Dim Interior LEDs

dryden_burton

New Member

• Oct 31, 2010

• #1

I recently replaced the interior light bulbs in my car with LED bulbs. When the interior lights are off the LEDs glow dimly due to a slight current leak in the interior light circuit. Im wondering if there is anything I can do to drain the excess current safely and keep the LEDs from glowing? Thanks.

 

MikeMl

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Oct 31, 2010

• #2

Your car probably can tell if the bulb is burned out, so that it can nag you to replace the bulb. It does that by passing a small current through the lamp even when it isn't lit. The test current is likely sufficient to cause the LEDs to glow. Put the bulb back!

 

D

Diver300

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Oct 31, 2010

• #3

You can put a resistor in parallel with the LED lamp. A 2.2 kΩ, 1/4 W would probably be fine.

LEDs will glow at extremely low currents.

 

dryden_burton

New Member

• Nov 2, 2010

• #4

Thanks Diver300. Worked great, Resistor doesnt even get warm to the touch. Thanks again

 

D

Diver300

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Nov 3, 2010

• #5

Thank you for telling us that it worked. I didn't expect the resistor to get warm when the light is off, but it could get warm if the light is on for a few minutes.