I have a 2007 F-150 XLT, and I am a smoker as well. I was getiing really tired of trying to find my ash tray at night because of the lack of light by the cup holder/ash cup area. I went to Auto Zone and found this LED strip that adhers to just about any surface. It is about 14 inces long so you can place it very nicely around the innerside of the cup holder. I would suggest heating it up first to make it more plyable. Sticking it inside your air duct with the heater on does a fantastic job. I then took the center consol out by removing the four nuts that support it to the floor (don't forget to unplug the rear power outlet on the rear of the consol before lifting the consol away. I ran a piece of 12 guage wire under the carpet and into the AC/radio cavity area. Next I pulled the radio out and found the power control wire that when energized causes your radio display to dim when the headlights come on, I tied the LED wire to it; this will enable the LED strip to come on only when your headlights are on. It will work in the headlight auto mode too. I would post a picture but I don't know how. I just thought this post might be useful to others that share the same frustration as I do. In all, it too me about 1 hour to do it. If you would like to see pictures please ask and I would be happy to share.

 

I forgot to mention, the 12 guage wire was used as a pull wire (not the power wire) so I could get the 24 guage wires that power the LED strip under the carpet. Also I found the blue LED style looks the best; however there is white and red also.

 

Nice work pc09123...I'll post those photos up for you.

 

Neat idea.

 

Thank you for the upload. Now folks can put sense to my thread.

 

Hey pc09123,
Do you know if that rope light can be cut to a shorter length (and work of course!)? I have a similar application need, but 14" is too much. I need more like <4-5".
Thanks!

 

I believe the light strip is controlled at every third light by a micro resistor, and is on a flexible circuit strip. I wouldn't want to throw away $17.00 to try it. However; I'm sure it could be done, but it would not be advantagious due to the time involved. I hope this helps a little, and if there is someone elese out there who might be able to elaborate or correct me if I'm wrong, please do.