Footwell illumination for under $10

After seeing pics of footwell light installs, I really wanted to add something to my car. I'm super cheap though and $90 for the Forester kit is a bit of a ripoff IMO. I didn't want anything fancy, just a blue LED wedge bulb under both sides of the dash that would come on with the other interior lights.

 

 

Parts Needed:

-LEDs in the color of your choice $4.39 ([ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009YPIZ36?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage]Amazon.com: Cutequeen LED Car Lights Bulb Blue T10 5050 5-SMD 194 168 (pack of 4): Automotive[/ame])

NO LONGER RECOMMENDED!! Mine shorted out and burned up.

Get something from here instead: https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/miniature-wedge-base/filter/Cross_Reference_Number,WLED,21,201:LED_Color,Blue,136,4626:

-Sockets $4.99 ([ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KVU6YRW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00]Amazon.com: Partsam 6x 168/194(T3-1/4) Twist Lock Wedge instrument Panel Dash Light Bulb Base Socket: Automotive[/ame])

Better choice, NO MODIFICATION required: https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/vehicle-bulb-sockets-adapters/t325-wedge-base-socket-wired/1150/2737/

http://i.imgur.com/LPWeV4L.jpg?3

-Crimp-on electrical connectors left over from previous projects (optional)

-A few feet of wire I found in my garage*

-Fuse holder I had laying around*

Total cost to me: $9.38

 

*If you don't have these items:

Wire - [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Grand-General-55221-18-Gauge-Primary/dp/B00INVEQKI/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1438502842&sr=1-3&keywords=wire]Amazon.com: Grand General 55221 Red 18-Gauge Primary Wire: Automotive[/ame]

Fuse holders - [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-0400ATCFH16-5-Fuse-Holder-Gauge/dp/B008CVPE8C/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1438502897&sr=1-1&keywords=fuse+holder]Amazon.com : Scosche 0400ATCFH16-5 ATC Fuse Holder 16 Gauge 5 Pack : Automotive Fuse Holders : Automotive[/ame]

 

 

 

-Extend lights to rear - run positive leads along console/carpet seam to underneath driver/passenger seats. Tie in to seat bolts for ground. Mount to something up under seat (not sure as I personally haven't done this).

http://i.imgur.com/FaL55yR.jpg

 

 

Tools Needed:

-Prybar (preferably plastic ) [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Leegoal-Panel-Dashboard-Dismantle-Installer/dp/B00D7XNQHG/ref=pd_sim_422_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=029RDY7TJ32YP14MZJ4H]Amazon.com : Leegoal New Car Door Clip Panel Audio Video Dashboard Dismantle Kits Installer Pry Tool : Car Trim Removal Tool : Electronics[/ame]

-Wire strippers

-Wrench or socket for ground bolts (10mm I think?)

-Soldering iron

-Hot glue gun

-Drill w/ small bit, dremel with cutting wheel, or small hacksaw/knife

-Electrical tape

-Zipties

 

Install:

 

1. Pull out the center vent assembly.http://i.imgur.com/o8ZRv7i.jpg

Use a prybar, start from a short side, pop out each corner and work your way around.

2. Unplug hazard button connector. Determine which wire is for the switch illumination.

http://i.imgur.com/oz2f5GK.jpg

Push down on the tab and it should pull right out. With the plug upright, it should be the wire on the right.

 

3. Take apart connector. Insert wire into correct slot and put back together.

http://i.imgur.com/GZ7gzgD.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/JO8aLp3.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ds4WJ4X.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/OPxra5j.jpg

Use electrical tape to keep it from slipping out.

 

4. Run wires down to driver and passenger footwells. Connect to fuse. Connect other end of fuse to hazard connector tap.

http://i.imgur.com/HWNzPs7.jpg

Make sure the wires aren't caught on anything sharp or touching anything hot. Ziptie in place when done.

http://i.imgur.com/fZK76hI.jpg

 

5. Put vent back together.

Tuck wires out of the way, pop vent assembly back in place

 

6. Modify sockets.

http://i.imgur.com/FkGErQd.jpg

Remove contacts. Drill/cut out sides of socket. Solder wires to sides of contacts. Put back together.

7. Install sockets in footwell panels.

http://i.imgur.com/fI7BHzx.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ABWJ7dR.jpg

Hot glue around the connections to ensure they won't break off.

 

8. Hook up ground wires.

http://i.imgur.com/50tTHAy.jpg

Driver side use hood release bolt.

http://i.imgur.com/nNIQrlL.jpg

Passenger side use this bolt.

 

9. Plug in, put panels back in place.

Use crimp-on tab connectors on the hotwire to make things easily removable.

 

10. DONE! Time to test them out...

http://i.imgur.com/1sFgNSH.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Rt67Rdn.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dkrkpPl.jpg

Edited October 7, 2015 by andrew_l_s
Updated parts list

Awesome write-up. This is definitely something missing in these cars - nice footwell illumination.

Well done!

