DIY: Illuminated overhead room light and garage door buttons
04-06-08, 02:28 PM
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
DIY: Illuminated overhead room light and garage door buttons
Project Description: Add illumination to two buttons on the overhead console box: Middle garage door opener button, Room lamp button.
Application: 07-08 Lexus ES350
Tools required:
* 6" pry bar with thin 90-degree end
Can procure at Home Depot, etc. I used this one: http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548459_cXwf2-X3.jpg
* #2 Philips screwdriver
* Flat head jeweler's screwdriver
* Needle-nose pliers
* Angle cutters (to cut wires and zip-ties)
* Utility knife
Parts needed:
* 3 LEDs, 12V, green
Can procure at Pep-Boys, etc. I bought these: http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548535_2Q7bZ-X3.jpg
* Masking tape
* Electrical tape
* Solder
* zip-ties
Procedure:
1. Remove the overhead console box
A. Open glasses storage compartment
B. Pry open the two plastic flaps using the jeweler's screwdriver
C. Remove the two screws
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548491_ukLzY-X3.jpg
D. Affix masking tape to headliner (roof) at rear of console box to prevent damage.
E. Wrap end of pry bar with masking tape to prevent damage to plastic car parts.
F. Gently work pry bar between console box and headliner as shown. Be careful to not dent headliner or console box. Once inserted, firmly pull pry bar straight down to remove console box. Note two plastic pins on top of console box secure it to the metal car body (roof).
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548432_RHASV-X3.jpg
G. Disconnect electrical connector from console box by pressing tab on connector and pulling straight out.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548438_LMZSQ-X3.jpg
2. Remove plastic cover from console box circuit board
A. Place console box button-side-down on protected work surface to prevent scratches
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548486_tNAnZ-X3.jpg
B. Remove garage door opener module by removing two screws and wiring connector. This module is the one with the white labels affixed to it in the picture above.
C. Remove the microphone by gently pulling it out while rocking it side to side. The microphone is the small black box in the picture below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548468_q6Cgf-X3.jpg
D. Disconnect the microphone wire from the main circuit board by gently prying the side of the white connector with a jeweler's screwdriver. Be careful not to bend the metal pins.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548470_Rr5st-X3.jpg
E. Remove all screws securing the black plastic cover. Lift off the cover and set it aside. Cover is shown below. The microphone cable will remain attached to the cover. Remember where the screws go; draw a diagram on a sheet of paper if necessary.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548475_qyMfj-X3.jpg
3. Remove circuit board
A. Ensure all silver colored screws have been removed. Do not remove the two gold colored screws securing the electrical connector to the circuit board (shown at lower point in picture below).
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548399_Uibb3-X3.jpg
B. Gently pry open the plastic tabs securing the center circuit board, and lift the board away from the plastic frame as shown below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548428_M7sFC-X3.jpg
C. Lift the larger U-shaped circuit board off of the plastic frame. The smaller board you loosened in the previous step will come with it. The electrical component side of the completely removed circuit board assembly is shown below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548531_2gbrW-X3.jpg
Note that it may be necessary to pull the board firmly to release it from the plastic buttons for the map lights that are attached to the plastic frame.
4. Remove switch guides
A. Switch guides are the black plastic pieces shown in the picture below. The switches (buttons) slide up and down inside of these guides. The guides just lift out. The switches will remain attached to the guides.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548479_mpgsu-X3.jpg
Be sure to note how the guides are installed, to facilitate future reassembly.
B. Remove the middle "#2" garage door switch. Do this by gently prying between the switch and the switch guide with the jeweler's screwdriver.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548498_qLrK6-X3.jpg
5. Modify garage door switch
A. It is necessary to cut away the edge of the switch to allow light to pass between it and the console box's plastic frame. This will allow light from the LED we later install inside the console box to be visible to the driver.
B. Using a utility knife, cut the flange of the switch as shown below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548418_g4gzY-X3.jpg
C. Snap the modified switch back into the black plastic switch guide. Verify that it looks as shown below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548407_EZvig-X3.jpg
D. Cut a notch in the black plastic switch guide to allow fitting an LED with the tip of the LED protruding into the guide. See picture below for location and size of notch. Removing the middle garage door switch may make it easier to do this task. Cut the notch by first snipping each side of the notch with the angle cutters, followed by bending the resulting plastic "finger" back and forth with the needle nose pliers until it snaps off. Do not completely cut apart the black guide; only cut a notch in it.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548423_vEGaa-X3.jpg
E. Bore a small hole in the front of the black plastic guide near the notch as shown above. This can be done by repeatedly twisting a small philips screwdriver against the plastic, or by using a small electric drill. It may help to remove the garage door opener switch that is nearest to where the hole will be bored.
