POLL: To get interior footwell LED lighting or not

[k-existence]

Im debating on getting interior footwell lighting... the ones in the front and rear (under the seats) but i wanted to know your opinions...

Is it going to be too distracting if I have it on at night while driving (might get like 5" strip so its not as bright)? I could also get a dimmer so they aren't as bright?

Should I only have them on with my dome light so when the doors are open/ when i take out my key?

what experience do you guys have with the lighting? Good idea? bad idea?

I'll make a poll :D thanks

[cwp_sedan]

Just hook them up to a switch. Done and done. Then you have the choice as to when you want them on. Leave them at full power! :)

[RedRaptor]

Just hook them up to a switch. Done and done. Then you have the choice as to when you want them on. Leave them at full power! :)

+1

The Ford Focus SES trim has interior LED lighting (multiple colours too!) hooked up to a switch at the console. I was so amused by it. Yes it might be ricey but I sure loved it especially changing the colour in different moods!

[el_rodento]

Go for it! I recently installed some red led strip lighting under the front driver and passenger footwells. I have them wired up to the light that illuminates the cigarette-lighter ring. This means that the footwell lights are always on whenever the rest of the red interior lights come on. I haven't found them distracting so far... but then again I like anything with shiny LEDs.

[k-existence]

Go for it! I recently installed some red led strip lighting under the front driver and passenger footwells. I have them wired up to the light that illuminates the cigarette-lighter ring. This means that the footwell lights are always on whenever the rest of the red interior lights come on. I haven't found them distracting so far... but then again I like anything with shiny LEDs.

what size strip did you get? 12"?

[p-o-g-i]

Mine are just hooked up to a toggle switch. I have them on when I drive, but noly at night (pointless during the day). I don't find them distracting at all; use to them as I've had these on previous rides. Mine are 9" I believe... only did the front, not the rear.

[Noisy Crow]

Why limit yourself? Install an SP3T toggle switch. Run a feed from the dome light to it and another from switched power. Then you can switch between "On with Dome light", "off all the time" and "on when the car is powered up"

[k-existence]

Mine are just hooked up to a toggle switch. I have them on when I drive, but noly at night (pointless during the day). I don't find them distracting at all; use to them as I've had these on previous rides. Mine are 9" I believe... only did the front, not the rear.

any photos?! I'd love to see


Why limit yourself? Install an SP3T toggle switch. Run a feed from the dome light to it and another from switched power. Then you can switch between "On with Dome light", "off all the time" and "on when the car is powered up"

hmmm where can I get this switch? I'm going to get the electrical guru to do it for me..aka dan so I'll have to ask if hes able to do that

[Noisy Crow]

hmmm where can I get this switch? I'm going to get the electrical guru to do it for me..aka dan so I'll have to ask if hes able to do that

If Dan isn't able to wire up footwell lights like this then I wouldn't let him near my car's electrical system! :chuckle (Yeah, it's that basic a wiring thing)

In any case the switches are available at any decent electrical supplier.... if I were looking for one I would check out Sayal... they have a store on Matheson in Mississauga, and that's where I get most of my electronic stuff. But you can likely get one at Cdn Tire as well... just won't have the same selection. And of course there is the Internet.... here's one example, but they come in all shapes (I actually linked a SPDT centre off switch... same thing as SP3T for the purpose at hand) http://cgi.ebay.ca/6pcs-Latching-Car-ON-OFF-ON-SPDT-3P-ROCKER-SWITCH-R11C_W0QQitemZ120468705860QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item1c0c7e9244&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14http://cgi.ebay.ca/6pcs-Latching-Car-ON-OFF-ON-SPDT-3P-ROCKER-SWITCH-R11C_W0QQitemZ120468705860QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item1c0c7e9244&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Other configurations you could use are a DP3T or a DPDT center off :) You just wouldn't use half the contacts..................

[omalak]

do it! I did mine in blue, i used a 24 led strip

I only did my front footwells, the wires are running into my map lights. so they only come on when the doors are open and then they dim down and shut off with the lights.

It looks great!

[el_rodento]

what size strip did you get? 12"?

I used a 24cm LED strip.

[coreyhkh]

I want foot well lighting Mazda is supposed to be coming out with this.

[k-existence]

In any case the switches are available at any decent electrical supplier.... if I were looking for one I would check out Sayal... they have a store on Matheson in Mississauga, and that's where I get most of my electronic stuff. [/URL]



I live in mississauga so I can head over there no probs. BUT how can I ensure I will get a switch that can will fit in area by the wheel, where the stock interior light dimmer currently is... :bang maybe i'm jus not seeing how/where i could put the switch... anyone have a pic that I could see? :D and link of what switch they got?

another important question!!!
i still have 2 more years for my Mazda warranty... are they going to give me shit like OH its not covered because you have modd your interior lights system incase i need to get something fixed...
please share your experience?

[blankets3]

Its easy to do i even made a walk though on mazda 3 forums using the fusebox as a tap point was very easy to hide the wires! ill post the link right after the break

[blankets3]

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=156146.msg3328064#msg3328064

[k-existence]

thanks for the write up but it definitely look a little too complex for a super noob. :superman

hmm still debating on them. one big concern is will mazda void my warranty because i got these lights installed?

[blankets3]

i doubt they would its just a simple tap? unless ur car mechincally caught on fire. if ur in my area id be more than glad to help you out

[blankets3]

i doubt they would its just a simple tap? unless ur car mechincally caught on fire. if ur in my area id be more than glad to help you out

i mean ur car had a electrical fire****

[k-existence]

I think I'm gonna get them... maybe 5" and see how bright they are to decide if I want them on with the headlights or dome lights...

but im debating now on adding a switch or not (how does one shop for a switch?!) or jus doing it like how your tutorial shows. but i dunno... i have no electrical skill what-so-ever.. i have never spliced anything in my life or even change fuse... =_=

where are u located blankets3?

[sp3GT]

I've seen pics of Omalak's and it looks amazing, I will be running a GB on LED Strips soon!

Stay Tuned!

[blankets3]

im located in Hamilton, if u want i can help u out no problem, i can even show u mine, i have them hooked up to a switch myself... like i keep saying im going to hook them up so they are only on at night (tied to my headlights) but i just need to find a day off mby tomorrow since im off

just pm me anytime and ill answer within 15 mins.