ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012) Discussion topics related to 2007+ ES350

Weird Mirror Light

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Old 05-22-10, 09:18 AM
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acdapast
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Default Weird Mirror Light

I guess all of you guys are familiar with the mirror dome light on your ES350, the one that lights up under the side mirror when you approach your door. Yesterday I swapped the bulb to a red led and it looks great (not bright enough but who cares). The problem: IT NEVER TURNS OFF NOW! i locked the doors up, and put the key very very far, it is still lighting up. I turned the car on and put it to drive and it was still on. Okay, i woke up the next morning (9 hrs later) and it was still on. Any solution to this? Personally, i think its pretty cool but i prefer it turning on like how it suppose to turn on.
Old 05-22-10, 10:24 AM
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LexBob2
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You might try putting the original bulbs back into the puddle lights and see what happens. If they work again, maybe it's the bulbs for some reason. If not
Old 05-24-10, 05:47 PM
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ThePhantom
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LEDs require frighteningly little voltage to illuminate. I'm going to guess that the puddle lights are hooked into the same circuit as the keyfob sensors -- at which point there will always be a current present on the wire. Most likely, it's not enough to light the incandescent bulb, but the LED...

I had a similar issue with my newly-acquired outdoor Christmas LED lights this past year. I have (had) them on an X10 adapter (to allow remote on/off), which apparently doesn't completely cut the power on the circuit. The ever-present current permits the X10 manual override of the user applying a draw on the circuit to turn on an appliance without using the remote. The result was the my LED lights would dim, but never go out -- despite the current being nearly nonexistent.
Old 05-24-10, 10:53 PM
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LexPaul
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I think ThePhantom hit the problem dead on. Since you're using a different LED, different colored LED's have different voltage/current requirements believe it or not. The LED senses the key fob and turns on briefly and then off, the LED's you have may keep the switch in a high state. Check with the dealer on what type of LED is required, colored one's may be off limits.
Old 05-25-10, 04:37 AM
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ThePhantom
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I don't think the stock puddle lights are LEDs in the first place. At least, they don't look like LEDs on my '08...
Old 10-18-12, 06:57 AM
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jcat_350
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rather bump an old thread than start a new one...any tips/advice on replacing the puddle lights? Admittedly, I haven't looked very hard so if it's 'pop two screws out and drop the lens' I apologize in advance
Old 10-18-12, 08:07 AM
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Joeb427
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Originally Posted by ThePhantom
I don't think the stock puddle lights are LEDs in the first place. At least, they don't look like LEDs on my '08...
They're regular bulbs.I have 4 5K white LED flank bulbs installed on my ES and have installed 4 LED flanks on other Lexus vehicles and never had any problems.
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