[MCeatalot]

HELP!!!

I accidentally switched around the wires (connected red to black, black to red) and now the plug won't work! I tried putting the original bulb in the socket, but it won't light up anymore! Is there a fuse that I can replace?????? Did I just fuck my car wiring?!?!?

I just installed a set of cold cathode computer lights in my trunk. They are much brighter than the tiny bulb that comes stock. I managed to put the light in, in a way that does not require me to tamper with the wiring in the car; no cutting or T-taps were neccessary.

This is the kit that I bought. I cut the computer connectors off already here.

I then proceded to cut the switch off, soldered on a 5x20mm fuse holder on to the positive lead, and covered up the connection with heatshrink. I used a 250V 1A slow burn fuse. When the tubes are lit, the ballast draws about 700ma. I don't know if it is higher on start up so I used a slow burn fuse.

This is the stock bulb holder for the trunk light. It is easily removed by squeezing the sides in and then disconnecting the wiring harness. I found that I could fit 1/8" quick disconnect terminals between the plastic side and the electrical contacts. The bulb normally fits in the middle. The arrows indicate where the terminals fit. This solution does not require me to cut any wiring in my car.

Terminals in the bulb holder.

Terminals crimped on to the leads and ready to install in the car.

Bulb holder reinstalled in the vehicle. The positive (red) lead is towards rear of the trunk IIRC. A multimeter is helpful here, or just remember which side corresponds to the black and red wire on the wiring harness.

Testing the light before putting everything in place.

I used 3M foam tape to mount the cathode tubes and the ballast. This light is on the driver side of the vehicle.

Ballast mounted in the trunk. All the wires are tucked under a piece of metal including the fuse holder.

Due to the that piece of metal where I tucked all the wires being on the passenger side of the trunk, I could not mount the tube the same way that I mounted the other tube.

Install finished, now wait until for the sun to go down to see the difference. I did not take any before photos so I am not going to post a comparison photo. But here is th result.

Now I just need some wire loom to make the wiring look nicer.

 

[MCeatalot]

I do still have dome, map, courtesy lights. I didn't check the fuse panel on the driver knee side. I'll do that today after work. Will post findings later on. Thanks!

Did you loose the dome, map, courtesy lights, also (among other things)???
If you did, the "DOME" fuse is open [10 amp].
Remove the CCF wiring, you (may) have fried the converter. :sosad:

"A voltmeter is ALWAYS a good check to do, for correct voltage and polarity."

A properly sized fuse in your project(s) power lead is always good protection!!!

 

[MCeatalot]

What Gen do you have, I quoted the Gen6 LE wiring.

Gen 6 SE. Does the trunk light have its own fuse? I still have my dome light, map lights, basically all the interior lights including door lights on. I may have just burnt the wiring or the connector. Will have to check later. I hope it's only a fuse, so I can easily replace it and move on with this mod :sosad:

 

[MCeatalot]

Where did you buy the slow burn fuse and holder? Could these be purchased in Radio Shack?

On another note, I just checked my bulb socket and it turns out it still works, i just blew out the inverter. Gotta buy new one

I put put an 1A slow burn fuse in my install. You can see the fuse holder on the first page. When the lights are on, the kit draws about 700-800 mA but I didn't know if it drew more than that on start-up which is why I put a slow burn fuse.

 

[MCeatalot]

Success!

Sorry for the messy trunk. I did notice that when I first pop the trunk, the light is initially dim. It gets brighter, but it takes a while. I do have a 1 amp fuse, as TouringCamry suggested. But I'm glad I did this mod! Next up, lighted door sills!

 

[MCeatalot]

Just a couple of questions: 1. Now that we are really into the heat of the summer, has anyone had problems with trunk heat effecting the unit (other than the sticky tape) and 2. what light lenth is being used?

Yes. Use ziptie in combination with the stickies.