I've been noticing that there is basically no walkthroughs on this site, and they're normally pretty helpful on other forums, so i'm going to start putting them up for anything I do. This first video is how to install the LED bulbs into the dome lights. Everyone talks about how hard it is, and it's actually VERY easy, took about all of 10-15 minutes from start to finish. I'll put tips for all the other bulbs here as well, and add videos when i get the time to edit/upload. For now, here is the video for the dome light install:
Some Info:
The bulbs are from v-leds, they're size 194; 5-led bulbs. You need 13 of them. They're sold in pairs. They're not too expensive at all, about $35 for the whole car. I bought 2 sets so I would have plenty if any of them go out. I've bought v-led's before and never had any problems out of them.
The rear dome light install is MUCH harder, but it's just because there is not near enough wire length to get your hands in to unclip/reclip them. The rears are the exact same as the front. The clips are tough to reach though, I did it with a flat-head screwdriver, I'll have a video up of this one shortly.
The under-dash bulbs are easy, just pull out and push in the new ones.
The under door lights are easy, just put a flat head screwdriver on one end and pry the lens off, then pull out the blub and replace.
The license plate bulbs are easy, just pry the lens out on the outside, then the inside will come out, the whole unit will come out, and twist the bulb to remove.
This is an AWESOME looking mod that adds a touch of class to your vehicle for a minimal amount of money. More pics of the lights finished to come.
Great how to video. I actually bought the bulbs for interior, trunk and rear license plate along with hid fog lights. Ordered them from sharphid two weeks ago and still waiting for them to show up. At least I know when they finally get here, I'll have a jump start on the install.
I've already done the front dome lights from spare lights I had lying around. I've got an order from V-LEDs on the way to finish the rest of the interior including under the footwells and the vanity mirrors.
I started with my under dash lights...not as easy as I thought. The original bulbs didn't want to pull out with the socket in place, so I had to unscrew the panels that had the mounting hole in each location. After finally getting the old bulbs out, I plugged in the new LEDs and everything looks good. Tightened up the plastic panels and looks original now.
I think I might wait until tomorrow morning to try the map lights, however......
Due to the lack of my mechanical skill, if I get into the map lights and have trouble getting the lens to fit over the LED and decide to just go with the shorter LED, which LED from V-Leds is the one I should order?
Thanks for all your assistance. My V is little by little looking sharper and sharper!
I promise, they'll fit, lol. It will look funny at first, but when you install it, it will fit/sit fine. Do it and let me know if you have any questions. I promise it's easy. Hit me up for help. 501.339.88 seven 1
Kudos and thanks to the Captain! I ran into a snag doing my map lights and he talked me through the problem. I now have LED map lights, under dash lights and door lights! They look great.
One clarification: after you unscrew the module on the map lights, you lift up and pull back on the tab to unplug the module. I broke a thumbnail and index finger nail trying to get the thing unplugged. Even after I figured out you had to lift up on the tab a little (and got the left one unplugged), I still couldn't get the right (passenger) side unplugged. You can actually remove the lens and the original bulb and plug in the new one (as the Captain instructed) without unplugging the module.
Anyway, both sides are done and they look terrific. Thanks to the Captain, I have Plasti-dipped front grills and LED interior lights...what's next, Captain?
Just added the LED to my glove box...but have decided the rear dome lights aren't worth the effort. Only had someone back there 10 minutes during the life of my car and only an umbrella lives there...
I'm obviously a total Klutz if I injured myself following your video on the map lights! I need to see how to do it before I can even THINK about trying it myself.
Any length you want. I"m going to use 12", you just pull out the stock light housing in the trunk, and there is a red and black wire. You strip the red and black wire back, and wrap the red and black from the LED strip around the red and black strip from the factory harness. Pretty easy. Or you can get T-taps, and just press them onto the corresponding factory wiring. If you don't want to cut your factory wiring (no one will EVERRR see this), you can buy a light specifically for the socket that converts to an LED strip, but i'm going to have to do some searching to see what size festoon bulb the trunk is.
Alright, looks like my previous method isn't going to work. For some reason, these bulbs hold a charge at all times. The incandescent bulb doesn't light up, but the LED's flicker when the trunk light is "off"......this might work, but i'm not willing to test it. I'm going to buy the correct bulb for the factory socket: http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED-...LED/6K-WHITE-45W-9-LED-HIGH-p9768526-1-2.html
I am going to attempt the 13 bulb mod tomorrow Captain.....do you know of anyone that has done the in-dash accent lighting at all? The newer CTSs (10-12) have white ambient lights that run along the dash and doors, along with an illuminated kick plate in the doors.......
- ^^^ - Note that the posts from Captain are over a year old now, and I don't remember seeing him post at all on this forum recently. He may have moved to the, "other", forum ... ?
- ^^^ - Note that the posts from Captain are over a year old now, and I don't remember seeing him post at all on this forum recently. He may have moved to the, "other", forum ... ?
I did the footwell ones yesterday. I had to take off the driver side panel, the bulb would not come out (three screws). The passenger side came out easy.
Will continue the other ones next week - probably license plate is next.
George
Quick question for those of you that have made this mod. I picked up 13 of the 194s from SuperBirghtLEDs, but notice that when the interior lights are fading, they get to about dark and then flicker one last time before shutting off. Has anyone else noticed this issue in their install?
Mine have not had that issue. Got them from Vleds.com though. They fade out and turn off with out a hitch!
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