LX2610HSD Tail Lights

[je1279]

Hello all, new LX2610HSD owner here. Last night I was just testing everything out on the new tractor and I noticed a weird issue with the tail lights. One of them seems to dim noticeably when the hazards are on and the other seems to dim noticeably when the directional is on. Anyone have any ideas what could cause this? If its an easy fix I'd rather do it myself instead of bringing it back to the dealership. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[RCW]

Simply a wild-ass guess....most OEM bulbs are traditional incandescent. They draw some decent amperage.

At the same time, the electrical capacity of the alternator or dynamo (as applicable) of the tractor is limited.

Wondering if more lights on=a dimmed bulb somewhere on the circuit.

Lord knows I'm a dim bulb expert....just ask my wife.....

You can replace most OEM bulbs with aftermarket LED's. Will greatly reduce load, and maybe solve the dim bulb thingie....

 

[je1279]

Haha thank you. It does have the alternator which I was glad to see. I've already replaced the headlight bulbs with LED's and plan to do the taillights and lollipop lights as well but it was in the 20's this morning so didn't want to crack any of the lenses trying to take them off. Thanks for the suggestion.

Simply a wild-ass guess....most OEM bulbs are traditional incandescent. They draw some decent amperage.

At the same time, the electrical capacity of the alternator or dynamo (as applicable) of the tractor is limited.

Wondering if more lights on=a dimmed bulb somewhere on the circuit.

Lord knows I'm a dim bulb expert....just ask my wife.....

You can replace most OEM bulbs with aftermarket LED's. Will greatly reduce load, and maybe solve the dim bulb thingie....

 

[Fatfenders]

Make sure the quick connectors under the fenders are connected properly and not corroded. Check the bulb sockets as well. Sounds like a ground/connection issue.

 

[je1279]

Thanks for the tip and will do.

Make sure the quick connectors under the fenders are connected properly and not corroded. Check the bulb sockets as well. Sounds like a ground/connection issue.

 

[Old_Paint]

Hello all, new LX2610HSD owner here. Last night I was just testing everything out on the new tractor and I noticed a weird issue with the tail lights. One of them seems to dim noticeably when the hazards are on and the other seems to dim noticeably when the directional is on. Anyone have any ideas what could cause this? If its an easy fix I'd rather do it myself instead of bringing it back to the dealership. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

I'd suspect both are dimming with the hazards flashing. Elaborating on what the OP said, tho, if you have a poor ground connection to the lights, the larger element in the dual element bulb will draw more current and create some voltage drop at the bad connection. This will put a bias on the return path (ground) for the smaller element causing it to dim. A bad connection needs to be found and corrected ASAP, though, because a voltage drop on wire is gonna create heat. That's exactly why incandescent lamps get hot. They're glowing because of heating up a resistive element.

Standard replacement LED tail lamps should be available at your favorite auto parts retailer to replace an 1156 bulb. That's probably one of the most common lamps on the planet. The good part about it is that it draws a lot less current, ergo heats up a bad connection a lot less. The bad part is, you won't know you have a bad connection until you have NO connection. Still worth the better light, though.

I haven't had this issue, but might show my ignorance here and ask if the LX supposedly has brake lights? Or is the SMV placard on the back with flashers going supposed to warn people to back off? Not that I'll be driving it on the highway or anything, just curious. Just seems strange to have flashers and turn signals, but no brake lights. I read the OM cover to cover before I even thought about putting it to work, and don't recall a mention of brake lights. Did I miss something?

 

[je1279]

Thank you and I agree with your assessment. I've read some posts from B2650 owners who realized the wires were swapped on thiers when installing LED's (as current only flows one way through diodes but it can flow either way on incandescent lights). I'll check that tonight and report back as I would assume that the dedicated ground would be the best ground connection. As for the brake lights, I do not know either. I believe the incandesent 1156 is a single filament bulb which would suggest that it does not have brake lights. I will check this evening when I have a helper available and report back.

I'd suspect both are dimming with the hazards flashing. Elaborating on what the OP said, tho, if you have a poor ground connection to the lights, the larger element in the dual element bulb will draw more current and create some voltage drop at the bad connection. This will put a bias on the return path (ground) for the smaller element causing it to dim. A bad connection needs to be found and corrected ASAP, though, because a voltage drop on wire is gonna create heat. That's exactly why incandescent lamps get hot. They're glowing because of heating up a resistive element.

Standard replacement LED tail lamps should be available at your favorite auto parts retailer to replace an 1156 bulb. That's probably one of the most common lamps on the planet. The good part about it is that it draws a lot less current, ergo heats up a bad connection a lot less. The bad part is, you won't know you have a bad connection until you have NO connection. Still worth the better light, though.

I haven't had this issue, but might show my ignorance here and ask if the LX supposedly has brake lights? Or is the SMV placard on the back with flashers going supposed to warn people to back off? Not that I'll be driving it on the highway or anything, just curious. Just seems strange to have flashers and turn signals, but no brake lights. I read the OM cover to cover before I even thought about putting it to work, and don't recall a mention of brake lights. Did I miss something?

 

[je1279]

Good news, it was an easy fix. The technician accidentally swapped the tail light and turn indicator wires for the passenger side combination light. I swapped them out and everything is back to good. Just glad it wasn't an amperage draw or grounding issue as I hate chasing down electrical gremlins. The bulb is a 12v21/5w (a 1157 LED bulb can also be used as long as it draws less than 8w) in case anyone is interested. I also confirmed that there are no brake lights, only tail lights and turn indicators in the rear combination lights. Thanks again for everyone's help!