6. Install LED to illuminate garage door switch
A. Position one LED so it protrudes through the black plastic switch guide as shown below. Ensure it does not interfere with the motion of the garage door opener switch. The LED must protrude into the opening as shown in order for light to be visible to the driver. Secure with tape, etc., and verify proper function by connecting LED to a 9V battery, holding switch in console box frame, and viewing in a dark room. You should see some light around one edge of the switch.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548525_RCGnn-X3.jpg
B. Secure the LED's wires with a zip tie as shown above.
C. Secure the LED and wiring as needed to prevent vibration using available materials. I used green sticky-backed felt, as shown in the next step's illustration.
7. Install LED to illuminate room lamp switch
A. Position one LED so it extends over the gap between the room lamp switch and the console box frame, as shown below. Secure with tape, etc., and verify proper function by connecting LED to a 9V battery, holding switch in console box frame, and viewing in a dark room. You should see some light around edges of the switch.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548417_Zztun-X3.jpg
B. Bore a hole in the console box frame, and secure the LED wire with a zip tie as shown below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548503_NVZ9V-X3.jpg
C. Secure wires to prevent vibration using available materials. I used green sticky-backed felt, as shown in the picture below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548540_ZrwTZ-X3.jpg
8. Reinstall circuit board
A. Align the screw holes of the large U-shaped circuit board with those in the console box's plastic frame, and position board on frame so plastic guide pins protrude through board. It will be loose for now.
B. Align screw holes of small center circuit board with those in the console box's plastic frame, and position board on frame so both plastic tabs protrude through board and "snap" onto board, holding it in place.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548448_GPNVn-X3.jpg
C. Verify LEDs, wires, and zip ties are not obstructing circuit boards from sitting flush against console box's plastic frame.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548419_GD6TL-X3.jpg
D. Insert several screws into the U-shaped circuit board to keep it in place during the next steps. Two screws, at diagonal corners, will suffice.
9. Connect the wiring
A. Strip 7mm insulation and twist together the ends of the following wires: Black wire from one LED, black wire from other LED, a 20 cm long piece of extra black wire. Solder the three together. Insulate solder joint with electrical tape.
B. Strip 7mm insulation and twist together the ends of the following wires: Red wire from one LED, red wire from other LED, a 20 cm long piece of extra red wire. Solder the three together. Insulate solder joint with electrical tape.
C. Route the two 20 cm long wires (one red and one black) as shown in the picture below. Cut to length, strip ends, and secure to circuit board with electrical tape. You will solder the wires to the board later.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548569_66E4z-X3.jpg
D. Important: Verify black plastic cover can fit over circuit board without wires getting in the way. Reroute wires if necessary.
E. Refer to the picture below to see where connections are made on the main U-Shaped circuit board. Solder the two wires to the board.
Important: Do not heat the circuit board pads longer than necessary, to avoid damaging the circuit board/components.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275549073_pPfJ3-X3.jpg
Note: Connecting as shown above will result in the LEDs being powered only when the vehicle's engine is "on". This prevents battery drain.
F. Recommendation: Adhere opaque material (e.g. electrical tape) to rear of console box (the side with the microphone) to cover the gap between the black plastic cover and the beige frame. This will prevent light leakage from around the gap between the console box and the vehicle headliner (roof).
10. Reassemble the console box
A. Remove the temporary screws you put in the circuit board in step 8.
B. Place the black plastic cover over the circuit board. Secure it with screws.
C. Reinstall the garage door opener module by connecting the electrical connector and inserting two screws.
D. Reinstall the microphone by snapping it into place and gently pushing the electrical connector into place.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548465_LBXKC-X3.jpg
E. Gently shake the assembled apparatus to ensure no rattling is heard. Make corrections if necessary.
F. Connect the console box's electrical connector to the vehicle's wiring harness by inserting the plug until it clicks.
G. Verify proper operation: Turn the vehicle ignition switch to "on" mode and verify LEDs illuminate. Make corrections if necessary.
H. Position console box with both front protrusions above headliner (roof), near rearview mirror. Push rear end of console box upwards while moving slightly to align the two snap pins with the holes in the roof. Push firmly upward to snap in place.
