Re: What type of resistor do I need?

neverunwired_at_aol.com
Date: 02/15/05 

Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 02:23:06 GMT

The system only detects bulb failure when the lights are on. And the newer
unit does not allow clearance for this particular bulb.
"Anthony Fremont" <spam@anywhere.com> wrote in message
news:PgcQd.58070$sr1.7090@fe2.texas.rr.com...
>
> "neverunwired@aol.com" <johnandhan@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:TCbQd.7072$uc.3273@trnddc01...
>> I'm upgrading the tail lamps on my vehicle and one set of bulbs are
> not
>> being used in the new configuration. However, these two bulbs were
> monitored
>> by the vehicle's bulb failure system.
>>
>> I'd like to exchange the bulbs with two resistors (to trick the Bulb
> Failure
>> Module), but I'm not sure what kind to use.
>>
>> They are 5 Watt bulbs.
>
> It may not be that simple. Light bulbs have a much lower resistance
> when they are off than they do when they get hot. Depending upon the
> method of detecting bulb failures, the circuit may rely on the off
> resistance (which is what I suspect) or it may detect the high current
> flowing thru the wire when it's on (I doubt it). At any rate, you will
> need rather large (physically) resistors to dissipate the power (like
> 10W to be safe). 33 Ohms would be close to the on resistance of a bulb.
> When the bulb is off, it's likely to be about 1-3 Ohms.
>
> I would be inclined to leave the bulbs wired into their circuits and
> paint them black.
>

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