Diode Dynamics Sidemarker Literally Almost Caught Fire!

Arugon · 11-24-2017, 10:20 PM

Alright guys, so first off I'm no idiot when it comes to electronics, in actuality I'm an Electrician in the State of California.

I received my set of Diode Dynamics Tinted Side Markers in the mail today, purchased from Phastek Performance whom have already been contacted. I had the time today to go ahead and install the front ambers since they do not require tire removal. The first one went without a hitch, the side marker lit up on the first try nice and bright.

The Second one on the other hand wound up easily the scariest moment of my Camaro Ownership. When I went ahead to press the unlock button on my key fob in order to test whether my polarity was correct, the connection point (a small chip that takes the place of the stock bulb) caused a crackling sound and emitted a substantial amount of smoke! NOT OKAY!

Luckily the wiring didn't get toast as I immediately hit the lock button to shut down all lights. I tried to test it again in the opposite polarity, luckily no smoke but no light either. Flipped once again and BOOM, more smoke, no light. Obviously a faulty item as the stock bulb still lights up fine.

Long story short, be very careful installing anything that carries a load(draws electricity), even if its something that should be just a simple plug and play!

devnull · 11-24-2017, 11:04 PM

If you are an electrician in CA does that make you a lawyer too?

Kidding aside, that's insane bud, sorry to hear that.. Wow! Sounds like a fluke short. Should've had an arc fault breaker on it!

I'm glad it wasn't worse man. Will be interested to see what DD and Phastek says.

aldaran · 11-24-2017, 11:08 PM

Thanks for the information. I'm about to order some. Hopefully they will work perfectly.

Arugon · 11-24-2017, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by devnull

If you are an electrician in CA does that make you a lawyer too?

Hahaha yea if only that was the case, maybe I'd be in the McLaren forums instead XD

V8RWD · 11-25-2017, 02:31 AM

Ordered some on Black Friday. Now I am going to be shitting my pants during the install.

RedDragonSS2.0 · 11-25-2017, 09:37 AM

I got a set and they worked perfectly and very happy with them, sH!t happens I am sure they will warranty the item. Be Glad nothing happened to your paint.

Oil Man · 11-25-2017, 12:41 PM

Sounds like a random thing. Stuff happens.

I have the same product on my car, and I had a painless install in about 15 minutes. I love the product, and it's easily one of my favorite cosmetic upgrades on the car.

I would be shocked if Diode Dynamics did not handle this to your satisfaction.

Oil Man · 11-25-2017, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arugon

Alright guys, so first off I'm no idiot when it comes to electronics, in actuality I'm an Electrician in the State of California.

Here's what being an Electrician at the terminal where I work means:

You have at least one ex-wife,
Facial tattoos,
Your age in firearms owned /2,
Take 90 minute lunches,
Hoard all the Motorola radio batteries that still have some life in them,
Turn in the company truck at 1430 and put yourself down for 10
Don't do Fridays (at least not on straight time)

Don't get me wrong, I am not hating.. I am jealous.

CruzySS · 11-25-2017, 02:44 PM

Mine are coming on Monday. Hopefully I don't see SMOKE!

Arugon · 11-25-2017, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CruzySS

Mine are coming on Monday. Hopefully I don't see SMOKE!

Yea, and make sure there is no power at the connector when you go to plug it in, plug your Diode's in when all lights are off. Test really quick bye hitting unlock and pray your shit doesn't go up in smoke. IF it does, SMASH THAT LOCK BUTTON! lol

CyberGuyPR · 11-25-2017, 03:11 PM

I've been running mine since they became available and have had no issues. Hopefully it's an isolated case and not a bad batch.

Arugon · 11-25-2017, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberGuyPR

I've been running mine since they became available and have had no issues. Hopefully it's an isolated case and not a bad batch.

I'm sure it was just a fluke and expect an accommodating experience from Phastek. I've heard plenty of great things about Diode Dynamics's products, nonetheless it was still VERY SCARY!

DirectTo · 11-25-2017, 11:10 PM

Man, glad to hear you and your car are okay. I did the DD tinted sidemarkers a while back and had no issues and just did the HID headlights today. They’re supposed to have great support, I’m sure they’ll take care of you.

SK GT · 11-25-2017, 11:42 PM

DD has great service. They will take care of you.

