Antenna Receiver LED (Need assistance)

[DavePont]

Hi! As most of you must have noticed, many cars have a blue led light flashing on their rearview mirror that makes a rather nice glow at night when seen from outside the car. I have been told these were the led attesting the antenna receiver is operational, and, (maybe this is personnal) gives the feeling of a well-protected car. So I thought it would be a good theft-repellant, since my car has been victim of 3 stealing attempts.

Now a local shop sells some rather nice ones, with a strong glow, and integrated flashing system, but tell me it can only be installed on the dashboard because they link it to the ignition (12V necessary). I would really like to install one on my rearview mirror, first of all for the style, and for the security (less credible if it's next to the glovebox, imho).

Any of you have tips on how I could do this? I thought maybe the domelight wire would be some kind of close, or maybe the one that makes sun-blockers mirrors light up when opened? Detailed steps on how to proceed would be well-appreciated, my knowledge of the camry, car and electrical stuff being very limited.

Thanks a lot for your help!

[Racer_Rodney]

sounds like a good install idea, but very complicated. I am not fermilliar with the lights your talking about can you put up a link so I can check them out, I am sure I can figure out how to install it if I can see it


side note, why not just put an alarm in?

[CraigW]

I think you are seeing the models with digital temperature and or compass display that is in the rear view miiror. You could add a flashing LED to simulate an alarm system. You dont want to draw too much current as it may run down the battery overnight.

[DavePont]

about the alarm, its all about the cost.. im poor!


and the light, simple, its just a bulb with a round rubber trim around the base... with a white and a red wire (ground and whatever else I guess) that you have to connect to a 12v source i think the guy told me.... aaaand what else... oh, he told me the car could stand still for a whole year with only that little light flashing and the battery would still take it... its just a tiny bulb after all...

soooo?

(thanks for any help btw)

[Stealth]

You could do it, but it's more trouble than it's worth. Plus, you'd have to have a wire come from the headliner to the mirror which would be visible, although you could hide it a little at least.