--- title: "Tail Light Resistors: What They Do and Why You Should Not Swap Them" description: J.W. Speaker LED tail lights include a built-in resistor for the tail light circuit. Learn why it should not be replaced and how to handle additional LED upgrades. --- [Skip to content](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/blog/education-center/how-to-fix-hyper-flashing-with-led-lights#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![J.W. Speaker. Engineered. Lighting. Solutions.](https://info.jwspeaker.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2015%20JWS%20Logo%20-%20Red%20with%20BlackTagline-RGB.jpg?width=591&height=108&name=2015%20JWS%20Logo%20-%20Red%20with%20BlackTagline-RGB.jpg) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [J.W. Speaker Knowledge](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Troubleshooting](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en) 3. [Hyper-Flashing](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#hyper-flashing) April 28, 2026 # Tail Light Resistors: What They Do and Why You Should Not Swap Them ## The Built-In Resistor Is Calibrated for Tail Lights Only — Do Not Replace It --- J.W. Speaker LED tail lights include a **built-in resistor** that is precision-sized for the tail light circuit. It compensates for the lower electrical resistance of LED lights compared to halogen bulbs, preventing hyper-flashing. --- #### Do Not Replace or Swap the Built-In Resistor The built-in resistor is calibrated specifically for the tail light application. Replacing it with an aftermarket resistor of a different rating can cause: | Problem | Cause | | --- | --- | | **Hyper-flashing** | Resistor rating too large | | **Overheating or circuit damage** | Resistor rating too small | | **Voided warranty** | Opening the housing breaks the factory seal | --- #### Still Getting Hyper-Flashing After Installing Tail Lights? The built-in resistor is designed **only** for the tail light circuit. If you have added other LED upgrades — such as front LED turn signals — the combined resistance of all modifications may be too low, triggering hyper-flashing across the system. **The solution is not to swap the tail light resistor.** Instead, you will need an **additional external load resistor** sized for the overall circuit. Work with your authorized J.W. Speaker dealer to identify the correct specification for your specific setup. --- > **Need help?** Contact your authorized J.W. Speaker dealer for resistor sizing guidance and setup support. --- - [For My Motorcycle](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/for-my-motorcycle?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Motorcycle Fitment](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/for-my-motorcycle?hsLang=en#motorcycle-fitment) - [Motorcycle Installation](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/for-my-motorcycle?hsLang=en#motorcycle-installation) - [Installation](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/installation?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Headlight Aiming](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/installation?hsLang=en#headlight-aiming) - [Installation Guide](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/installation?hsLang=en#installation-guide) - [LED Lighting Knowledge](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/led-lighting-knowledge?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Seasonal & Environmental Tips](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/led-lighting-knowledge?hsLang=en#seasonal-environmental-tips) - [Upgrades & Installation Guides](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/led-lighting-knowledge?hsLang=en#upgrades-installation-guides) - [Lighting Basics](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/led-lighting-knowledge?hsLang=en#lighting-basics) - [LED vs. Traditional Lights](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/led-lighting-knowledge?hsLang=en#led-vs-traditional-lights) - [Turn Signal Technology](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/led-lighting-knowledge?hsLang=en#turn-signal-technology) - [Returns](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/returns?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Warranty](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/returns?hsLang=en#warranty) - [Troubleshooting](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Condensation & Water Ingress](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#condensation-water-ingress) - [Hyper-Flashing](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#hyper-flashing) - [General Troubleshooting](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#general-troubleshooting) - [Commercial Truck Issues](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#commercial-truck-issues) - [Tail Light Issues](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#tail-light-issues) - [Videos & Resources](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/videos-resources?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Dealer Installation Videos](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/videos-resources?hsLang=en#dealer-installation-videos) - [Installation Videos](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/videos-resources?hsLang=en#installation-videos) - [Where to Buy](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/where-to-buy?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Purchasing](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/where-to-buy?hsLang=en#purchasing) - [EVO-X Platform](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/where-to-buy?hsLang=en#evo-x-platform) - [Product Guides](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/product-guides?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Jeep Products](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/product-guides?hsLang=en#jeep-products) - [EVO-X Platform](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/product-guides?hsLang=en#evo-x-platform) - [Product Technology](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/product-technology?hsLang=en#main-content) - [SmartHeat Technology](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/product-technology?hsLang=en#smartheat-technology) - [Dual Burn Technology](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/product-technology?hsLang=en#dual-burn-technology) - [J-Link App](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/j-link-app?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Account Setup](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/j-link-app?hsLang=en#account-setup) - [Installation & Compatibility](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/installation-compatibility?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Commercial Truck Installation](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/installation-compatibility?hsLang=en#commercial-truck-installation) - [Classic Car & Vintage Vehicles](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/installation-compatibility?hsLang=en#classic-car-vintage-vehicles) - [Installation Guide](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/installation-compatibility?hsLang=en#installation-guide) - [Wiring & Connectors](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/installation-compatibility?hsLang=en#wiring-connectors) - [Returns & Warranty](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/returns-warranty?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Warranty](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/returns-warranty?hsLang=en#warranty) - [Business & Dealers](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/business-dealers?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Dealer Inquiries](https://info.jwspeaker.com/knowledge/business-dealers?hsLang=en#dealer-inquiries) [![J.W. Speaker. Engineered. Lighting. Solutions.](https://info.jwspeaker.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2015%20JWS%20Logo%20-%20Red%20with%20BlackTagline-RGB.jpg?width=591&height=108&name=2015%20JWS%20Logo%20-%20Red%20with%20BlackTagline-RGB.jpg "J.W. Speaker. Engineered. Lighting. Solutions.")](http://www.jwspeaker.com) [mailto:email@email.com](mailto:email@email.com) Copyright © 2026, J.W. Speaker Corporation