2000TransAm24

iTrader: (2)

Hello everyone I recently wanted to switch my interior lights over to led and after seeing a member put red leds in I was sold. So I converted my dome light and the 2 lights in my rear view mirror but noticed something odd. After I had closed my doors and allowed my lights to turn "off" I noticed they were in fact just still slightly illuminated. Has anyone else had this problem? My car has always drained the battery faster than i thought it should and I'm wondering if this was the culprit. Attached is 43mm 212-2 12-smd-3528 rigid loop (I attached 2 of them together for more dome light) from amazon after they are supposed to be off.

Majestic9C1

iTrader: (19)

yeah something isnt right.. I have Red Led dome lights in the same location and they both go off completely when the lighting goes off..

LT4vert

iTrader: (3)

There is enough residual power left in the circuit to slightly power an led. Its a common occurrence in alot of cars when replacing the incandescent bulbs with leds. Stick a diode between the positive an negative wires to the map lights and the problem will go away.

Dchia

iTrader: (5)

So when you say residual power, does that mean it isn't actively draining the battery? I've had some battery issues lately (maybe 2 months ago) but the LEDs have been installed for half a year now.

LT4vert

iTrader: (3)

No, its not draining the battery at all. The leds are responding to a very low amount of milliamps that is always left in the line. You never noticed it before because that small amount of mA is not enough to do anything to a incandescent bulb. LED's are really sensitive and can be very dimly lit with just a couple milliamps. The power left in the line will typically dissipate after an hour or so. Its normal and no indication of a problem.

I wrote the wrong thing above, didnt mean to write diode. Its a resistor you need to use. 1 leg to positive and one leg to negative in the bulb socket. A 1K ohm 1/4 watt resistor should work fine. The resistor mimics the load of an incandescent bulb and will get rid of the glow when the lights are turned off.

justin455

This. Common thing with many cars. My DD did the same thing, added a resistor and no more glow. Been on there for a year with no problems.

Just to give you an idea

ThoR294

iTrader: (6)

This happens in my 97 civic. I figured it was because of the led dome light I put in. I wouldn't worry about it

2000TransAm24

iTrader: (2)

Well thank you all for the quick informative responses. Do you think just leaving them alone will cause reduced lifespan of my leds? I had a heck of a time just getting the bulbs into the mirrors, the dome light would be easy tho. If it doesn't I'd rather just leave it alone. I don't mind it now that I know nothing is wrong.

thunderlsx

its normal. i wired some custom leds up for my interior light by the hatch. they stay on very dim when theres no power. its some kind of residual voltage in the circuit. its harmless though. mine have been in there for like 5 years with no isssue.

justin455

It might reduce the lifespan a little, but LEDs last for-freakin-ever anyway. I wouldn't worry about it if the glow doesn't bother you.