LED lights fried?

[cheapjeep2]

I am working on a 48v TXT that has had an entire LED light kit installed.

There is no voltage reducer, the lights are running off of two 8v batteries so their getting 17 volts. The rear tail lights are working fine, but about a week ago both headlights went dim and now no longer produce any usable light, they are on but extremely dim and not usable.

I am not seeing anything wrong here on my quick first look, both lights are getting 17 volts.

Anyone see this before? The only thing I can come up with is that maybe the headlight LED circuits have been damaged by the 17volts. Thoughts?


Thanks,Troy

[Jd62]

I do run my halogen head light on 2x8volt battery and i have no problem,, but few people told me that led are more voltage sensitive.....

[cheapjeep2]

yea, just not sure about this kit, I am not sure if it is a Red Hawk kit or a cheap knock off. but it doesn't make sense that they both just went dim. I can't find a short or anything.

just a thought ... ground wire ?
my jeep did same when i had a ground problem

[Dsouthw524]

The lights are usually rated for 12 Volt. They will take a slight voltage above that. I know that you can either use a voltage reucer or you can install a resister in the positive lead to reduce the input voltage. I have done this for some instalations with great success. The value needed is able to be determined by using a volt meter and resister to get the voltage down to around the 12 volt range (12-13V).

Hope this helps!

[cheapjeep2]

Originally Posted by Dsouthw524

The lights are usually rated for 12 Volt. They will take a slight voltage above that. I know that you can either use a voltage reucer or you can install a resister in the positive lead to reduce the input voltage. I have done this for some instalations with great success. The value needed is able to be determined by using a volt meter and resister to get the voltage down to around the 12 volt range (12-13V).

Hope this helps!

Don't you have problems with the resistor getting hot?

[cgtech]

A properly sized resistor for the job wont get that hot. A 1/4 watt resistor (likely the kind you have lying around) will fry in seconds. Or they sell these things that are specifically designed for powering 12v lights/accessories from higher voltages, i think they are called dc/dc convertors..... I think your LEDs are already gone...

[scottyb]

Everything I read says 17v will reduce life span of 12v lighting. You do the resistor thing but some playing around is necessary to find the correct value needed.

[cheapjeep2]

yep, I have seen many people run their halogens at the 18 volts... Not me, all my stuff runs off of 25 amp converters full 48v to 12v. If I build and sell a cart it will have a converter. As soon as I saw this, I immediately assumed the boards were damaged, kinda strange though how the LED tail lights are working just fine - for now.

[scottyb]

YEs, they will work but the over-voltage shortens their life. On the up side, I bet they are nice and BRIGHT