leds on w/power off

i have a 2011 hyundai tucson, i wired 16 3mm leds in series put them at the top of the rear lift gate opening.I ran power from the light on the lower left side, this light was replaced w/2 10 mm leds. Now the lighting is superb. Now it gets weird,when the lift gate is closed the 2 10mm turn off,but you look up and 4 of the 3mm leds are dim but still on. why can they still light up with out power? Please enlighten me,Im stumped.

Thanks ,loko

Are you sure you have 16 LEDs in series?
That normally requires over 30V, but as many find (with normal dimmers), LEDs can be lit at very lower voltages (and very low currents).

I really have 4 groups of four 3mm leds,each group in series-------- Loco

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Sometimes Dead Is Better

I'd assume one string of 4 LEDs has a lower voltage drop than the other 3 (and the 2 10mm LEDs) and is "robbing" the limited current.

Are all LEDs in parallel - ie, the 4x4 are wired across the top & bottom of the 2x10mm - ie, the old lamps?

And is any dimmer involved, or is there another connection to that circuit (other than the tailgate switch)?

OLDSPARK, I added 2 more 10mm leds. So now I have 5 sets of four all wired in series. And 6 of the 3mm leds still on with the door shut. They are on the same circuit with the over head and maplights. Voltage is bleeding in enough to light the tiny leds. I might have to put a mercury tilt switch on it. Any Ideas?

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Sometimes Dead Is Better

Without a circuit I can only surmise.

If the LEDs are all between +12V and the grounding switch (or ground and +12V switch) with no dimming or other circuits attached, then they should switch off cleanly.

Maybe a diode to prevent current flow to/from any other circuits.