Led headlight resistors?

[Chops]

I just bought some LED headlights for 83 that will not work, do I need resistors? If so which ones should i get?

 

[Craig 85]

Make sure the polarity is not reversed. Many LEDs won't work if this is not correct.

 

[Chops]

They will come on theyre just extremely dim, if i hook it up straight to the battery they work great

 

[Frankenchevy]

Did your previous headlights work full power?

Check your wiring, particularly the grounds. Check voltage at the headlight plug while the truck is running.

If the lights are coming on but just very dim, the electricity has a complete path, just not a very good one.

Might be a good time to rework your front harness and possibly run relays for the lights.

 

[Chops]

Ill have to do that, just wasnt to sure if maybe i needed resistors. Figured id ask that before getting to deep into the wiring, thanks

 

[Dave 84]

Resisters will make it worse I belive you all ready figured it out so you know the light works cuz you have already put it to direct power and it's good!
It sounds like a voltage drop so get your volt meter and check your battery voltage then check the voltage right at the light and if that voltage is very low you'll need to go over all your powers also take your meter and put your negative lead straight to were your ground is for the light and your positive at the battery positive to see if you have a bad ground even with a relay(witch I highly recommend but not mandatory) this is a very simple circuit! A voltage drop is most commonly a bad connection hopefully that helped you