So I ordered the Blue Cold Cathode kit for my 06 xB. It comes with the switch and instructions for wiring it up, but I want it to match my dome light (come on when I unlock with the fob and when I open the door. I didn't get an email back from him, and found a few things around the web, but I was curious if anyone had any direct experience. I'm a newb and don't want to fry my box. Thanks for any help you can give.

 

Just to be safe i would not do the direct hookup to the dome light. If the load you are adding draws no more than 1/2Amp, then may be. But you are risking to overload and fry a $300 part (door lock relay).

 

I wouldn't hook a Cathode kit to the dome light. From what i've read about they draw a lot of power and the dome light is on the same relay as the security system and many of the powered accessories (windows and door locks). The system (i heard) freaks out if not enough power is drawn, and the computer thinks the dome has blown out and sends out a warning light to fix it.

I did wire a bunch of LED strips to the dome light to get the same effect.
The dome draws about 500mA or 1/2 amp.
So that's the number you need to work with.
I got my LEDs from Oznium.com

http://www.oznium.com/led-flex-strips

i bought
2 4.7 inch strips = 80mA
2 2.4 inch strips = 40mA
1 small flex LED dome light = 250mA

so it's about 370mA which is pretty close to the original bulb with room for a few more small LED strips or single LEDs in cup holders or what not.

Here's some pics of my set up.
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...07&postcount=2

I'm a total newb as well and the was my first mod so i researched the crap out of it before i did it.

The dome fuse is a 15amp so just be sure to put a smaller fuse in the power line from the source you're using. I'm using a 3amp fuse.

I used one of the "dummy plugs" they send you with the LED dome light to tap the power coming from the dome light. No need to cut ot "tap" any wires on the box. totally self contained system which can be removed in about 5 minutes or less.

Hoped this helped.


Just make sure your check the mA rating on each color as the amperage varies by color and size of the LED strip.