On my 02 SC430 trunk, one of the worst "design" features on the car, in that they didn't allow the trunk light to 'time out' if the lid is left open too long. I have had to replace 2-3 batteries b/c of this.
I need a simple solution other than just removing the bulbs, though I would use LED bulbs, the boards here show they can drain out the battery over time.
I'll number the ?;s"
1. Local custom shop would put in a switch which would cut them off from running. This is probably effective unless you forget to turn it back on (lights off) before you close trunk. I have a Lexus parts dept wiring diagram for the trunk wiring, but I don't really get it or feel comfortable cutting wires-they said the trunk open icon light on dash would then be red all the time!is t
2. I see one person put in small leds in each assembly..2013 post, but is there another brand of light lens/assembly/led bulb/plastic insert chassis that I could easily remove the stock unit and just place in? ( I remember the VW Golf had them in the convertible, but not the same size). Is there nothing else from LEX/TOY that would fit and at least have a switch?
3. Does each bulb/***'y have separate power wiring, or are they the same line? I originally wanted to run two adhesive backed LED wire strips that I have on a reel, but that would def. use even more energy-8ft max for the circuit! Do I use two cut 3-4ft pieces or is one socket wired enough? Does anyone know of a freestanding, aka not ugly led switch I can at least turn one on off-or two?
3B IF I used those stick on reels of LEDs, is there off the web. I've seen one on Amazon, but the seller isn't helpful and installer feedback says they aren't easy to wire/program!!
Pls. advise solutions other than (oh just remove the bulbs!)

 

I dunno...check to make sure the trunk is closed before you leave it for an extended time?

And a battery shouldn't require replacement merely from running it down because of a light.

 

I understand your passion on this issue, having lost batteries due to discharge and you suspect it is the the trunk lights being on.

Not many members have been through this, losing batteries due to the trunk lights being on. I replaced mine with LEDs just because they were brighter and if left on, would not kill the battery quickly.

The real root cause is the trunk left ajar-open ( and if the trunk lights are left permanently on and not in trunk switch mode), battery discharges.

Perhaps you need to find the root cause of the trunk being ajar? Our rear hatch is heavy and would shut easily. I juet let it fall within 10" and it shuts good because it is heavy.

Or perhaps I am missing something?

 

If nothing else, go ahead and replace the bulbs with LEDs. If the single LEDs are used, you will knock down your current draw to almost 10% of what the incandescent bulbs draw, meaning that you can last 10 times as long with them on.

Just as you imply, putting in the LED strip will defeat your purpose of trying to cut down your power usage. That strip may wind up drawing as much or more than the OEM bulbs.

There are other things that you can do but are more extensive. Like trying to tie into the circuit that shuts down the interior lights or even the headlights when the engine is off after a prescribed amount of time. But that will take some research and some ingenuity.