Headlight manufacturers have come a long way in solving the formerly common problem of flickering lights. However, there are still occasions where users notice that they have LED headlight flicker while driving.
If you are asking yourself- Why do my led headlights flicker? or How to fix flickering led headlights? here is the information that will help you out.
Why Are My LED Headlights Flickering?
A common reason for the light flicker is a failed communication between the computer system of your car and the electrical system of the LED headlights. Another common cause of flickering LED headlights is an unsteady AC power supply.
The bad news is, there are many other possible reasons why the headlights are flickering. Pinpointing what the exact problem is can be time-consuming and you might have to consult a mechanic to be absolutely sure of the cause and how to fix it.
The good news is that headlight problems can be resolved in most cases. Often you only need to add an extra piece to the circuit to keep the LED corresponding properly to the cars electrical system.
If it’s failed communication, it simply has to do with the fact that most cars on the road today are still built with xenon or halogen lights. Replacing these for the brighter LED alternatives also means changing how the lights respond to the car’s computer.

Headlight problems can be caused by an inconsistent electricity supply is a common issue with lights, not only headlights. The LEDs are not actually flickering but turning on and off at a very rapid rate which to your eyes appears as flickering.
In contrast to other forms of lighting like incandescent lights, led headlight problems are caused by the LED lights shutting off when the voltage falters. Since there is practically no delay they are able to shut off and on at a speed that looks like flickering.
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How To Stop LED Headlights from Flickering
Flickering headlights used to be quite a common fault when the first models came out on the market. However, manufacturers have focused on resolving this issue since then and have come up with a few solutions.
To prevent problems caused by an unsteady electricity supply to super bright LED headlights, most are fitted with a driver that maintains a steady voltage. The driver compensates for the wiring of the car that cannot deliver a constant current.
If you have installed the driver correctly but the headlights are still flickering then you need to check the connection to the other systems in the car. Check the wiring, relays, and switches for any damage or general wear and tear.
When the cause of the flickering is a failed communication between the headlights and the car computer system then you can purchase warning cancellers or capacitors and anti-flicker adaptors. These are simple pieces of car equipment that basically translate the miscommunication between the car computer system and headlights; the car computer system will no longer read the LED headlights as a fault in the system.
Also, don’t forget to check the bulbs themselves. Sometimes the problem can be as simple as bulbs that are not fitted tightly enough or are at the end of their lifespan.
One example of car equipment that is a headlight flicker fix is the Rigid Industries PWM anti-flicker adaptor. This small but effective wiring addition is specifically designed for Jeeps that have a PWM system that does not respond well to replacements.
This anti-flicker adaptor is simple to install. The only thing that needs to be done is to connect the headlight on one end of the adaptor and the stock harness on the other end.
It doesn’t get any easier than this to solve an annoying headlight flickers. Just make sure that you are purchasing the correct adaptor for your headlight model by confirming that the model number matches.
Summary
LED Headlight Troubleshooting: Flickering headlights can be caused by a number of things but can also be easily solved. Look online for equipment that will solve the failed communication between the headlights and the computer system to solve the problem once and for all.
5 comments
Both of my low beam headlights are out (not even flickering). I have attached a photo of one of the light that
isn’t working (it’s the outer bulb in the photo).
Before I check every fuse, I’m hoping someone can tell which if specific fuse(s) I should be
looking at. If you don’t think it’s a fuse, could you make some suggestions of what you
think might be the cause (besides the obvious: both headlight bulbs being burned out).
Thanks in advance!
Hi Bryan,
Unfortunately, your image hasn’t come through, but I think you’d be best off speaking to a mechanic for this as every car is different.
David
I have had LED lights on my truck now almost 2 years and both have started flickering one person told me that they only last 1-2 years and the flickering is saying they are slowly going out is this true?
I own a 2015 Ford Flex. Purchased some leds a few weeks back and the right headlight turns on and off intermittently. The company sent me a pair of gold resistors and they didn’t work. They then sent me some pwm modulators that didn’t work either. Any ideas?
Hi Bryce, impossible to know just with that limited info, unfortunately. I recommend taking it into a tuning shop as they’ll have more experience with LED headlights that your typical mechanic.