Not a fan at all of footwell illumination but you did a very nice job and great write up and pics. Kudos for being frugal Andrew and getting the same results as those that spent 10X that amount! I'm sure many folks will attempt your "low-cost" mod. Thanks for sharing:)

Great write up.

Now this is a fantastic thread which will be view and followed for many years. Great job and with step by step instructions and pictures for clarification, a novice will be able to do this mod.

 

I assume since the footwells work in conjunction with the other interior lights they will come on with the approach lights.

 

Now this is and will look like a factory option if they had it.

 

 

Note: A link should be embed in the stickies.

Edited August 2, 2015 by Yoda_One

Great write up... What amperage/size fuse are you recommending here?

 

Thank you =)

Subscribed! FANTASTIC write up. I like they more people are messing around with things and coming up with some DIY stuff.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

*goes to Amazon instantly and orders everything needed...* if I can justify a Starbucks coffee on the way to work I can very easily justify a $10 footwell upgrade! Thanks man!!

Well considering I don't have a lot of what's needed, I can't do it for <$10. Still pretty happy to see this and I already spent <$60 for all I do need!

Thanks for all the kind replies, glad to see some of you already preparing to do this yourselves (and giving up starbucks for it:lol:)! Would love to see your results and any improvements/changes you make, thanks!

 

 

I assume since the footwells work in conjunction with the other interior lights they will come on with the approach lights.

 

Yessir! Any time the button illumination is on

 

Great write up... What amperage/size fuse are you recommending here?

 

Thank you =)

 

I used a 2amp, really anything low would be fine just to prevent frying your dash lights in case of a short...never know about these cheap LEDs

Very good write up. I don't consider you "super cheap" driving an Ltd w/Eyesight. Talk about super cheap, myself driving a 1997 Saturn SL1 for 18 years. I did love the 45 MPG Hwy, and it still runs good but it's slowly falling apart and shifting gears is getting old, like me. Probably could have made it work for a couple more years but I just couldn't resist all the new technology in the Legacy. My 2016 with Eyesight has an ETA of Aug. 17th. Can't wait. I feel like a 63 year old kid.

 

Anyone know of a dimmer bulb or how to make those bulbs dimmer. Resistors?? Just looks a little too bright.

Welcome aboard youngster.

 

 

You can always put a resistors of different size until you get to the brightness you are looking for or just put a potentiometer. Dial it down(+ resistance) to the point that it appeals to your liking then you pack it away or use a VOM to measure the resistance buy the resistor closest to the measurement and solder into place.

 

I left out something important you need to know what the variance of voltage of operation of the LEDs which are installed, purchase less wattage luminous leds or you can build or purchase pwm module. The pot will work within the tolerance before flicker or the point it will no light.

 

Sorry a senior moment.

Edited August 4, 2015 by Yoda_One

 

Would this wiring diagram of what I plan for my lights work? It's been a while since I've done anything with circuits and obviously don't what to mess up my car lol

Anyone know of a dimmer bulb or how to make those bulbs dimmer. Resistors?? Just looks a little too bright.

 

I got a little PWM dimmer off e-bay for like $3 for my cupholder lighting project I did a while back. The thread is here somewhere. These are designed to work specifically with LED lighting and will definitely tone the lights down.

Or, you could just buy the official Subaru kit. (cars101.com announced the kit on July 30th.)

^^^

Yes, but really pricey.

Edited August 4, 2015 by Yoda_One

Pricey is right... $189? If I was going to do this, I think I'd stick to the $10 mod.

 

Mostly because I'm cheap... lol

Not cheap just frugal.

Would be nice to see the instructions for the install to see what kind of connection it uses and then create your own. The techinfo site doesn't list the install instructions yet.

Just out of curiousity, and sorry if you had already explained but when you do this type of installation as you had written out for us...when do these footwell lights turn on? Only at night?

I assume since the footwells work in conjunction with the other interior lights they will come on with the approach lights.

 

Yessir! Any time the button illumination is on

 

Great write up... What amperage/size fuse are you recommending here?

 

Thank you =)

 

I used a 2amp, really anything low would be fine just to prevent frying your dash lights in case of a short...never know about these cheap LEDs

I really think this is a great Idea, and not to step on Andrew l_s_'s great post, but if you want to save a little time you can find the sockets for the lights on eBay that come with pigtails so you don't have to mess around modifying the socket. They ship from USA!

Just out of curiousity, and sorry if you had already explained but when you do this type of installation as you had written out for us...when do these footwell lights turn on? Only at night?

 

Yes, when the dash buttons are illuminated, the footwells will be too.

 

 

I really think this is a great Idea, and not to step on Andrew l_s_'s great post, but if you want to save a little time you can find the sockets for the lights on eBay that come with pigtails so you don't have to mess around modifying the socket. They ship from USA!

 

If you have a link to these please share it! Any suggestions for improvements are welcome and appreciated.

Here is the link for the pigtailed sockets.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/311293259517?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

This is the link where I bought the leds.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111688244123?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

They are all USA locations.