LED Load Resistors

Upgrading to LED bulbs? These LED turn signal load resistors help correct hyper-flash and load-related bulb-out warnings that can occur when replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs. Sold in pairs, these 50W, 6Ω resistors provide additional electrical load for compatible 12V automotive lighting circuits. These units are specific to use with LED bulbs.

Why LED bulbs sometimes need load resistors

LED bulbs draw less power than incandescent bulbs. Some vehicles interpret that reduced electrical load as a failed bulb, causing rapid turn-signal flashing—commonly called hyper-flash—or a dashboard bulb-out warning.

LED load resistors, also known as load equalizers, add electrical load to help compatible systems recognize normal lamp operation. They can help address rapid flashing, failure to flash, and bulb-out indications caused by insufficient load after an LED conversion.

They do not increase bulb brightness or repair wiring faults.

Applications and compatibility

Use with compatible 12V DC LED turn-signal and combined brake/turn lighting circuits, including LED conversions used alongside universal sequential tail light modules.

Common applications include LED replacements for:

• Single-function bulbs: 1156, 3156, and 7440
• Dual-function bulbs: 1157, 3157, and 7443

Bulb number alone does not establish compatibility. The need for load resistors depends on the vehicle’s wiring, flasher, bulb-monitoring system, and installed LEDs.

Not every LED conversion requires additional load. For installations that do, plan on one resistor per LED bulb requiring load correction. This package includes two units; installations with additional affected bulbs may require another pair. View Load Resistors installation diagram.

Product specifications

• Operating voltage: 12V DC
• Resistance: 6Ω per resistor
• Power rating: 50W per resistor
• Housing: Finned aluminum alloy
• Package contents: Two LED load resistors
• Mounting screws: Not included

Installation overview

Each resistor connects in parallel between the affected lighting circuit’s positive wire and ground. For the brake/turn installation shown in our diagram, connect between brake/turn positive and ground. Leave the separate tail/parking wire unchanged.

These are splice-in components. Identify vehicle wires by their function rather than relying on wire color or our general installation diagram.

Important: Mount to metal — units become hot

LED load resistors convert electrical energy into heat and become extremely hot during operation.

Securely fasten each resistor to a suitable metal surface that can dissipate heat. Never mount directly to plastic or leave a resistor hanging by its wires.

Keep each resistor several inches away from plastic parts and clear of wiring, wire loom, carpeting, and other heat-sensitive materials. Route the wires so they cannot rest against the hot housing. Allow the resistors to cool before handling.

Complete your LED lighting upgrade

If your LED conversion has introduced load-related hyper flashing problems, these load resistors offer a practical way to add the electrical load your vehicle may need. Order a pair separately or select the optional LED load resistor add-on with your AutoTrix Universal Sequential Tail Light Modules.

Load resistors do not independently control flash rate or sequencing speed. Compatibility and results depend on the vehicle and lighting circuit.

Product Contents

• (2) LED Load Resistors – 50W 6Ω
• (4) Butt Connectors