Canbus free bulbs?

  1. Established Member Joined: Jun 2013 York Posts: 2134 Citroen Saxo VTR (2001)
    #1
    Ok I think I already know the answer to thi but my mate bought some LED indicator, brake and reverse bulbs for his E46 3 series and when he put them in they all flickered and strobed randomly so he said I could have them.
    They all work well, except when I indicate now, it ticks really fast like I have a bulb out, I'm guessing theyre not canbus free then as its not recognising the bulb?
    With the hazards on theyre fine but just indicating one way, its really fast.
    So do I need to get some canbus free ones?
  2. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jul 2010 South Wales Posts: 3078 ZX 16v, 205 GTI, 309 Goodwood, 405 MI16.
    #2
    you need a resistor.
  3. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2008 The wrong carpark Posts: 5152 Xantia 1.9TD
    #3
    The bulb has a lower resistance, the indicator length is dictated by the bulbs, hence why when one blows they go faster.

    Don't think any saxo's are canbus are they?
  4. Established Member Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 2009 Saxò VTS 16v
    #4
    I wouldn't be sure about the Canbus thing,i tried to fit this type as rear position and brake lights,same exact specs and 21/5w,one bulb works for the position light but it won't illuminate when braking,the other one instead just flickers and doesn't seem to be working in any way.

    The problem could be somewhere else,i got no clue atm,just thought i would add it as a note.
  5. Established Member Joined: Jun 2013 York Posts: 2134 Citroen Saxo VTR (2001)
    #5
    I think a resistor is what I need! Now it's mentioned that makes sense yesss, any idea where I'd put the resistor? I'm assuming I wouldn't just stick it in the bulb holder with the bulb would I?


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  6. Established Member Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 1368
    #6
    saxo's aren't canbus.

    i find that generally, the most reliable bulbs when changing the led/smd are just the regular side light bulbs.