Upgrade to Switchback LED Turn Signals

INTRODUCTION

You might have noticed the switchback lights replacing the stock turn signal lights on relevant forums and become interested in them. Or maybe you have purchased switchback LED turn signal lights, but are troubled by abnormal flickering and error codes. Either way, this article will cover and address these concerns. Through this article, you can fully understand switchback LED turn signal lights and easily upgrade your car lights.

WHAT ARE SWITCHBACK LED TURN SIGNALS?

Switchback LED turn signal lights are a type of automotive lighting utilizing LED technology, allowing it to seamlessly switch between white and amber illumination due to the design of dual filaments within one bulb. When used as a parking light or daytime running light, the bulb emits low-power 6000K xenon white light, providing enhanced visibility under normal driving conditions. When switched to a high-power amber light, it represents the turn signal light. In addition, the appearance of the bulb is designed to be plug-and-play, making installation easy and convenient.

However, please note that this bulb is only suitable for vehicles that support dual-function OEM turn signal lamps. And sensitive vehicles may experience flicker issues when upgrading from halogen to LED bulbs. If the vehicle is equipped with a light bulb monitoring system, they may also trigger a "bulb out" warning. But don’t worry, these problems will be solved below. So keep reading. Next, we briefly introduce the working principle of switchback turn signals.

How does switchback turn signals work?

The operational mechanism is straightforward: when the parking lights or daytime running lights are activated, the light emits a white glow. Upon engaging the turn signal, the white light extinguishes and is replaced by a flashing amber light. Upon completion of the turn or deactivation of the turn signal, the amber light ceases, reverting to white. This smoothly switching mode can better indicate your intention to turn while making your vehicle more easily visible to other drivers in low-visibility environments, bringing versatility to your vehicle signaling and lighting.

The great thing about the switchback LED lights is that with just one installation of these bulbs, you can enjoy the benefits of both stop and turn signals, simplifying your vehicle's lighting setup and adding modern sophistication. And the next part are its detailed advantages.

THE BENEFIT OF SWITCHBACK LED TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS

• Dual Function

The distinguishing feature of switchback LED turn signals is their dual function. They reduce the number of lamps required in a vehicle by combining the functions of two separate bulbs into one. And the smooth switching of the light modes gives other drivers more reaction time to better perform the bulb functions and enhance road safety.

• Enhanced visibility

The 3000K amber-colored LED turn signal lights are brighter than traditional halogen bulbs, and their strong penetration can adapt to severe weather conditions such as snow and heavy rain. When it is switched to white light, it can reach 6000K. Whether it is used as a daytime running light or a parking light, it can greatly improve the visibility of the car and ensure driving safety.

• High energy efficiency

High-quality LED bulbs use less energy than traditional halogen bulbs and are durable enough to withstand vibration and shock better, even with a double cut light setup, sharing a single bulb will last longer than halogen bulbs. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving you time and money.

• Fashion aesthetic

Because of its innovative dual light switching mode and unparalleled brightness, it is a good match for modern high-end cars, which can add beauty and luxury to the car.

• Easy to install

The switchback LED turn signals lights are simple and easy to install which can be an easy DIY project for many car owners.

However, the remarkable benefits of switching LED turn signals do not make it easy to upgrade the turn signaling system on all vehicles to accommodate them. Before considering the option of upgrading to switchback LED turn signals, it is important to make sure that the bulb sockets used for the original turn signals and the parking/daytime running lights on your vehicle are the same bulb size, such as 3157. only the stock bulbs with the same socket will be able to be replaced with switchback LED turn bulbs.

To ensure a seamless and compatible upgrade, consider the following steps:

• Vehicle Manual: Begin by consulting your vehicle's owner's manual. It should contain information about the type of bulbs used for turn signals and any specific requirements or limitations related to aftermarket upgrades.
• Online Forums and Communities: Delve into online automotive forums and communities dedicated to your specific making and modeling of the vehicle. Here, fellow enthusiasts often share their experiences and valuable insights regarding switchback LED upgrades.
• Consult AUXITO Official Customer Service: For expert guidance tailored to your vehicle's electrical system, don't hesitate to reach out to AUXITO's official customer service.

Remember, compatibility is the key to unlocking the full potential of these remarkable LED bulbs.

Now that you know the benefits of switchback LED turn signals, you may be considering upgrading the light bulbs in your car. Therefore, it would be helpful for you to have a basic understanding of how to install switchback LED turn signal light bulbs.

Are switchback LED turn signals plug and play?

Yes, they are plug-and-play only. And the installation of switchback LED turn signal lights is actually very simple. We take the AUXITO 4KP10 series 3157 Switchback led bulbs as an example. The plug-and-play design mode allows it to be completed in just three steps. Below are the installation steps.

1. Remove the old bulb: Turn off the vehicle and locate the turn signal bulb housing. Remove the old bulb by turning it counterclockwise and pulling it out.
2. Install the reversing LED: Insert the reversing LED bulb into the bulb housing and turn it clockwise until it locks into place.
3. Test Bulb: Turn on the vehicle and test the white and amber functions of the switchback LED turn signal lights. Make sure it switches back and forth correctly.

After completing the above steps, you can have your newly upgraded turn signal lights.

