1985 k10 blinkers

[ryan_k20]

I have a 1985 k10 with led side markers and non led 1157 front blinkers. I wanted to put switchback bulbs where the running lights are white then turn amber when the blinkers are on. Problem I’m having with them are when the switchback blinkers are in, the side markers are really dim but when you turn the blinkers on and they blink they are at full brightness. They don’t do that with the original 1157 bulbs in. Has anybody ever put switchbacks in your truck and have you found a solution?

 

[Tank6x2]

I have a 1985 k10 with led side markers and non led 1157 front blinkers. I wanted to put switchback bulbs where the running lights are white then turn amber when the blinkers are on. Problem I’m having with them are when the switchback blinkers are in, the side markers are really dim but when you turn the blinkers on and they blink they are at full brightness. They don’t do that with the original 1157 bulbs in. Has anybody ever put switchbacks in your truck and have you found a solution?

Try attaching a resistor in line 2- 5ohms seal it in heat shrink.

 

[ryan_k20]

I have actually tried a resistor and it didn’t do anything for me. There is a chance I hooked it to the wrong wire but I don’t believe I did

 

[Tank6x2]

I have actually tried a resistor and it didn’t do anything for me. There is a chance I hooked it to the wrong wire but I don’t believe I did

Switch the wire and confirm

 

[ryan_k20]

Another question just to make sure I did the resistor right, do I put it at the front blinker or at the side marker

 

[Tank6x2]

Another question just to make sure I did the resistor right, do I put it at the front blinker or at the side marker

Your looking to add it in the circuit to the component you have added that does not have enough draw on the system, hope that makes sebse

 

[Jgonick]

Just an FYI- 1157 is dual filament bulb- the side marker light actually goes to ground through one of the 1157 filaments. Which filament depends on whether you have parking lights on or not.

Sounds like when you switch out the 1157 bulb it isn’t allowing the side marker to ground properly.

A little more detail on how the side markers work-
The original side markers blink the same as the front signals with the headlights off. They alternate with front signals with the headlights on. With the headlights off- current goes through the (flasher) blue wire and grounds through the brown (through the dual filament front bulb)- they blink. With Headlights on- current goes through the brown wire and grounds through the blue wire (through the dual filament front bulb) for the parking lamps- however when you turn on the signal- it feeds current (flashing) down the blue wire- since current is coming from both direction (brown & blue wire) it causes the bulb to go out every time with the flashing current. Think of a garden hose with water coming from both direction- water will meet in the middle & not flow.