I. Reinstall the two screws in the holes in the eyeglass storage area. Press the two plastic covers in place over the screws.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548510_mKfWH-X3.jpg
11. Enjoy illuminated buttons!
The buttons will light up whenever the vehicle's engine is "on". The light is fairly dim, and should pose no distraction.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548514_Ndjie-X3.jpg
Application: 07-08 Lexus ES350
Tools required:
* 6" pry bar with thin 90-degree end
Can procure at Home Depot, etc. I used this one: http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548459_cXwf2-X3.jpg
* #2 Philips screwdriver
* Flat head jeweler's screwdriver
* Needle-nose pliers
* Angle cutters (to cut wires and zip-ties)
* Utility knife
Parts needed:
* 3 LEDs, 12V, green
Can procure at Pep-Boys, etc. I bought these: http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548535_2Q7bZ-X3.jpg
* Masking tape
* Electrical tape
* Solder
* zip-ties
Procedure:
1. Remove the overhead console box
A. Open glasses storage compartment
B. Pry open the two plastic flaps using the jeweler's screwdriver
C. Remove the two screws
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548491_ukLzY-X3.jpg
D. Affix masking tape to headliner (roof) at rear of console box to prevent damage.
E. Wrap end of pry bar with masking tape to prevent damage to plastic car parts.
F. Gently work pry bar between console box and headliner as shown. Be careful to not dent headliner or console box. Once inserted, firmly pull pry bar straight down to remove console box. Note two plastic pins on top of console box secure it to the metal car body (roof).
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548432_RHASV-X3.jpg
G. Disconnect electrical connector from console box by pressing tab on connector and pulling straight out.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548438_LMZSQ-X3.jpg
2. Remove plastic cover from console box circuit board
A. Place console box button-side-down on protected work surface to prevent scratches
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548486_tNAnZ-X3.jpg
B. Remove garage door opener module by removing two screws and wiring connector. This module is the one with the white labels affixed to it in the picture above.
C. Remove the microphone by gently pulling it out while rocking it side to side. The microphone is the small black box in the picture below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548468_q6Cgf-X3.jpg
D. Disconnect the microphone wire from the main circuit board by gently prying the side of the white connector with a jeweler's screwdriver. Be careful not to bend the metal pins.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548470_Rr5st-X3.jpg
E. Remove all screws securing the black plastic cover. Lift off the cover and set it aside. Cover is shown below. The microphone cable will remain attached to the cover. Remember where the screws go; draw a diagram on a sheet of paper if necessary.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548475_qyMfj-X3.jpg
3. Remove circuit board
A. Ensure all silver colored screws have been removed. Do not remove the two gold colored screws securing the electrical connector to the circuit board (shown at lower point in picture below).
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548399_Uibb3-X3.jpg
B. Gently pry open the plastic tabs securing the center circuit board, and lift the board away from the plastic frame as shown below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548428_M7sFC-X3.jpg
C. Lift the larger U-shaped circuit board off of the plastic frame. The smaller board you loosened in the previous step will come with it. The electrical component side of the completely removed circuit board assembly is shown below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548531_2gbrW-X3.jpg
Note that it may be necessary to pull the board firmly to release it from the plastic buttons for the map lights that are attached to the plastic frame.
4. Remove switch guides
A. Switch guides are the black plastic pieces shown in the picture below. The switches (buttons) slide up and down inside of these guides. The guides just lift out. The switches will remain attached to the guides.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548479_mpgsu-X3.jpg
Be sure to note how the guides are installed, to facilitate future reassembly.
B. Remove the middle "#2" garage door switch. Do this by gently prying between the switch and the switch guide with the jeweler's screwdriver.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548498_qLrK6-X3.jpg
5. Modify garage door switch
A. It is necessary to cut away the edge of the switch to allow light to pass between it and the console box's plastic frame. This will allow light from the LED we later install inside the console box to be visible to the driver.
B. Using a utility knife, cut the flange of the switch as shown below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548418_g4gzY-X3.jpg
C. Snap the modified switch back into the black plastic switch guide. Verify that it looks as shown below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548407_EZvig-X3.jpg
D. Cut a notch in the black plastic switch guide to allow fitting an LED with the tip of the LED protruding into the guide. See picture below for location and size of notch. Removing the middle garage door switch may make it easier to do this task. Cut the notch by first snipping each side of the notch with the angle cutters, followed by bending the resulting plastic "finger" back and forth with the needle nose pliers until it snaps off. Do not completely cut apart the black guide; only cut a notch in it.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548423_vEGaa-X3.jpg
E. Bore a small hole in the front of the black plastic guide near the notch as shown above. This can be done by repeatedly twisting a small philips screwdriver against the plastic, or by using a small electric drill. It may help to remove the garage door opener switch that is nearest to where the hole will be bored.
