So I just bought some random 31mm festoon led bulb to replace the OEM light bulbs so it outputs brighter lighting.

My issue that when the bulb isn't lit, the festoon still output a tiny light, I don't have a clue why it would do so, but I think that means that there's always a small votage going through these lights even when they aren't powered on.

I'm afraid that it could cause serious damage to some electronic module, or what else if I don't use the car for a while.

Any inputs would be great!!

Before anyone asks, here's what I have installed:

http://dx.com/p/festoon-31mm-1w-80lm...p-2-pcs-153237

Thanks !!

Kevin

 

Just an FYI.. Most cars have "residual current" running through the system. Since it takes less wattage to light an LED, the residual current for incandesant bulbs is as high as 30 watts, where as your LED's are most likely rated at 10-15 watts or less! So the residual current in the system is enough to produce a small amount of light from the less wattage LED's. You can wire in a ground or grab yourself an OHM reader and track down the current... Finally a post I can answer! Shouldnt cause any long term damage to the system.....

 

They've done it in my car for clost to 4-5 years now. No issues other than someone once in a while noticing it.

 

Great ! Thanks for the fast replies ! Residual current was my guess, but I wanted to be sure anything was cool before I mess something with that.

 

The Map Light in the G is ground-triggered, that's why. It has power all the time, then when the MAP light should come on the BCM (Body control module) sends a ground signal, once supplied with power AND ground, it lights up.

As Arkansas said, LED's can light up on signifigantly less current than a normal bulb, so because power is constantly applied, the LED will actually ground itself just enough to illuminate a little bit even when off.

HOWEVER, the G actually has a great feature that cuts out this supply once you lock the car and it completes its 'time out' period, this is how long it takes for your lights to shut off after you lock it at night.

Once the time out period has completed, peek in and I'd bet your LED's are no longer 'slightly glowing'