LED head lights on my 82 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sholl10 · 11-07-2017, 09:31 AM

Hey guys, I put a new set of 4 headlights on my 82 and I'm having problems with getting them to work. No lights are on when I pull the light switch out and if I click the high beams on the low beams come on but no highs . I've checked all the contacts and they all work,switched all the plugs and all the lights are functional. Do I need a special harness ?

Dead Parrot · 11-07-2017, 12:53 PM

Most LEDs are polarity sensitive, unlike incandescent bulbs. Use a meter and check polarity at the bulb sockets and make sure it matches what the bulbs want.

One usual suspect when one bulb lights when another is switched on are ground connections.

Killer Bee · 11-07-2017, 01:18 PM

yep, I'd check polarity.. RTFM? jk

we have some Grote aftermarket LED work lights that are white/ground..

please let us know what you find and good luck!

sweetk30 · 11-07-2017, 03:02 PM

i have read some of these aftermarket lights are not pinned out correctly . check the light wiring pin out to the truck side .

and if you do cold weather driving and snow good luck keeping them from not freezing over .

sholl10 · 11-07-2017, 03:26 PM

So far I haven't had much luck. It's strange because I swapped in a regular halogen on the top passenger side and all 3 of the other lights (LED) worked . Any ideas? I don't drive the truck much since it's a project right now so I'm not worried about freezing headlights but are you saying they won't function or that the last lenses will just have ice on them?

I've tried to attach a video but it will not allow me to.

Killer Bee · 11-07-2017, 03:38 PM

what brand and model lamps are they? purchased NIB? install instructions?

maybe try contacting the manufacturer or checking their website for info on the requirement for a resister or similar component..

some LEDs can behave peculiarly in circuits with flashers, dimmers, etc. although wouldn't suspect that in an '82 headlight circuit..

maybe something in the factory harness/circuit causing voltage issues..

I've heard adding one incandescent lamp to an LED strand can fix some issues although that wouldn't be my preference for final install..

if they are straight 12vdc, maybe try direct wiring them with test leads to isolate other components on the load side of headlight switch..

good luck!

11-07-2017, 09:31 AM	#1
sholl10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: ocean city,md Posts: 27	LED head lights on my 82 Hey guys, I put a new set of 4 headlights on my 82 and I'm having problems with getting them to work. No lights are on when I pull the light switch out and if I click the high beams on the low beams come on but no highs . I've checked all the contacts and they all work,switched all the plugs and all the lights are functional. Do I need a special harness ?

11-07-2017, 12:53 PM	#2
Dead Parrot Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 2,484	Re: LED head lights on my 82 Most LEDs are polarity sensitive, unlike incandescent bulbs. Use a meter and check polarity at the bulb sockets and make sure it matches what the bulbs want. One usual suspect when one bulb lights when another is switched on are ground connections.

11-07-2017, 01:18 PM	#3
Killer Bee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Barber City, CA Posts: 4,728	Re: LED head lights on my 82 yep, I'd check polarity.. RTFM? jk we have some Grote aftermarket LED work lights that are white/ground.. please let us know what you find and good luck!

11-07-2017, 03:02 PM	#4
sweetk30 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: horseheads,ny rust belt Posts: 2,794	Re: LED head lights on my 82 i have read some of these aftermarket lights are not pinned out correctly . check the light wiring pin out to the truck side . and if you do cold weather driving and snow good luck keeping them from not freezing over . __________________ 77-k30lb BIG truck build . 87-k30lb budget beater build . 85-k30lb the plow machine build . 85-c10sb summer fun toy . ----------------------------- HOLLEY SNIPER efi = worst case of p.i.t.a i ever had . EDELBROCK pro flo 4 = best deal going so far . love my setup works great.

11-07-2017, 03:26 PM	#5
sholl10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: ocean city,md Posts: 27	Re: LED head lights on my 82 So far I haven't had much luck. It's strange because I swapped in a regular halogen on the top passenger side and all 3 of the other lights (LED) worked . Any ideas? I don't drive the truck much since it's a project right now so I'm not worried about freezing headlights but are you saying they won't function or that the last lenses will just have ice on them? I've tried to attach a video but it will not allow me to.

11-07-2017, 03:38 PM	#6
Killer Bee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Barber City, CA Posts: 4,728	Re: LED head lights on my 82 what brand and model lamps are they? purchased NIB? install instructions? maybe try contacting the manufacturer or checking their website for info on the requirement for a resister or similar component.. some LEDs can behave peculiarly in circuits with flashers, dimmers, etc. although wouldn't suspect that in an '82 headlight circuit.. maybe something in the factory harness/circuit causing voltage issues.. I've heard adding one incandescent lamp to an LED strand can fix some issues although that wouldn't be my preference for final install.. if they are straight 12vdc, maybe try direct wiring them with test leads to isolate other components on the load side of headlight switch.. good luck!



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