Community Forums

dp7 · 03-20-2023, 07:29 PM

Recently finished setting up a new 2022 Cherokee Trailhawk (not Grand Cherokee) for flat towing. For the lights I installed the Roadmaster Smart Diode system. After hooking up to the tow vehicle I went to check the lights on the Jeep. Since the sun was shining on the lights I leaned down & shaded the tail lights. I noticed a buzzing sound coming from the tail lights on both sides. This only occured when the running lights were on, not with the brake lights or turn signals.

When unplugged from the tow vehicle, there is no buzzing when the Jeep running lights are turned on. So it appears that the buzzing is caused by the Smart Diodes when towing with the running lights on. The buzzing is definitely coming from the tail lights & not the Diode packs.

Anyone else have a similar experience?

ChrisDParise · 03-23-2023, 12:31 PM

Might want to call Roadmaster. A buzz seems not entirely surprising since it's modulating voltage

dp7 · 03-23-2023, 11:37 PM

I did call Roadmaster and as suspected they never heard of this problem. They sent me replacement Smart Diodes but the result was the same.

Seems that the modulated voltage would cause buzzing in the diode pack, but it is coming from the tail light housing.

ChrisDParise · 03-28-2023, 02:26 PM

These are incandescent lights, correct? A loose bulb could cause arcing and vibration or if loose in the socket. I thought you might have LEDs but looked at the Smart Diode instructions and noticed they were for incandescent bulbs.

ChrisDParise · 03-28-2023, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dp7

I did call Roadmaster and as suspected they never heard of this problem. They sent me replacement Smart Diodes but the result was the same.

Seems that the modulated voltage would cause buzzing in the diode pack, but it is coming from the tail light housing.

Only other thing I can think of is to disassemble methodically while connected to locate the source of the buzzing

dp7 · 03-28-2023, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisDParise

These are incandescent lights, correct? A loose bulb could cause arcing and vibration or if loose in the socket. I thought you might have LEDs but looked at the Smart Diode instructions and noticed they were for incandescent bulbs.

No they are LEDs. Roadmaster has three Smart Diode kits. One for general LEDs (153789), one for incandescent (153782) & one for '21 & later Jeeps with LEDs & ParkSense (152789). I have the one for '21 & later Jeeps with LEDs & ParkSense (152789).

ChrisDParise · 04-01-2023, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dp7

No they are LEDs. Roadmaster has three Smart Diode kits. One for general LEDs (153789), one for incandescent (153782) & one for '21 & later Jeeps with LEDs & ParkSense (152789). I have the one for '21 & later Jeeps with LEDs & ParkSense (152789).

Finally got a chance to download the ParkSense installation instructions. Nothing jumped out to me between the steps and illustrations that couldn't be figured out.
I would expose the wiring / diodes and try to isolate the buzzing

ChrisDParise · 05-20-2023, 06:45 AM

Hope problem is fixed.

Any updates to share with the group?

Thanks

dp7 · 05-21-2023, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisDParise

Hope problem is fixed.

Any updates to share with the group?

Thanks

Still buzzes. Some others on here report the same. I think the smart diodes modulate the voltage for the running lights and this causes the low volume buzzing. Roadmaster has not been any help.