Ok here is what I would like to do. I bought a LED from Radio Shack to install in the overhead console of my 03 Lariat. Why? well to shine down on my coffee cup so I know where the hole is in the dark. This has bugged me for a long time. Well, my inlaws have a Dodge minivan that I have to drive when we visit. We always load up my ruggers and the inlaws and head 2 hours south to visit more family. I noticed on all the return trips (in the dark) that the center stack is vaguely lighted and finally found how. They (Dodge) mounted a green LED shining down on the dash. It is not annoying or distracting. It is just enough to illuminate the controls, cup holder, ashtray etc. So I have to do this. This weekend.

My question is this: does anyone know which wires (that feed the overhead Lie-o-metre) I could tap into for juice for this LED? Or should I just run new power from below?

Also any tips on how to get the overhead console down without breaking all that plasitc before I actually do it would be great too.

Please don't try to understand my madness...simply nod and smile and be glad it is not you.

big

 

There is a mod for doing the clearence lights that tells you haow to take the interior ceiling down. You should seee enough wires to tap an LED into I would think.

 

The cover that goes around the overhead console just gets yanked down, seriously. It's held up there by clips that just pop into place. It seems scary, but if you just pull straight down like you mean it the cover comes off. Then you'll see the screws that hold the rest of the console to the roof. I wouldn't tap into the power for the console itself or the LED would be on all the time, and would probably dim when the console dimmed. I would probably just run a wire down to the light switch and tap into the parking light wire so the LED only comes on when the parking lights are turned on. But first, before I installed it, I would power up the LED to check it's brightness. Most LED's are really bright (think alarm LED) and Dodge may have their own "special" LED's.

 

EC is right.. The best place to splice into would be behind the light control panel.. it would be nice to have control over that LED light that way. Most LED's other than white are not blindingly bright.. BTW.. How's the ride after getting your front end fixed?

 

if he taps into the clearance lights, that' the best bet. instead of having to run a wire all the way to a switch on the dash. he'll only need the led to shine at night, when the running lights are on or headlights.
it's a neat idea. but i don't have the over head console. has anyhone ever added the over head console before. does it just get screwed through the support beams or is the fabric not underneath it?

 

Well, I installed the light on Sunday night. I ran the wire along the headliner at the top of the windscreen, down the A-pillar to the underside of the dash above the brake pedal. I have already tapped into the white wire for the high idle mod to power my Valentine 1 radar detector. I used that same power as it comes on with the key and I didn't think the LED would draw too much for the 18 Ga. wire. I grounded the LED to a piece of sheet metal under the console.

I got the location of the LED just about perfect but misunderestimated how much room I would need on the back side of the console for the LED. My LED is about 1-1/4" tall - about 1/2" too tall to fit where I want it. I will have to locate a shorter LED for it to fit flush. I went ahead and installed the one I had but had to jerry rig it with some black tape to get it to stay put and so the whole thing doesn't glow when it is on. It does work to about 90% of my expectations - it could be a little brighter but maybe the next LED will be. Glad I did it becuse I used it already on Monday morning. I just hope I can locate a shorter LED that fits in my existing 9/32" hole!

Big

 

If your looking for some L.E.D. type lighting, look for a truckers chrome shop in your area. They have a multitude of lights, some very small to be able to hide and direct to the desired locations. Might also find some other goodies to dress up your rig.
Remember, truckers like Chrome, lights and bare (female) legs in passing cars! (not nesicarily in that order!!!!)

 

Can you add some photos. That is my largest complaint with my '06 is that I don't have enough light in the cab when needed.

 

I should not put any pics of the current set up because it looks all hoopty with the LED being too long, but for you, I will

I will try to manufacture some time tonight when I get home to get some photogs put in my gallery.

I will also try to find a better LED for my purpose.

For what it is worth, rufus0415, the "module" that houses the display screen for my lie-o-meter is what is keeping my LED for fitting. I don't know what the back side of the console in yer rig is like. I hope there is enough room for you.

Hold your breath waiting for my pics. ;>)

Big

 

Here are some pics of the LED. Short description in my gallery.

Big

 

How about a pic with the light on and in the dark.I would like to do this also,but need to see how bright it is.Or if it would be distracting while driving.

 

Thanks Big! That was quick. MY overhead console is just a cubby hole and sunglass holder, no electronics at all.

So when your head lights are on, the LED is lit, correct.

Nice job.

 

Funny, with a Moonroof option there is a mini console there and that is where they put the map lights. So that way the lights are up front and available if you need/want light. Wondering how much light those LEDs put out, in green yet . . .

 

The pic in the dark aren't too good, but they do show the light compared to the Lie-o-meter. I tried to take one showing how it illuminates the cupholder but it didn't show anything.

For me, the light, even though it is hanging down more than it should, is not distracting. Sure, I notice it if I want to but otherwise it is no big deal. Also, it is barely bright enough for me. It casts a slight green glow on the cupholder but I have to tilt my coffee cup to make sure the spout is where it needs to be so I don't dump scalding coffee down my cheek.

And how I tapped into the power, it is always on - day or night. It is hooked into the white wire that provides power to the high-idle mod that the diesel guys do. That is the one where you can idle the truck up to 1200 RPMs. I did that simply by connecting two Ford provided wires to a small toggle switch I installed on my dash. The newer trucks have those upfitter switches for that purpose but mine is an 03.

I will try to get those pics up soon.

Big

how's that.

 

looks great,thanks big.