Interior LED Lighting

[Cra1g]

Here's what I want to do. I want to put LED strips underneath the dash and also underneath the car seats so that there is a cool blue glow by your feet. The thing is, I want them to only turn on when any of the doors are open. I am a complete noob at car electronics and wiring so could you explain this to me like I am an 8 year old. Thanks!

[tribalman]

if you are unsure of your skills i wouldn't recommend doing the modification. it'll involve taking apart parts of the car, cutting wires, and soldering. i figure you can cut the wires for the dome light and then solder the LED lights in series with dome light. it can probably be done at the fuse.

[Wolfman213]

IF you are wanting something for the dome oznium carries those. Check out my garage and you can see the dome leds. If you are wanting something strictly under the dash and seat to ONLY open when you have the doors open, it will probably be more trouble than it's worth. You would have to find the relay or wires that are associated with that. *edit* I was just thinking about this some more. Your best bet would be to have a relay so they can be controlled not only by the doors being open, but also by a switch so you will be able to have indepedent use of them.

[Cra1g]

Yeah I thought it would be kind of difficult for somebody like me. Maybe I'll find a friend that could do it.

[DaveD]

First of all, yes I'm new, just found the forums after I picked up my Vibe today, and I haven't introduced my self properly yet (major forum faux pas I know), however, I was reading this post and had a thought. I did a similar project with an old cavalier that I used to own... Under seat, under dash neons. The way I worked the circuit was tapping in to the door plunger that the dome light and obnoxious door chime are tired into. Presto, lights that only work when the doors are open. As for power, that's up to you. I initially had them plugged into the lighter but later hard wired them to the panel.