6. Install LED to illuminate garage door switch
A. Position one LED so it protrudes through the black plastic switch guide as shown below. Ensure it does not interfere with the motion of the garage door opener switch. The LED must protrude into the opening as shown in order for light to be visible to the driver. Secure with tape, etc., and verify proper function by connecting LED to a 9V battery, holding switch in console box frame, and viewing in a dark room. You should see some light around one edge of the switch.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548525_RCGnn-X3.jpg
B. Secure the LED's wires with a zip tie as shown above.
C. Secure the LED and wiring as needed to prevent vibration using available materials. I used green sticky-backed felt, as shown in the next step's illustration.
7. Install LED to illuminate room lamp switch
A. Position one LED so it extends over the gap between the room lamp switch and the console box frame, as shown below. Secure with tape, etc., and verify proper function by connecting LED to a 9V battery, holding switch in console box frame, and viewing in a dark room. You should see some light around edges of the switch.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548417_Zztun-X3.jpg
B. Bore a hole in the console box frame, and secure the LED wire with a zip tie as shown below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548503_NVZ9V-X3.jpg
C. Secure wires to prevent vibration using available materials. I used green sticky-backed felt, as shown in the picture below.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548540_ZrwTZ-X3.jpg
8. Reinstall circuit board
A. Align the screw holes of the large U-shaped circuit board with those in the console box's plastic frame, and position board on frame so plastic guide pins protrude through board. It will be loose for now.
B. Align screw holes of small center circuit board with those in the console box's plastic frame, and position board on frame so both plastic tabs protrude through board and "snap" onto board, holding it in place.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548448_GPNVn-X3.jpg
C. Verify LEDs, wires, and zip ties are not obstructing circuit boards from sitting flush against console box's plastic frame.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548419_GD6TL-X3.jpg
D. Insert several screws into the U-shaped circuit board to keep it in place during the next steps. Two screws, at diagonal corners, will suffice.
9. Connect the wiring
A. Strip 7mm insulation and twist together the ends of the following wires: Black wire from one LED, black wire from other LED, a 20 cm long piece of extra black wire. Solder the three together. Insulate solder joint with electrical tape.
B. Strip 7mm insulation and twist together the ends of the following wires: Red wire from one LED, red wire from other LED, a 20 cm long piece of extra red wire. Solder the three together. Insulate solder joint with electrical tape.
C. Route the two 20 cm long wires (one red and one black) as shown in the picture below. Cut to length, strip ends, and secure to circuit board with electrical tape. You will solder the wires to the board later.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548569_66E4z-X3.jpg
D. Important: Verify black plastic cover can fit over circuit board without wires getting in the way. Reroute wires if necessary.
E. Refer to the picture below to see where connections are made on the main U-Shaped circuit board. Solder the two wires to the board.
Important: Do not heat the circuit board pads longer than necessary, to avoid damaging the circuit board/components.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275549073_pPfJ3-X3.jpg
Note: Connecting as shown above will result in the LEDs being powered only when the vehicle's engine is "on". This prevents battery drain.
F. Recommendation: Adhere opaque material (e.g. electrical tape) to rear of console box (the side with the microphone) to cover the gap between the black plastic cover and the beige frame. This will prevent light leakage from around the gap between the console box and the vehicle headliner (roof).
10. Reassemble the console box
A. Remove the temporary screws you put in the circuit board in step 8.
B. Place the black plastic cover over the circuit board. Secure it with screws.
C. Reinstall the garage door opener module by connecting the electrical connector and inserting two screws.
D. Reinstall the microphone by snapping it into place and gently pushing the electrical connector into place.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548465_LBXKC-X3.jpg
E. Gently shake the assembled apparatus to ensure no rattling is heard. Make corrections if necessary.
F. Connect the console box's electrical connector to the vehicle's wiring harness by inserting the plug until it clicks.
G. Verify proper operation: Turn the vehicle ignition switch to "on" mode and verify LEDs illuminate. Make corrections if necessary.
H. Position console box with both front protrusions above headliner (roof), near rearview mirror. Push rear end of console box upwards while moving slightly to align the two snap pins with the holes in the roof. Push firmly upward to snap in place.
