Understanding Switchback LED Turn Signal Bulbs

Lasfit's Switchback turn signal bulbs have received many positive reviews since their release, with many customers having a great experience using them. However, some customers have found that the bulbs may not work as expected after installing them on their turn signals. What are the possible issues that may arise after installing switchback bulbs on turn signals? How can you determine if your vehicle can use switchback bulbs on its turn signals? This article will provide you with the answers.

What is a Switchback LED Turn Signal Light?

The term "Switchback" is not inherent to original halogen bulbs; rather, it is a concept derived from aftermarket LED offerings. The Switchback LED Turn Signal Light got its name because it uses dual-filament sockets, allowing it to switch between different colors: white and amber. This means that one bulb can serve two functions - as a front turn signal light and as a DRL(daytime running light)/parking light.
If you replace the front turn signal bulb with a switchback LED bulb, when you activate the turn signal, the LED bulb will light up in bright amber as a blinking signal. Once you turn off the turn signal, it will revert to its original white color as a DRL/Parking Light. When you activate the DRL/parking light, the LED bulb will light up in white. If you activate both the turn signal and the DRL/parking light simultaneously, they will illuminate concurrently.
when you activate the turn signal, the LED bulb will light up in amber as a blinking signal.

You might be wondering why someone would choose to install Switchback lights. The main reason is that these lights significantly enhance the visibility of your vehicle to oncoming drivers. The bright amber color grabs attention when you activate the turn signal, making your vehicle more noticeable on the road. Additionally, the clear and bright white light emitted by these bulbs during normal driving makes your vehicle easily visible even in dim conditions.

Possible Issues After Installing Switchback Bulbs

Below are some phenomena that may occur after replacing your front turn signal bulbs with switchback bulbs.

1. Only one color is illuminated

Original halogen bulbs come in dual-filament and single-filament types. Dual-filament halogen bulbs have the functionality to switch between different brightness levels and colors, while single-filament bulbs can only have a fixed color and brightness level. Therefore, if your original halogen bulbs are single-filament, switching to switchback LED bulbs can still work, but since the single-filament socket only has one wire, the lights will have only one color and brightness level.
For example, the sockets for 3157 and 3156 bulbs are identical, allowing 3157 LED bulbs to be installed in a 3156 socket. However, since the vehicle originally has only one circuit, even with a 3157 LED bulb installed, it will only function as a turn signal.

2. Low-level brightness white light does not illuminate

Some vehicles have dual-filament halogen bulbs, but even after installing dual-color switchback bulbs, the low-level brightness with white light does not work. This is because although the original halogen bulbs are dual-filament, the vehicle's wiring only allows one filament to be used for the turn signal function, causing the low-level brightness white light used as a DRL to not function.
For instance, the Hyundai Ioniq SEL is such a case where the front turn signal bulb type is 1157, yet it serves only the turn signal function.

3. Light remains amber when in low-level brightness mode

Some vehicles have dual-filament halogen lights with two wires for both turn signal and DRL functions. However, even with switchback lights, the low-level brightness white light remains amber. This is because both functions in these vehicles are powered through a high-intensity circuit, which means that the low-intensity mode of the switchback lights will still emit amber light.

4. DRL is white when headlights are on, but turns yellow when headlights are off

This phenomenon occurs due to the vehicle's design. When the headlights are on, the DRL operates at a lower voltage, producing a low-level brightness white light. When the headlights are turned off, both the DRL and turn signal operate on the high-voltage circuit, causing only the high-intensity amber light to function and the low-intensity white light to turn off.

How to Determine If Your Turn Signals Can Use Switchback Bulbs?

1. Check if the factory turn signal lights have dual-function capabilities

You can directly observe the functionality of your original halogen lights. Can your factory halogen lights function as both front turn signals and parking lights/DRLs? Only if the factory halogen lights have dual functions can you install switchback bulbs. If they have only one functionality, switchback bulbs cannot be used.

2. Determine based on the original vehicle wiring

This method involves examining the wiring connections. If your vehicle has three wires connected to the bulb socket, it indicates that it has dual-function capabilities. If there are only two wires, it means there is only one functionality. However, please note that this method may not always be accurate, as some dual-filament halogen bulbs with three wires may still not support multiple functions.

Have you ever installed Switchback LED bulbs for your turn signals? Feel free to share your experience in the comments! If you haven't installed them yet, now is the time! Visit https://www.lasfit.com/ and enter your vehicle's make, model, and year to find the suitable LED bulbs for your vehicle. We are looking forward to your feedback!