Abstract: Relative comparison is made between a voltage applied to the whole of the first through eighth LEDs and a voltage applied to the first LED by a comparator. When the voltage applied to the whole of the LEDs has relatively dropped with respect to the voltage applied to part of the LEDs, the comparator outputs a Low Level signal, assumes an abnormality that accompanies a short-circuit fault in any one of the LEDs and causes a ninth LED to illuminate. Meanwhile, relative comparison is made between a voltage applied to the whole of the first through eighth LEDs and a voltage applied to the first LED by another comparator. When the voltage applied to the whole of the LEDs has relatively dropped with respect to the voltage applied to part of the LEDs, the comparator outputs a Low Level signal, assumes an abnormality that accompanies a short-circuit fault in the first LED and causes a ninth LED to illuminate.

Abstract: A lighting device for a vehicle comprises: a plurality of light source sections connected in parallel with each other; and a transformer for supplying an electric power to the plurality of light source sections. The transformer includes a primary coil and a plurality of secondary coils provided corresponding to the plurality of light source sections, for respectively supplying electric power to the corresponding light source sections. One end of each light source section is grounded and a semiconductor light emitting element is provided between one end and the other end of the light source section. The lighting device further comprises: a voltage detecting section for detecting voltages at the other ends of the plurality of light sources; and an output control section for controlling an electric current outputted from the transformer according to the voltage detected by the voltage detecting section.