VLeds Footwell Light Kit Flickering Issue Back

I just recently installed the Vleds Footwell Light kit in the front and back of my 2020 CM Tundra. I followed the instructions on how to install. Somethings I've noticed are that the leds flicker when the brakes are applied, when using the turn signal and when shifting gears. Also I wanted my leds to be turned down on the to where they are just glowing. They're turned all the way down and still to bright. Makes it hard to back up using the driver side mirror when all I see is the reflection of my boots and the brightness of Vleds footwell light kit. Anybody experience this flicker issue? Any help would be great or advice, thanks!

 

I have the original kit without the dimmer. I used to have led strips in my 2013 that were on with the parking lights but with 5% tint, I could see everything in the truck. Anyway, it could be something with the dimmer unit. Call them up, they have excellent customer service.

 

Something isn’t installed properly. Mine has been in for years and works perfect. Sounds like you tapped the wrong circuit.

 

I checked my ground and it was good. I followed the instructions to the T. Can't see what else it could be, pretty simple plug & play.

 

Contact vled. Toyota changed wiring in 18 and again in 20 with the adaptation of push start which required all new wiring and harnesses. It’s possible the instructions haven’t been updated.

being they are flickering with brakes and turn signals, that’s indicative of them being tied into the wrong circuit.

 

I have a 21. I installed the front and rear footwell kit in Feb 21 before they had a dimmer. system worked great, only flicker was during ignition/startup. I purchased a dimmer this summer and installed to my existing kit. Dim setting was on lowest setting from factory and it is much dimmer than what is shown in your photos. are you sure it is turned all the way down? also where did you tap the fuse and is it possible you installed the fuse in the tap in the wrong direction? The old instructions had it tap into the TAIL 15A, on my 21 the TAIL was 10A; I just checked and it seems they updated the instructions to reflect the update @Danman34 referred to.

 

your photos looks like the footwell light is in "courtesy" mode

 

I ended up contacting VLeds. They said they've never heard of these issues. They are contacting their R&D department and said they would get back to me.

 

I bought the same footwell light with dimmer kit back in June and mine does not flicker when the brakes are applied, using the turn signal and when shifting gears. I have my dimmer set to the lowest setting however so if you have your dimmer set to high may be the cause for it to flicker due to electrical ouput possibly. IMO dimmer set to the lowest setting is still too bright while driving at night... I couldn't imagine having the dimmer at full brightness, you'll be glowing from the inside especially if you purchase the 6000K cool white kit like I did.

Good luck!

 

interesting, mine seem really subdued on the lowest setting

 

Here's a video I took last night. It does dim after closing the doors. You'll see the leds flicker when applying the brakes, using the turn signal and when shifting. You'll be able to hear when I'm using the turn signals and when I'm shifting gears. I haven't heard back for Vleds yet.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3NzATm85-WQ

 

It could be a bad dimmer control box. Mine did not have the same symptoms, but had issues with the lights staying on bright all the time. I spoke to VLED and they trouble shooted it with me eventually coming to the conclusion that it was the box. They then sent out a new one. I'm surprised they didn't walk through troubleshooting steps with you.

 

When you say flicker I'm thinking strobe light flashing continuously. To me this seems normal as it will only flick once when pressing on brake and flick once when turn signal is initiated. The flicker does not follow the turns signal beat... only once from what I can see.

Your dimmer is just as bright as open door, maybe try lowering the brightness to see if you notice the flicker? I can see why and how annoying it is seeing it flick like that. If I turn up the brightness to my dimmer I bet it'll flicker just like yours but I don't like mine that bright.

Good luck on the issue and keep us posted what VLED say.

 

Yes you are correct it's flickers ounce not continuous. You saying that it's normal to have the leds flick once when pressing on the brakes and ounce when turn signal is initiated?

 

They shouldn’t flicker at all. They should act just as the interior lights do.

 

That's what I was thinking. If it's normal for them to flicker, I never would of gotten them.

 

Okay maybe normal isn't the right word but what I meant was I can see why it will flicker like that due to the initial electrical wattage being withdrawn from pressing on brake and using turn signal. Combined that with your dimmer light being so bright that you will see it flicker when the wattage is withdrawn because it only flicker once.

I agree it is very annoying to see what you're experiencing so if a new dimmer switch doesn't fix it then maybe returning the item is best. I would like to know what VLED has to say about your issue, keep us posted.

 

@brkncly thanks for posting that video, definitely shows better what you are describing. I will have to check mine out to see if they do anything similar. I typically am not looking down at my footwell while driving/braking/turning and being on the lowest din setting definitely doesn’t make any potential flicker obvious. I wonder if it has to do with the fuse tap being on the tail fuse and the reduction in load from 15A to 10A fuse on the 20s and 21s?

 

Yeah I don’t make a point to look down, or any of those other things. It’s so noticeable and so annoying. Ounce you notice it, you’ll always notice it lol. I did observe that they do continue to flicker or “pulse” when the turn signals are initiated.

 

I stand corrected and was wrong in my previous post. I went out and had my door open to full brightness stepped on the brake and turn signal on while the truck was running and it didn't exhibit the flicker sympton @brkncly is having. I also went out driving and didn't see it flicker while pressing brake, turn signal so my guess is this is an isolated issue where your kit maybe faulty.

Keep us posted!

 

So VLeds did email me back and to try switching the two input wire. I responded saying that I did what they recommended with no success and attached the video that you guys have seen.

 

Wanted to give you an update. VLeds sent me out a new Dimmer Control Box to swap out. After swapping out for the newer Dimmer Control Box, no more led flickering or pulsating and the dimmer is turned all the down to a nice glow. Thank you guys for the suggestions and advise you gave me!

 

glad to hear VLEDS customer service took care of you and this is fixed now.

 

Unfortunately on my way to drive to work this morning, I noticed that the lights started acting up again. All the issues I had beforecame back even after replacing it with a new dimmer that VLeds sent me. Reached out to VLeds they’re going to send out another dimmer, really bummed that the issues came back. Hopefully it gets resolved, cause I like the product.

 

@brkncly
I know this is an older thread, but I’m curious how this played out for you. Did you install the new dimmer? Has that fully resolved the issue or are you still experiencing it?

 

I am wondering why you would want footwell lights on while driving the truck.

 

I see it as ambient lighting. Not full brightness or a cause for distraction.

Personally, the cabin can get very dark at night, a little light would be welcomed. It wouldn’t be as bring as if the doors were opened, plus the added dimmer gives you control over how much light output you desire.

Personal preference is how I see it.

 

Sorry I never got back to posting the results. VLeds did send out another dimmer and so far haven't had any problems. VLeds customer service is great, they took care of me right away. I enjoy the footwell lights, I have the dimmer turned down all the way. It's also nice when you open the doors you can see what's on the floorboards.

 

I don't perceive the cabin as being dark at all, what with all the dash, instrument cluster and head unit light.

And what do I need to see in the foot well while driving at night? But you're right, personal preference.

 

Same problem Vleds sent new dimmer box, so far so good.