I recently replaced the crap trunk light in my car with a multi-LED board and I thought that I would write up a little how-to so that anyone looking for more trunk lighting can do so fairly easily.

This is a super easy install but it does involve electronic components so I have to say: Do this at your own risk! I claim no responsibility for lack of results nor any problems that should occur that would compromise the integrity of the electrical system on your car. Seek professional help if you feel uncomfortable in any part of the installation process.

With that said, this is pretty much plug and play. It took me a total of 20 minutes(and that included stopping to take a picture at every step).

I should note that I did not disconnect the battery. I instead made all the necessary connections with the light enclosure unplugged from the rest of the car and reconnected it once everything was all buttoned up. If you feel uncomfortable around DC circuits, please go ahead and disconnect the battery to avoid all possibility of shock.

Also, sorry for a few pictures that seem a little sideways. It's a lack of editing on my part but you should still get the idea!

Now lets get to business! here are some before and after shots


this LED is one that I purchased off of DDM tuning's website. Its a 3 Watt COB(chip on board) panel light which can be found here:http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/Hi...COB-LED-Panels

Materials used were the LED panel unit, adapter which is included in the LED kit, heat shrink tube, and a heat gun to shrink the tube.



The heat shrink tube is not necessary, I've included it in my install for added security between the connection plugs. You can use electrical tape or nothing at all if you like, the choice is up to you.

First thing to do is remove and unplug the stock light


Next we remove the stock light bulb from the enclosure and install the springy adapter in place of the bulb like so.


The next step is optional but recommended for that pro finish

I connected the LED panel, note the piece of heat shrink tube put in place before making the connection


and after applying heat to shrink the tube to a snug fit


I then replaced the light enclosure, fitted the LED panel in position using the pre-applied double sided tape, and then finally plugged the unit back in.


And there you have it! You can finally see all of the goodies you place in your trunk. The light dispersion is awesome and the LED gives off a very cool white light with just a hint of blue. My iphone didn't pick up the blue in the last picture but I assure you it's there!



I hope you enjoyed this How-to and possibly may have even inspired you to do this yourself. It is well worth the minimal amount of effort needed!

Cheers!

 

Wow awesome! this is definitely in the future for me. Thanks for the write up

 

awesome! I was just gonna change the bulb to a festoon but i'll do this now, thanks!

 

awesome writeup i see myself needing this sometime in the near future

 

Sweet thanks..Will be ordering this soon

 

i need to do this and btw where did you get that first aid kit?

 

I appreciate the feed back guys.

The first aid kit is something that the dealership gave me. It's super cheap though and probably wouldn't get me through a proper emergency. You can get basic(or advanced) first aid kits at any construction supply place for fairly cheap then just add a few extra items like a flashlight, road flares etc.

Just driving around I don't worry too much since I have road side assistance but I tend to mangle myself up while mountain biking so my kit does get used more often than I'd like, haha.