Notices
JK Electrical, Lighting & Sound Systems Bulletin board forum regarding topics such as stereo head units, CD players, MP3 players, speaker systems, amplifiers, hardmounted GPS devices, computers, headlight upgrades, fog lights, off-road lights, general wiring and anti-theft devices.

2010 JKU Losing Headlights At Random

Old Jun 2, 2023 | 07:03 PM
  #1  
Isaiah S's Avatar
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Lily, KY
Default 2010 JKU Losing Headlights At Random

I have searched and can't find an issue that is the extent of mine... As the title says, I'm losing my headlights at random after installing a different set of LED headlights. When I say at random, I can sometimes watch them cut out when I unlock the Jeep with the key fob, or I lose them when I'm actually driving. And it's not always both at a time. It will usually start with one side, typically the driver's side first, and then may eventually carry over to the passenger side. Other times, it's both lights. The issue is affecting both low and high beams. The Jeep already had a set of LEDs on it when I got it over a year ago, and I've not had any issues besides slight LED flicker (not actually going out). I bought a used (almost 2 y/o) set on Marketplace from a guy that upgraded. I liked them because they had the RGB halo rings. I got everything wired up, and didn't get to drive in the dark for a couple nights. The first night using them, the problem started after the lights were on for maybe 20 minutes. I lost both lights at once, then had one going in and out. I tried switching to high beams and found that my whole driver's side light was gone, and the passenger side was only working intermittently. Luckily my fog lights were bright enough to safely get me home.
I started checking the forums, didn't find an issue quite like mine. Found a set of anti-flicker harnesses that said eliminating canbus issues was one of their features. They were inexpensive, so I ordered and installed those. Noticed before the install that the ground wire for the driver's side adaptor harness seemed loose (assumed that was why I completely lost that side), so I put a good harness on and made sure all connections were good. The problem came back today, so I decided to put my old lights back in. It's happening with them too now... I do have six high/low circuit codes (B162B, B162F, B1638, B1630, B162C, B1634), but I have seen on other threads where those are somewhat common and don't always cause actual issues.
I have installed lights and such on vehicles before, and as a RV tech of several years, I work with 12 volt electricity daily, so I don't think I earned any ID10T badges on this project, but you never know.
Additional info:
-the Jeep is a 2010 Sahara Unlimited, it does not have the auto light feature.
-I have a new (as of late 2022) battery, getting good charge from the alternator.
-I don't have any power issues with the halos, but I'm including this step I took as well just in case. When wiring up the halos, I did lightly probe the wires for the turn signals with a test light to determine I was in fact on the correct wires. I removed two plugs from the bottom of the TIPM to allow more room for making good connections (I wanted all the wiring/connections to be in a relatively contained area, so I tapped into the wires closer to the plug end of the harness), and got them plugged back in securely.
I think I summed up my issue fairly well, but I can try to provide additional info if needed. Any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2023 | 07:31 AM
  #2  
Sixty4x4's Avatar
Super Moderator
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 509
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
Default

You should introdue yourself before attempting a long winded technical issue as we are a forum not a technical fault remediation site.

But to answer your question - there are dozens of packages out there for LED afterarket lights. Some are cheap to buy others are not. Usually the cheap ones were intended to put on fishing lines as sinkers and attract fish but they figured they might work as lights first . I lucked out and have EBay chinese LED lights on a 2008 and they are seamless in function and the DRL work and they are equal to my Q5 Audi bi-xenon lights. I don't go for all that fancy HALO crap etc as that seems to be a lot of issues with previous forum guys. Also leave the blinker lights where they are as simplicity is easier than trying to modify all the electronics to work. Its a Jeep not a Ferarri. Being a 12V guy you should know that if there is not enough load on the light the TIPM may take exception and switch it off or throw a code. Judging by the way you describe the lights may just be a piece of cheap crap and simply failing. If you buy the $800 JW Speaker lights I bet they work good. At least bounce back to all stock wiring and start all over. Cutting wires and modifying wiring in an all electronic vehicle is a path to disaster in my opinion. My lights took 10 minutes per side to install and worked right out of the box.
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2023 | 04:32 AM
  #3  
user 729872082's Avatar
Former Member
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 706
Likes: 142
Default

Welcome from GA! As mentioned above the LED lights can be a pain. There are several posts about these. Besides the typical grounding issues you may want to reach out to Diode Dynamics. They helped me and have an easy to install load resistor that may help. If you talk to them they can give you some ideas on resolutions.
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2023 | 11:32 AM
  #4  
JeepLiam's Avatar
JK Enthusiast
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 128
Likes: 11
From: Excelsior Minnesota
Default

I love my JW speaker headlights, expensive but they're plug and play, and have had no issues. I had cheapo amazon chinese lights that acted up like yours. I scored my lights for like 400 bucks off amazon, guess i got lucky. I would have bought them even if i didnt get them for 400, well worth it. No more hitting suicidal possums because i cant see
Reply



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:34 PM.