leds playing funnies..any suggestions

[.Si.]

fitted some extra smds in my 03 plate ibiza interior and they all work ...

when i arm the alarm they all go out as they should..but after about 20min or so..the smd's light up ever so dim..

blip alarm,car opens and the smds light up fully..lock car..all lights go out...20 min later smds light up very dim again and stay on

do i need a resistor or something?

cheers

 

[Nath.]

Yeah a resistor will help or maybe can-bus LED's as they have resistors built in, it's quite common for LED's to do that when fitted to interior lights because the circuit works by permenent live and switched earth via door switch. I think.

 

[.Si.]

cheers fella.

well the smds..2 are a panel of 6..and 2 are strip smds..so changing will be a pain.

are these what i need..http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280949366384?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[Nath.]

Yes, they will work but they will probably get very hot if the door is open for a while as they are 25w.

 

[.Si.]

Yes, they will work but they will probably get very hot if the door is open for a while as they are 25w.

do i need a higher or lower wattage set then mate..im ok with wiring bits up but this stuff baffles me.

 

[Nath.]

A lower wattage will run cooler. TBH those will probably be OK, I'm just pointing out that they "MAY" get hot if the LED's are left on for a while. Give it a go but keep an eye on the temp. You don't want a black sooty interior.

Don't worry though, the dim LED's after 20 mins won't flatten your battery, they will go years like that none stop before a car battery is flat.

But I know it's annoying.

 

[.Si.]

thanks mate..its on the interior lighting ,and i dont have the doors open to long anyway..

but yeh as you say..its annoying as i look at the car at night and i see the leds on..lol

thanks again

 

[Nath.]

I really think the safest option is to get some can-bus LED's. You could rig up the ones you have to run via a relay. That would stop them glowing dim but it may be a bit complected for you (don't take that the wrong way)

Idea!! Or run your LED's with the normal bulb in place too. That should stop it.

 

[.Si.]

running a relay is abit to much for me so offence taken..

as for running bulbs...ive fitted smds because theres no room for the bulk of a bulb..i needed something flat.

may have to have a re think

 

[.Si.]

had a think about what you said nath and... today i put a festoon bulb inline with the switched earths....and hey presto..no more leds lighting up dim..

so i solderd it all up and hid the bulb out of sight..

one happy bunny.


cheers fella

 

[Nath.]

There you go.

Happy crimbo dude.

 

[Edward9th]

If you come round to the resistors again, don't worry about the 25watt rating: That's just what they will dissipate if necessary, and your leds will draw a fraction of that.

 

[.Si.]

looks like i may have to try them mate..cant believe it..they came on dim again after about an hour..