You can also get the detailed installation process from the video below.

Although the process of installing switchback LED turn signal lights is simple, it should be noted that flickering problems may occur when upgrading from halogen to LED bulbs on sensitive models. They may also trigger a "bulb out" warning if the vehicle is equipped with a bulb monitoring system. So the following three solutions are introduced to solve the concerns.

HOW TO FIX SWITCHBACK LED TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS BLINKING FAST?

Solution 1: Directly choose to buy LED switchback bulbs with built-in resistors

This is the most straightforward solution. In the past, adding a resistor decoder or relay has been the preferred solution to the rapid flickering of switchback LED turn signals, but these additional parts can be difficult to install and may not work on some vehicles with sensitive CANbus systems. And 4200LM, AUXITO 4KP10 series of CANbus error-free LED turn signal bulbs are a one-step solution to these problems. Because this bulb has built-in resistors designed to work with can bus systems, thus you can enjoy the safety and security of parking lights or daytime running lights while enjoying consistent, high-quality turn signals.

Solution 2: Installing the LED Resistor

LED resistors are used primarily to prevent excessive flickering in some vehicles by simulating the load of a standard incandescent light bulb.

The installation method is to connect the load resistor to the wiring of the LED bulb after installing the 3157 switchback LED bulb. Note that the resistor should be connected in parallel with the LED bulb, and one of the positive poles corresponds to the turn signal, and the other negative pole is connected to the ground. Finally, fix the two wires with metal clips and put the cover on.

Solution 3: Install a flasher relay

Install a thermal flash relay specially designed for LED bulbs to solve the problem of too fast blinking by coordinating the flashing speed of the turn signal. The installation method can refer to the following video.

You can choose the above mentioned solution according to your own needs and specific situations, the most important thing is to pay attention to the compatibility of the bulb and the car.

CONCLUSION

All in all, the Switchback LED turn signal Light combines the dual functions of a parking light and a turn signal to simplify your vehicle's lighting setup while adding modern sophistication to your car, making it worth checking out. And under the vehicle compatibility permits and the original bulb model is the same, 4200LM, AUXITO 4KP10 series 3157 Switchback led bulbs are definitely the choices you need to consider.

In addition, this dual-function switchback LED signal light has the same principle as the ONLY turn signal light for solving the problem of too fast flickering. If you want to know the reason and solution for the turn signal blinking too fast, please read this blog-TURN SIGNAL BLINKING FAST | HOW TO FIX & WHY.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the parking lights in the switchback LED turn signal light as headlights?

A: No, you should not use the parking lights in the switchback LED turn signal light as headlights. Parking lights serve a different purpose than headlights and are not designed to provide sufficient illumination for driving in low-light or nighttime conditions. Parking lights are low-intensity lights that are intended to be used when the vehicle is parked or stopped for a short period.

Using parking lights as headlights while driving at night can be hazardous and illegal in many jurisdictions. It may result in reduced visibility, increasing the risk of accidents, and could lead to traffic violations or fines.

Q: What’s the difference between AO and AW?

A: AO (Amber-Off) means that when you turn on the parking lights or the daytime running lights, it will light up white. When you press the turn signal, the white light turns off and then flashes amber. Once you finish turning or when you turn off the turn signal, it will turn off the amber color and go back to white.

AW (Amber-White) also means that when you turn on the parking lights or the daytime running lights, it will come on white. The difference is that as soon as you hit the turn signal, it flashes Amber-White-Amber-White. Once you complete the turn or turn off the turn signal it will go back to white.

Q: What is the difference between switchback LED turn signal lights and regular LED turn signal lights?

A: The main difference between switchback LED turn signal lights and regular LED turn signal lights is that switchback LED turn signal lights are designed to change color when you activate your turn signal, while regular LED turn signal lights are a single color and do not change.

Q: Why can't some vehicles be equipped with switchback LED turn signal lights?

A: There are generally three reasons for this. Situation one is that the OEM halogen turn signal bulb on your vehicle is a single filament, so the dual filament switchback LED turn signal lights do not work.

The second situation is that the OEM halogen bulb is dual filament, but the stock power supply and cable only have two wires, one is the positive wire that connects to the amber light. The other is the negative wire. There is no other positive wire to connect to the white light.

The third situation is that the OEM bulb is dual filament and the power supply also has three wires, but the manufacturer designed your vehicle's original bulb to only be used as a turn signal light and has no other functions. Therefore, before you upgrade the switchback LED turn signal lights, please check whether your front turn signal light bulb also has other functions, such as daytime running lights or parking lights. If both functions work, switchback LED turn signal bulbs will work.

Q: The 3157 switchback led bulb will not light when I switch on the turn signals.

A: Three ways to solve this problem.

• The LED bulb may be inserted backwards. Remove the bulb, turn it 180 degrees, and reinsert.
• The LED bulb contacts may not make firm electrical contact with the metal contacts in the socket. Check the contacts on the light bulb and socket. Realign or adjust as needed. Reinstall the bulb.
• Consult professionals for inspection and maintenance.

Q: Are switchback LED lights legal?

A: Yes. The 3157 switchback LED lights offer the Xenon White color during parking light/ DRL mode while blinking as Amber during the turn signal mode, so the indicators stay within the legal color allowed by law.