Creating ambient lighting?

[bonescrub]

I have a white RT 2006 and i would love to add ambient lighting. was wondering how easy it is to access the overhead console? I found some led that have a nice chrome holder that should work well for the ambient lighting. Also might put some in the center console and shining on the floor boards as some of yall have done.
Is there any sort of special way to take the center console apart to access the wires that go to the courtesy lights figure i can get my 12v from there.
thanks

[djeaux]

I've found the accessory installation directions at H and A Accessories to be very useful. In particular, the In-Vehicle Entertainment System (IVES) installation requires almost everything in the interior to be removed, so that instruction sheet is a very good starting point.

If you can find an overhead console from an RTL or from an Ody with Home Link, it's a swap out (you may have to run some power lines) to get OEM-stye ambient lighting. The big problem is that buying the part new is expensive & there aren't a ton of either vehicle lying around salvage yards...

[brandont]

I have an LED that I added for ambient light. It is at the front of the front overhead console so it shines on the cupholders & dash. Couple of notes:

- There is no power source in either OH console for coming on with the headlights. I wired mine to always be on. If you want it only on at night, plan on running a wire. Mine is wired to the auto-dimming rearview mirror harness (do a search).
- LEDs, as you may know, require a resistor. You can play with the resistor value a bit to achieve more or less light. I did this with a cut off cigarette lighter and soldered in different test LEDs (color) and resistors. I also tested different LED holders.
- All of the LED holders focused the light more than I wanted. Think of a flashlight. In the truck you have to spread the beam 2-3' diameter in 2-3' of verticle space. I tried a trick to diffuse the light, which is to use clear silicone sealant and fill the 'lens' of the holder. This works, but still wasn't diffused enough for this application.

I ended up drilling a small hole in the console and putting the LED facing down right behind it. (Used part of an LED holder to keep it upright) It's still too focused, but once I fill it with silicone I think it will be ok. Also - I recommend white LEDs. I did blue because I thought it would be subtle, but I think it looks too ricey. Buy the red, white, and blue from Radio Shack and play with it. Make sure it is DARK outside - you will find a TINY bit of light goes a long way. Good luck.

[bonescrub]

thanks for the replies didnt think about how much light and having it be only on at night.
Also does the RT have auto dimming rear view mirror? I cant think right now and i am at work will have to check when i get off.

[brandont]

It has the option for one as a dealer add on accessory. The power plug for it is already in your headliner. Commonly used to wire radar detectors, or in my case - all 3 (detector, LED, and mirror)

[bonescrub]

interesting how easy is it to access it?

[ChrisM]

Here's what I did.

http://s101.photobucket.com/albums/m...t=100_0001.jpg

There is a thread somewhere on how I added these lights. I cannot seem to find it though.

[bonescrub]

well i discovered a small light in the center console that only comes on when headlights are on so i can run some lights of that i am sure. Will post what i end up doing here. thanks for the help