I. Reinstall the two screws in the holes in the eyeglass storage area. Press the two plastic covers in place over the screws.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548510_mKfWH-X3.jpg
11. Enjoy illuminated buttons!
The buttons will light up whenever the vehicle's engine is "on". The light is fairly dim, and should pose no distraction.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/275548514_Ndjie-X3.jpg
04-06-08, 05:47 PM
#2
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Ontario
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Very creative solution to a very irritating problem
Congratulations for your persistance in solving this problem. I understand that the '08's have lighted switches but have not seen this live. Did you investigate retrofitting the new switches to your '07 or perhaps this is not possible. I still am amazed that Lexus could have screwed up on this issue the first time around. Anyway, this will be my last Lexus.
04-06-08, 06:58 PM
#3
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Or you can purchase a small led flashlight and
1) Turn it on
2) Point it upwards
3) Push correct button
OK - I'm sure that sounded like a smart *** remark - but please take it as a good natured jest - and I agree with all that Lexus should have done this right the first time - and I admire your passion to solve the problem - it's just a little involved for me.
1) Turn it on
2) Point it upwards
3) Push correct button
OK - I'm sure that sounded like a smart *** remark - but please take it as a good natured jest - and I agree with all that Lexus should have done this right the first time - and I admire your passion to solve the problem - it's just a little involved for me.
04-06-08, 10:04 PM
#5
Pole Position
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hmmm
well i actually just turn on one of the other lights, and the light reflects off of my hand and up onto the homelink buttons.. but i guess i might be in the minority of solving this problem
04-07-08, 01:19 AM
#6
Rominl Stalker
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Congratulations for your persistance in solving this problem. I understand that the '08's have lighted switches but have not seen this live. Did you investigate retrofitting the new switches to your '07 or perhaps this is not possible. I still am amazed that Lexus could have screwed up on this issue the first time around. Anyway, this will be my last Lexus.
Trending Topics
04-07-08, 08:51 AM
#8
Fantastic work! I'll definitely be doing the work on my console, though I'll make sure all my buttons are illuminated.
What were the specifications for your LEDs? Since they come in various levels of brightness, which did you use?
Thanks again for the hack. This is great.
What were the specifications for your LEDs? Since they come in various levels of brightness, which did you use?
Thanks again for the hack. This is great.
04-07-08, 12:32 PM
#10
Lead Lap
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ca
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i want to do this, but i want to use white LEDs.... but i dont want to do this until i figure out how to change my center consel lights from green to white. any suggestions on how to do it?
04-07-08, 04:39 PM
#11
Driver
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: PA
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yotacarfan, you are a better man than I am. I am a wuss and would rather turn the lights on like Smokey (now I am not calling you a wuss Smokey! ha ha)....I know that I would screw something up and it would cost me more! But the way you described it and documented it in pictures is impressive. You must be a technical writer or something!!!
04-09-08, 08:13 PM
#12
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Fantastic work! I'll definitely be doing the work on my console, though I'll make sure all my buttons are illuminated.
What were the specifications for your LEDs? Since they come in various levels of brightness, which did you use?
Thanks again for the hack. This is great.
What were the specifications for your LEDs? Since they come in various levels of brightness, which did you use?
Thanks again for the hack. This is great.
04-09-08, 08:17 PM
#13
Pole Position
Thread Starter
I've never opened the center console. However, it most likely has surface mount technology LEDs. Removing and replacing them can be tricky and require a steady hand and good soldering skills. IIRC, I saw a post awhile back on ToyotaNation for swapping out the factory steering wheel LEDs on a Camry or Prius. The writeup was pretty comprehensive.
04-09-08, 08:23 PM
#14
Pole Position
Thread Starter
It took me at least two full days, because I had to figure out how to disassemble things, engineer the solution, study wiring diagrams, etc. I was slow and cautious b/c I didn't want to break anything. If I had to do it again using the instructions I wrote, it would probably take no more than an hour. It will probably take 2-4 hours to do with the instructions if you've never done it before.
04-25-08, 09:10 AM
#15
Pole Position
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: ON
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I wish the interior console lights were white as well, like in my sister in law's RX, and in regards to the illuminated garage button, I really respect the drive and innovation in fixing it...but personally after driving the car for over a year...I kind have figured out where the button is without having to even look at it.
I would like to point out a POSITIVE. (I do agree that the engineers should have thought of illuminating it in the first place though) I LOVE the RANGE on the garage door opener, befor I would have to wait for my door to open. with this one, you dont even need to be able to see the garage to open it lol.
I would like to point out a POSITIVE. (I do agree that the engineers should have thought of illuminating it in the first place though) I LOVE the RANGE on the garage door opener, befor I would have to wait for my door to open. with this one, you dont even need to be able to see the garage to open it lol.