured it out. First I unplugged the regular headlights and plugged the LED lights directly into those connectors. They flickered. Then used alligator clip test leads directly to battery through supplied relay. Still flickered. Everything I read on-line stated that I needed a good solid connection to the battery. So, I removed the battery cable nuts for + & - and wired the power cable from the relay directly to the battery terminals. Viola, no flickering LEDs.
Thanx for the suggestions folks. Have fun!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

OK... some simple math...

If the 2005 BX23 has a similar alternator to my 2018 BX23S, it's rated for about 15 amps....

240 watts of LED lighting requires 20 amps of current...

Tractor has only got 15, so you're 'in the hole' and that's not accounting for nominal operating power like dash lights, head lights,computer,solenoids,etc.

Yes the BATTERY may have available current, but over time, you'll drain it down to zero.

Odds are the 'flickering', if only while engine is running is the same frequency as the alternator '3 phase power pulses'

I finally saw the 'wiring kit' fuses, 1- 10amp (red) , 2- 15 amp(blue). NONE will actually power 240w LED lights, it's that sill 'math' problem. It'd be nice to KNOW how much current each light is using.

 

[ctfjr]

OK... some simple math...

If the 2005 BX23 has a similar alternator to my 2018 BX23S, it's rated for about 15 amps....

240 watts of LED lighting requires 20 amps of current...

Tractor has only got 15, so you're 'in the hole' and that's not accounting for nominal operating power like dash lights, head lights,computer,solenoids,etc.

Yes the BATTERY may have available current, but over time, you'll drain it down to zero.

Odds are the 'flickering', if only while engine is running is the same frequency as the alternator '3 phase power pulses'

I finally saw the 'wiring kit' fuses, 1- 10amp (red) , 2- 15 amp(blue). NONE will actually power 240w LED lights, it's that sill 'math' problem. It'd be nice to KNOW how much current each light is using.

xclnt point but is has been my experience with every 12 volt led light that came from off shore is HIGHLY overrated on their current draw. I have '80 watt' units that draw 2.3 amps - duh.
The only way to know what they draw is to actually measure it. I'd be surprised if they drew 8 amps.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yes, it's one of those NEED to know actual current they draw. Even at 8 amps,each, combined they exceed what the alternator can supply. If 8 amps for the pair, real close to max alt output ,when you tactor in 'running current' of the tractor.
I have no idea what a Kubota alternator does during over current situations. I know the PSUs I designed would either 'fold back' current or 'limit' the current output.