I installed a set of clear tail lights for my car, then went to Autozone and picked up the red LED tail lights. But when I plug them into the car, they stay dimly on, even if the car is off. How come they're not shutting off?

 

I take these are not oem clear tails.

 

Somewhere on here there is a thread that talks about this. The LEDs require very little power to light, and apparently there is just enough residual current on the wire to keep the LEDs dimly lit. I think you need a resistor (or some such thing) installed to eliminate it.

...Normally, I'd search for the thread for you, but I had a long day and I'm too tired. Sad, but true.

 

Yeah, I ran a search too...still can't find anything.

Oh, and no, these arent the OEM lights...I got them off ebay. They look pretty good for 60 bucks, but I have to get red bulbs.

 

Superbrite sells load resistor kits for their LED bulbs, http://www.superbrightleds.com/tail-brake-turn.html

 

I have a full LED conversion and have not experienced this phenomena The use of resistors are to trick the signal relay into behaving as if there were standard high resistance incandecent bulbs so they wouldn't blink too quickly. I added 3ohm just enough to keep the blinkers fast but not blindingly fast

 

its very normal. i did this conversin on a 05 about a year ago. even on my new S, they still stay dimly lit for about an hour after the car is off.

 

Mine do the same thing, changed out for the ones off ebay too. Mine stay dimly light. No big deal though...

 

Wouldn't it slowly drain the battery though? Or is that no where near enough power?

 

Should be fine if you drive the car everyday giving it enough time to charge. Unless it's causing your car never to go to sleep, in which case you might have some problems...

EDIT: just read the other posts more carefully. Seems like it stays on as long as the car is awake. You'll be fine