Silverado LED interior lighting install - Gentleman, I recently drove a rental car that had LEDs under the dash and in the back that lit the floor up. In this ...

Gentleman,

I recently drove a rental car that had LEDs under the dash and in the back that lit the floor up. In this case the lights could be changed from blue, green, red and I think just white.

I really liked the effect.

My questions...

1. Do you see issue with wiring it to a constant live power source and running them whe ever the truck is running? Even during the daytime. Any ideas on what to tap into to get this power? The power ports are live all the time.

2. The other idea is to hook them up to the headlights so when they turn on the LEDs activate. But, that requires running a lot of wiring.


Opinions are desired.

Here is a link to what I was thinking about.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LED-BLUE-12-STRIP-INTERIOR-LIGHTS-xenon-hid-CHEVY-/350405384372?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5195c9d8b4

I would think you could grab a 12V constant from the fuse box. Use a relay, and trigger the relay by tapping into a wire that comes on with the headlights. Why not just mount a switch in the dash so you can turn them on whenever you want dark or light outside?

Excellent thought although a bit over my head (relay?). So question, if I have automatic headlights wouldn't I get the same effect by just tapping into the same headlight wiring?

I considered the switch but I could see myself forgetting half the time to switch them on. I am going to add a switch to override them. Not sure why I would need that but I think it is a good idea to have one.


Oh and thanks for posting that pic. I am still learning this forum stuff. You rock!


-Dan

How about if the LED strips come on when the headlights are on.... UNLESS you don't want them to you have a toggle switch?

Maybe?

What does the relay do for you. Seems to me all I would need is a switch and a fuse from the head lamps to the LEDs. Then the automatic lights turn on the LEDs as needed based on daylight and I can use the switch to override them if desired. Sorry wiring is not my forte.

a relay will let you use the headlights as a switch using power from the battery so your headlights wont be dimmer

I love you guys. I get it now! Woo Hoo! So how do I go about getting this relay and where?

thats what were here for umm idk what size relay you'll need for that application but im sure somebody here will have an idea

Parts Express $1.29
12 VDC Automotive 5-Pin Relay SPDT 30/40A

Amazon $3.19
12 VDC Tyco Relay SPDT 20/30A

Your local Autozone, O'Reily, NAPA, etc. will have them. I think even WalMart has them.

Will (99chevyz71) is correct. You never want to piggyback power from another accessory because you'll drag power from it (making them dimmer) and you exceed the fuse rating and just a bad wiring concept in general. Use a relay and get power from the source, your battery. Good luck!

I want to thank Austin for the schematic and help with properly wiring this.

It is done and I am really happy with it.

In review I purchased two 12in blue LED strips off ebay for $9, 2-rolls of wire, various wiring connectors, a switch and relay. Overall about $25.

The switch needs to change. I love where it is mounted because it is easy to reach and not easily seen behind the steering wheel. The issue is the switch has an LED of its own which in the dark is piercing blue, aggrevating. So if you do this yourself go without an LED in the switch. The switch is mounted in the cluster bezel and that pops right out. Since I used a round switch I drilled a 1in hole and it snapped right in. It almost looks OEM.

The LEDs come on with when the automatic headlights do when it gets dark, and shut of the same. The pretty much operate the same as the headlights.

I put the switch in just in case I want to override them. My son feels his back seat needs them also. The LED strips will not work there due to a lack of place to mount them. So I found some pods that will work out nicely.

Cars/Trucks and I do not get along so this is a very rewarding project.

Thanks
Dan