Trunk switch lights stay on?

[DaveNW]

So I happened to be in my mostly-darkened garage very early this morning, where the only light was coming through small windows - no overhead lights were on. When pausing to admire my favorite car (Duh!), I noticed something I haven't seen before: The two trunk latch switches next to the driver's seat are both lit up. The car is turned off, doors unlocked, top down, both trunks firmly latched shut. I'm thinking everything should be turned off. What's up?

I went through all the usual things - locked and unlocked the doors, opened and closed both doors and trunks, whatever other things that seemed like it might make a difference, but no change. The Battery Tender indicates the battery is fully charged, but I wonder if this is why the battery seems to be low so often when not connected to the Battery Tender.

So, is this an issue, and if so, where do I start trying to find a solution? I've searched the forums here, and read some threads that mention lights staying on as part of a bigger issue. Is there a definitive cause/fix for this specific issue?

What do you think?

Dave

[DaveNW]

Ok, now this is weird. I went to the garage to take the Boxster out for a sunny ride this afternoon, and those two lights were off before I got in the car. They'd gone out sometime over the afternoon. After I got home, shut off the car, and checked, those two lights were lit again. About two hours later, I checked again, and the lights were off. Why are they staying on for so long after the car is turned off, and what makes them turn off? Nothing else is on that I can see. This is making me crazy.

Dave

[rick3000]

Never seen this specific issue. Do they go out when you lock the car?

[particlewave]

The lights are part of the "Consumer Switched Off" circuit and will stay active for some time after the key is removed. It should also reactivate when either door is opened. This circuit is used to power things like the trunk releases, power mirrors and seats, etc. when the ignition is off so you can use those functions before or without inserting the key. The circuit shuts off after a period of inactivity, or when you lock the car, to conserve battery.

Nothing is wrong

[DaveNW]

Thanks, guys. You were right - nothing is wrong. With your comments I think I've got it figured out. I spent a fair amount of time monitoring things this morning, and have these numbers to report:

If the doors are unlocked, the trunk lid switch lights stay on for exactly 2 hours. If the doors are locked, the lights stay on for exactly 10 minutes.

Interesting side note: There is apparently more going on with the car than just these indicator switch lights. When they switched off, there was an audible click coming from several places around the car. So there is some sort of larger circuit shutting down at that point. So, apparently being part of the "Consumer Switched Off," my car systems are working as advertised.

Good to know it was just my paranoid OCD, and not the car!

Dave