Vibe Mirror Turn Signal lights DIY

[Derf]

07/20/14 Added update on forward facing LED's in mirror

Discussion on Genvibe got me interested in adding this option. Wanted to add lights to the door switch panel. Since I would have to take the door apart for that project, this was only one more step. Adding up bits and pieces of information scattered across this site, gave the project a try. Summed up the steps in the video below. Their are many different versions of this modification, add your version to the thread.

Turn signal wires, are 12v off the flasher. They can be tied into directly so long as you so not overload the system. On the flasher, one side has 5 wires the other has 3. On the three wire side there is one wire two blanks and a group of two wires. The wire by itself should be Green with a black trace, this is the Left turn signal. In the group of two wires, the Green with yellow trace is the Right turn signal.

Here is a link on running wires to the door:
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=42830

Here is the video link highlighting steps for adding mirror lights:
http://youtu.be/jp0GUxDBHyQ



If I did it again, I may used a different light option. The strip lights were a tight fit between the mirror edge and housing. When done, I lost a little range in mirror adjustment due to the mirror hitting the strip. Adding LED arrows to the mirror inlay, seemed the best option. With old plastic, did not want to take the chance on damaging the assemblies. Perhaps a series of bright amber LED's behind the mirror to create a ring of light between the mirror and housing would work. Overall the project went well, found another rust spot behind the mirror, had to fix before putting the mirror back on.

UPDATE: Forward facing LED's added, Picture inside mirror housing and then with turn signal illuminated.
Inside showing wiring, not to bad to work on, just keep in mind mirror adjustment motor and mounts

Illuminated front facing LED's


Used 5 amber LED's in series with resistor Ground-LED-LED-LED-LED-LED-Resistor-+12v can fit 6 LED's in mirror housing without issue
Used the following LED's color was a good match with the corner turn signal lights.
5mm Yellow 595 nm, 20 ma, 5000mcd, 30 degree viewing angle LED
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo ... 0-mcd/287/
Trick with this modification is keeping things weather tight. I used hot glue to seal all the solder connections in the mirror housing. Do not use silicone, it will eat wiring as it produces ammonia. Drilled 3/16" hole for LED's secured them with a dab of hot glue, completed the wiring, then covered everything in hot glue to keep water salt etc from getting in.

[Salsa Guy]

Nice Mod! Did you think about adding the lights outside the frame or on the edge of mirror?

[Water boy]

Great How-To.

Not real crazy about the flashing into the eyes of the driver though but still a great application.

Must be nice to have a garage big enough for a forklift AND a tractor.

[hoooboy]

Thanks for the videos

It will help on matrixowners forum too!!!

[Derf]

Great How-To.
Not real crazy about the flashing into the eyes of the driver though but still a great application.

Must be nice to have a garage big enough for a forklift AND a tractor.

When I planned the mod, I had intended to put the lights behind the mirror. Although there was plenty of space, the strip was not flexible enough to place were I wanted. The strip is very bright, fortunately I bought one that could be trimmed in segments. Going to cut two segments off the end (outer edge of the mirror) to reduce light coming back to the driver. Going to try a different arrangement on the passenger side, once it warms up.

Its an old livestock barn converted into a workspace with storage. Even with insulation its no match for this cold blast.

Nice Mod! Did you think about adding the lights outside the frame or on the edge of mirror?

Thought about those options, but wanted a clean look. On the passenger side, I think I will drill holes and mount individual LED's pointing forward, down, and behind the mirror. Trying to figure out a good way to weather proof all the connections.

[Derf]

Added update to original post, now front and rear mirror lights

[tpollauf]

Added update to original post, now front and rear mirror lights

Nice. I still plan on doing a similar mod like this to the 2009-10 Vibes. Maybe this winter if I slow down and have some extra time on my hands