[FAQ] Cold Cathode Under-Dash Lighting Installation Guide
09-25-2003, 04:35 PM
#1
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[FAQ] Cold Cathode Under-Dash Lighting Installation Guide
The factory Scion under-dash lighting is way overpriced, and not very bright. So I went to Fry's to find a better solution.
Materials needed:
Cold Cathode computer case lights $14.00 each includes switch (2 or 4 depending if you want to put them under the seats)
Wire about 10' long
Butt connectors (or wires can be soldered)
Female spade connectors
Split loom
Zip ties
Tools needed:
Philips screwdriver
12mm socket
Wire stripper/crimper
The install:
First go to Fry's and get some of these lights
next, zip tie the lights under the dash. There are some brakets, and a cable to tie them to.
next, pop off the knock out where you want your switch (you can mount it anywhere you want, but I wanted mine here)
next, drill a hole in the knock out for the switch.
I didnt have a large enough drillbit, so after drilling the 1/8" hole, then stepping up to 3/8", i emlarged it to the correct size with a dremel.
next, remove the philips screw in the rear of the console, under the felt pad. Remove the console but pulling up at the front.
next, locate the green wire that goes into the blue plug (this is not used on the cars with manual transmissions) Cut the wire close to the plug and strip the insulation. Crimp a butt connector on the green wire, and a section of wire to the other end. This is your power wire. Run the wire under the carpet to the switch. Crimp a female spade connector on the end of the wire, and attatch to the switch, You will have to remove the plastic cover below the dash, just in front of the console. There is a fastener on the right side of it, then it just pulls off.
attach a ring terminal to another wire and then secure the ring terminal to one of the bolts on the module just in front of the parking brake. This is your ground.
Run the ground wire up to the dash like you did with the power wire.
On the lights that you tied under the dash, clip off the black and yellow wires about 4" from the black box. Do not cut off the black box! Strip the wires and attach the black wire to the ground you just ran from under the console. Attach another wire to the yellow wire coming from the light, attach the other end of that wire to the remaining terminal on the switch with another female spade connector.
Tuck the black box under the carpet under the dash.
cover all of your wiring with split loom, and zip tie in place for a factory look.
You can now test your work
Put the lower dash cover and the console back in. Clean up and go enjoy a frosty beverage. You are done!
Materials needed:
Cold Cathode computer case lights $14.00 each includes switch (2 or 4 depending if you want to put them under the seats)
Wire about 10' long
Butt connectors (or wires can be soldered)
Female spade connectors
Split loom
Zip ties
Tools needed:
Philips screwdriver
12mm socket
Wire stripper/crimper
The install:
First go to Fry's and get some of these lights
next, zip tie the lights under the dash. There are some brakets, and a cable to tie them to.
next, pop off the knock out where you want your switch (you can mount it anywhere you want, but I wanted mine here)
next, drill a hole in the knock out for the switch.
I didnt have a large enough drillbit, so after drilling the 1/8" hole, then stepping up to 3/8", i emlarged it to the correct size with a dremel.
next, remove the philips screw in the rear of the console, under the felt pad. Remove the console but pulling up at the front.
next, locate the green wire that goes into the blue plug (this is not used on the cars with manual transmissions) Cut the wire close to the plug and strip the insulation. Crimp a butt connector on the green wire, and a section of wire to the other end. This is your power wire. Run the wire under the carpet to the switch. Crimp a female spade connector on the end of the wire, and attatch to the switch, You will have to remove the plastic cover below the dash, just in front of the console. There is a fastener on the right side of it, then it just pulls off.
attach a ring terminal to another wire and then secure the ring terminal to one of the bolts on the module just in front of the parking brake. This is your ground.
Run the ground wire up to the dash like you did with the power wire.
On the lights that you tied under the dash, clip off the black and yellow wires about 4" from the black box. Do not cut off the black box! Strip the wires and attach the black wire to the ground you just ran from under the console. Attach another wire to the yellow wire coming from the light, attach the other end of that wire to the remaining terminal on the switch with another female spade connector.
Tuck the black box under the carpet under the dash.
cover all of your wiring with split loom, and zip tie in place for a factory look.
You can now test your work
Put the lower dash cover and the console back in. Clean up and go enjoy a frosty beverage. You are done!
09-25-2003, 05:12 PM
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excellent post, randy. i have one little suggestion. if the light shines up at you when you are driving, through the steering column, then you can put a piece of electrical tape over the top and it will only shine down, not up at you.
09-25-2003, 09:41 PM
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Originally Posted by eric m.
excellent post, randy. i have one little suggestion. if the light shines up at you when you are driving, through the steering column, then you can put a piece of electrical tape over the top and it will only shine down, not up at you.
09-25-2003, 09:55 PM
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Randy >> So I see how you are. You ditched me and decided to go and make your own FAQs to get the credit all to yourself and steal my FAQ template!!. 
Anyways, great install FAQ. Next you need to somehow get a Mini-disco ball to attach to the roof with lights shining on it.
Anyways, great install FAQ. Next you need to somehow get a Mini-disco ball to attach to the roof with lights shining on it.
09-25-2003, 10:08 PM
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Originally Posted by randode
Originally Posted by eric m.
excellent post, randy. i have one little suggestion. if the light shines up at you when you are driving, through the steering column, then you can put a piece of electrical tape over the top and it will only shine down, not up at you.
09-26-2003, 04:52 PM
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Hey Randy,
can u post pix of the second cathode rod installation...just wondernig exactly how u connected the yellow to yellow and black to black wires...
if u don't have any pix..it's coo...
can u post pix of the second cathode rod installation...just wondernig exactly how u connected the yellow to yellow and black to black wires...
if u don't have any pix..it's coo...
09-28-2003, 09:32 PM
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Hey Randy,
Thanx for the DIY instructions... i just installed my cold cathode rods...and they look great...
I have an A/T xB...so i was forced to split the power source (green wire)...but it works great. The whole installation took me about 1 hour... the most time consuming part was drilling the proper size hole for the switch...it looks more difficult than it is...i almost cut my finger off~
ne ways...just wanted to thank you...
next on my mod list...is to drop my car 2". I'll be contacting u for the install...thx again Randy.
Thanx for the DIY instructions... i just installed my cold cathode rods...and they look great...
I have an A/T xB...so i was forced to split the power source (green wire)...but it works great. The whole installation took me about 1 hour... the most time consuming part was drilling the proper size hole for the switch...it looks more difficult than it is...i almost cut my finger off~
ne ways...just wanted to thank you...
next on my mod list...is to drop my car 2". I'll be contacting u for the install...thx again Randy.
11-25-2003, 10:32 PM
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Originally Posted by G-Force
nice FAQ - thank you for posting that!
One question: is the power source always on? or is it on only with the parking lights on? when the door opens?
One question: is the power source always on? or is it on only with the parking lights on? when the door opens?
11-25-2003, 11:55 PM
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Originally Posted by LVXB
okay i just saw the purple pics but are there any others?