MamaBear2015

We have two 1998 Civics.

This is odd. Over the weekend, I replaced all the red tail and brake lights on both cars, and the center high mount brake light, with super bright LED's. ( one Cree LED at the end of each, and arrays around the body of each ).

So today, I find out that my cruise control no longer works when the lights are on, only if I turn the light off. What the....?

MamaBear2015

I actually found the answer at

http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/mecha...e-control.html

I'm a former electronics technician and diodes are sure better than putting loads on the circuits. But does anyone know if you need a diode on each lamp that has been replaced by LED's?

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

Not a fan of led but, I would try loading the brake circuit with resistors. Possibly both sides.

You can slice the insulation, and tap in without cutting wires.

MamaBear2015

Why would I want to add wasted load to the power, when they say that series diodes will work?

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

Do what ever works, you have an 6th gen and the diode mod was used on an 8th.

Better keep a close eye on them, as the track record for reliability is not that great.

MamaBear2015

They sure are brighter, something like 2-1/2 times as bright.

Is there something in the circuitry that's THAT different with our generation, where the diodes may not work?

What's the maximum resistance that I could put across the LED's to make it work right again? I'm seeing pretty low resistance and high power being used, or some people just hanging a bulb across them, which sort of defeats the power savings.

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

Really no harm in trying diodes.

You could experiment with load resistors like 15 Ohms and test, you may need to go as low as 6 Ohms

MamaBear2015

That's a lot of heat, and may as well hang a bulb on it, if it needs all that.

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

Yes, it is.

The bigger load resistors come with heat sink, and mounting holes.

I have always said.... it defeats the purpose.