DCC install light problems in LL GP18

I recently installed a digitrax DH163 in a LifeLike GP18 proto (gold box). Everyhing went well but when i turned the lights on the front light flashed then went out and the rear never lit.

The lamps are the original to the loco and did work before the install. I checked and rechecked my wiring and it appears correct. So, did i just put too much voltage through them? Or could there be another problem. I'm asking hopeing there is a simple solution so i don't have to tear the loco apart again.

On another note, if I were to install LED lights in it do they need resistors in line or does the board compensate for that. I'm assuming the former.

Thanks,
Terry

 

LL locos often use 1.5V bulbs, and most decoders give 12V output, so it's possible you've blown them. Those bulbs and LEDs would both require resistors with most decoders.

 

If you install LED's use a 640 to 1000 ohm resistor for each LED.

 

Thanks. It's been awhile since I took the loco apart. As soon as Mike said there were 1.5v lamps in it i remembered i took out the resistors that came with the loco.... whoops! I'll get on the LED thing. Thanks again
Terry

 

Perfect advice! I used warm white 3mm LED with 740 omh resistor. Thank you very much.
Terry

 

Look at the light where it is help in the holder. You will see that the holder is metal and is held in by a screw into the weighs giving both the light and motor a ground. Remove the build from the holder, replace the bulb, solder the connections directly to the bulb. Add a piece of electrical tape on the metal portion and reinsert in into the holder. This will isolate both the motor and the light from the chassis. Hope you didn't find the magic smoke like another on the board.:tb-biggrin::tb-biggrin:

 

Th inside of my loco was a bit different. No holder, the lamps sit in grove molded in the weight. But, no magic smoke so all is well.
Terry