11-24-2017, 10:20 PM	#1
Arugon Drives: Summit White Camaro SS Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: California Posts: 359	Diode Dynamics Sidemarker Literally Almost Caught Fire! Alright guys, so first off I'm no idiot when it comes to electronics, in actuality I'm an Electrician in the State of California. I received my set of Diode Dynamics Tinted Side Markers in the mail today, purchased from Phastek Performance whom have already been contacted. I had the time today to go ahead and install the front ambers since they do not require tire removal. The first one went without a hitch, the side marker lit up on the first try nice and bright. The Second one on the other hand wound up easily the scariest moment of my Camaro Ownership. When I went ahead to press the unlock button on my key fob in order to test whether my polarity was correct, the connection point (a small chip that takes the place of the stock bulb) caused a crackling sound and emitted a substantial amount of smoke! NOT OKAY! Luckily the wiring didn't get toast as I immediately hit the lock button to shut down all lights. I tried to test it again in the opposite polarity, luckily no smoke but no light either. Flipped once again and BOOM, more smoke, no light. Obviously a faulty item as the stock bulb still lights up fine. Long story short, be very careful installing anything that carries a load(draws electricity), even if its something that should be just a simple plug and play!

11-24-2017, 11:04 PM	#2
devnull Scientific negotiator Drives: 2019 Grand Sport Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Forsyth, GA Posts: 873	If you are an electrician in CA does that make you a lawyer too? Kidding aside, that's insane bud, sorry to hear that.. Wow! Sounds like a fluke short. Should've had an arc fault breaker on it! I'm glad it wasn't worse man. Will be interested to see what DD and Phastek says. __________________ 2019 Grand Sport M7 2018 ZL1 *1LE* 6MT 2017 SS *1LE* 6MT . Matthew 25:40 *ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑβΕ*

11-24-2017, 11:08 PM	#3
aldaran Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Alice, Texas Posts: 579	Thanks for the information. I'm about to order some. Hopefully they will work perfectly. __________________ 2016 2SS: Silver Ice, A8 Auto, Adrenaline Red, Black Rally Stripes, and Black bowties. My Journey..... 1100 Status - 08/17/2015 : 2000 Status - 09/28/2015 2500 Status - 09/29/2015 : 3000 Status - 09/29/2015 3000 Status - 10/19/2015 TPW 11/9 3800 Status - 11/04/2015 Seq: 122808 4300 Status - 12/17/2015 (Charlotte, MI) 4200 Status - 01/08/2016 4800 Status - 01/14/2016 5000 Status - 01/19/2016 6000 Status - 01/20/2016

11-25-2017, 09:37 AM	#6
RedDragonSS2.0 Drives: 2017 Summit White Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Miami FL Posts: 388	I got a set and they worked perfectly and very happy with them, sH!t happens I am sure they will warranty the item. Be Glad nothing happened to your paint. __________________ Rotofab Intake, Borla 60606 Midpipes, Corsa Extreme Axleback

11-25-2017, 02:31 AM	#5
V8RWD Drives: 2017 Camaro SS 50th Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Canada Posts: 131	Ordered some on Black Friday. Now I am going to be shitting my pants during the install.

11-25-2017, 12:41 PM	#7
Oil Man Drives: 2016 2SS, 2018 ZL1 A10 (RIPx2) Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Southern California Posts: 304	Sounds like a random thing. Stuff happens. I have the same product on my car, and I had a painless install in about 15 minutes. I love the product, and it's easily one of my favorite cosmetic upgrades on the car. I would be shocked if Diode Dynamics did not handle this to your satisfaction.

11-25-2017, 02:44 PM	#9
CruzySS Drives: 2016 Camaro 2ss Join Date: May 2017 Location: Annandale MN Posts: 588 View My Garage	Mine are coming on Monday. Hopefully I don't see SMOKE!

11-25-2017, 03:11 PM	#11
CyberGuyPR Drives: '16 vert 2LT RS NPP Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 344	I've been running mine since they became available and have had no issues. Hopefully it's an isolated case and not a bad batch.

11-25-2017, 11:10 PM	#13
DirectTo Drives: Sold! Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: SoCal Posts: 105	Man, glad to hear you and your car are okay. I did the DD tinted sidemarkers a while back and had no issues and just did the HID headlights today. They’re supposed to have great support, I’m sure they’ll take care of you.

11-25-2017, 11:42 PM	#14
SK GT Drives: 18 Colorado ZR2, 17 1LE(sold) Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Houston Posts: 169	DD has great service. They will take care of you.

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