LED Light in Center Console (Cup Holder Area)
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
LED Light in Center Console (Cup Holder Area)
Hey guys, I'm thinking about adding an LED strip in the center console near the cup holders. I think it would look sweet, especially after seeing a few pics on here of people who have added LED's. I think the easiest thing would be to get a small LED strip, such as this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-Blue-352...#ht_3637wt_986
How would I go about wiring one of these? Can I connect a switch to it, and then connect it to the cigarette lighter, under the vents near the rear seats? If I do this, I'll be sure to create a DIY.
How would I go about wiring one of these? Can I connect a switch to it, and then connect it to the cigarette lighter, under the vents near the rear seats? If I do this, I'll be sure to create a DIY.
#2
Moderator
The important part is the finish out. Would you mask the the white strip?
Other things to consider:
Can the strip be attached to a curved surface?
The length of the is about 2.5 inch. The circumference of the cavity might be close to 12".
I personally hate any interior light when driving at night.
If you plan to use the strip on the moveable drawer then worry about the repeated stress.
12v from cig lighter is right there, but it is switched.
Dont overlook that you will enjoy this mod for a small portion of driving experience.
I have not taken the center console apart, so cant say how easy or hard that will be.
Salim
Other things to consider:
Can the strip be attached to a curved surface?
The length of the is about 2.5 inch. The circumference of the cavity might be close to 12".
I personally hate any interior light when driving at night.
If you plan to use the strip on the moveable drawer then worry about the repeated stress.
12v from cig lighter is right there, but it is switched.
Dont overlook that you will enjoy this mod for a small portion of driving experience.
I have not taken the center console apart, so cant say how easy or hard that will be.
Salim
#3
I added single blue led smd at the center console next to other side of the ashtray bulb. The power source was ashtray light bulb harness from the center console. It lighted the cup holder area. You could see the picture at my posts for blue led. Whenever you turn the headlight on the ashtray bulb lighted and also the other led. I upgraded the ashtray light bulb ( which was regular bulb cover with green color paper) to blue led.
Last edited by gazi001; 06-18-12 at 03:11 PM.
#4
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
The important part is the finish out. Would you mask the the white strip?
Other things to consider:
Can the strip be attached to a curved surface?
The length of the is about 2.5 inch. The circumference of the cavity might be close to 12".
I personally hate any interior light when driving at night.
If you plan to use the strip on the moveable drawer then worry about the repeated stress.
12v from cig lighter is right there, but it is switched.
Dont overlook that you will enjoy this mod for a small portion of driving experience.
I have not taken the center console apart, so cant say how easy or hard that will be.
Salim
Other things to consider:
Can the strip be attached to a curved surface?
The length of the is about 2.5 inch. The circumference of the cavity might be close to 12".
I personally hate any interior light when driving at night.
If you plan to use the strip on the moveable drawer then worry about the repeated stress.
12v from cig lighter is right there, but it is switched.
Dont overlook that you will enjoy this mod for a small portion of driving experience.
I have not taken the center console apart, so cant say how easy or hard that will be.
Salim
I don't plan on using the light much, maybe once a week. It's mostly for my dad, as it's easier for him to find things in the center console. It's more of something that looks cool, rather than actual use.
Yeah, I don't mind that the 12v from the cig. lighter is switched. I plan on adding a switch to the LED light, so that It doesn't have to stay on constantly. I really only need it once in awhile.
I've taken the center console part off before, to add the iPod wire from my FM Modulator. It's pretty simple, it just pops off.
Was it hard to wire it up? I'm not really experienced with electrical work. Which is why I was asking about wiring up the LED strip to the 12v cig. lighter and adding a switch in loop.
Thanks for the responses guys!
P.S: The credit for the picture goes to tomv, I took it off one of his posts, and just added a red arrow. I hope you don't mind.
Last edited by hypervish; 06-18-12 at 03:22 PM.
#5
It is very easy to splice the wire and connect it together. Make sure to use black tape or heated insulator. You could solder wires with solder iron. If you look for solder gun in e-bay will find for $3 or $4.
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#8
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I like this LED: http://www.oznium.com/prewired-surface-mount-led
I also like how Gazi wired it up, meaning I like how the LED goes on with the headlights. How would I wire the LED to do that?
This is what the website states for installation:
If I can't figure out how to wire it, I will order this battery pack: http://www.oznium.com/12v-led-battery-holder
But, I much rather have them be powered by the car when the headlights turn on.
I also like how Gazi wired it up, meaning I like how the LED goes on with the headlights. How would I wire the LED to do that?
This is what the website states for installation:
Easy 1-2-3 DIY Installation - Simply hook up the red wire to positive and the black to negative (ground) of any 12 volt DC power system. Doesn't light up? Don't worry - It's OK! Just reverse the wires, and it will light up! The pre-wired LED module has a built-in polarity protection system (just don't feed it 1.21 giga-watts!), and is covered by our unparalleled hassle-free 1 year guaranteed warranty.
But, I much rather have them be powered by the car when the headlights turn on.
Last edited by hypervish; 06-19-12 at 11:25 AM.
#9
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Yup, I have a soldering iron. I'm pretty experienced with soldering, just not with electrical work in general. lol
#10
Moderator
Instead of passive switch, why not add a "dark sensitive" active switch.
Surf through the hobby-circuits.
Salim
Surf through the hobby-circuits.
Salim
#13
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
No problem, thanks for the picture!
I'm going to take this part of the console apart when I get a chance in the next few days. I'll look at the wires and see If I have any questions.
I'm going to take this part of the console apart when I get a chance in the next few days. I'll look at the wires and see If I have any questions.
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