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LED Map/Dome light issue

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Old Mar 22, 2019 | 11:10 PM
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nzl_truly
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Default LED Map/Dome light issue

Hey, this might be a really obscure problem and question.

I recently put RGB LED panel lights into the 350z map/dome light. These are super bright and can change color.
BUT
I have an issue...
Since our map/dome lights fade both on and off when the door is closed, the LED freaks out and flickers and turns itself off. I assume this is because the LED only wants 12v or 0v and our map/dome lights slowly get to 12v when turning on and slowly get to 0v when turning off.
Is there any way to make it only 12v and 0v? Is there something I can wire in or something I can remove to achieve this?

Hopefully thats understandable. Thanks!
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 03:02 AM
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It sounds like the LEDs that you're using are not dimmable so that's why they flicker as the voltage drops. I'm not certain, but you could try adding some type of LED dimming resistors/controls, but there's not a lot of space in the dome light area. The better solution may be to get LEDs that are dimmable.

When I added footwell lights, I tapped into the dome light circuit and they slowly fade off similar to the dome/map lights, but I used LEDs that were dimmable.
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Old Mar 23, 2019 | 06:41 PM
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Check with ledsupply . c o m, see what they say.
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Old Mar 24, 2019 | 09:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Heel Til I Die
It sounds like the LEDs that you're using are not dimmable so that's why they flicker as the voltage drops. I'm not certain, but you could try adding some type of LED dimming resistors/controls, but there's not a lot of space in the dome light area. The better solution may be to get LEDs that are dimmable.

When I added footwell lights, I tapped into the dome light circuit and they slowly fade off similar to the dome/map lights, but I used LEDs that were dimmable.
I didn't really want to replace these as they are super duper bright and are RGB. I was looking at "Zener Diodes" which only let current through when a certain voltage is reached.
I basically have no advanced electrical knowledge though and don't know if I would have to add in anything else along with the diode.

Wondering if anyone has any know-how.

Picture is my LED RGB Panel light.

Last edited by nzl_truly; Mar 24, 2019 at 09:27 PM.
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Old Mar 25, 2019 | 09:30 AM
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You don't want a Zener Diode. You could try a 1K 1/4W resistor and 10uF cap in parallel with the led light. Might help or at least reduce the flickering. If that doesn't work you could increase the capacitor maybe up to 47uF or 100uF.

Last edited by rancor; Mar 25, 2019 at 09:31 AM.
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Old Mar 25, 2019 | 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by rancor
You don't want a Zener Diode. You could try a 1K 1/4W resistor and 10uF cap in parallel with the led light. Might help or at least reduce the flickering. If that doesn't work you could increase the capacitor maybe up to 47uF or 100uF.
Would I have to add that to each panel or could I add it to the harness to the dome light instead? Thanks
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