LED trailer lights may blink or not work due to compatibility issues with modern vehicle CANBUS systems. These systems misinterpret LED energy efficiency, causing error messages and flashing lights.
Addressing Trailer LED Lighting Problems
If you're facing issues with your trailer's LED lights, we're here to help you understand the cause and provide solutions. LED lights can sometimes exhibit problems like blinking or not working at all, which can be attributed to compatibility issues with the CANBUS system found in newer vehicles.
The CANBUS system is a sophisticated feature that monitors and manages various electronic components in your car without relying on a central computer. It's designed to detect errors and anomalies within the vehicle's electrical systems, including lighting.
The trouble arises when it encounters LED lights, which are highly energy-efficient. Because LED lights demand significantly less power compared to traditional bulbs, the CANBUS system might misinterpret their functionality. It expects a certain energy level to be delivered to the trailer lighting, but the low energy consumption of LEDs can confuse the system, leading it to believe there's a problem.
As a result, the onboard computer may display error messages on the dashboard or cause the LED lights to flash intermittently. As a solution to address these issues, there are several products available on the market, including adapters like those pictured below with links to the suppliers websites . To find the best-fit solution for your specific vehicle, we recommend reaching out to your vehicle manufacturer for expert guidance. They can provide tailored recommendations to ensure your trailer's LED lights work seamlessly with your vehicle's CANBUS system.
Led Trailer Light Interface (NZ/AUS)
Trailer Connector Adapter w/ Lamp-Out Sensor Bypass (US)