How To: OEM Footwell Lights

[Gizzmo_jr]

Tools Required
- Phillips screw driver
- Flathead screw driver
- Flashlight
- Side-cutters
- Pliers

Approximate time required for installation:
- 60 min or less

Install
1. You got to remove both driver and passenger side inside kick panels. In addition the passenger outside kick panel.
(you can do this without taking off the side sills. If not, side sills are held in place with 3 pressure fittings and is removed by carefully pulling straight up)
Use your nails or a small flat head screw driver and pop the center then the holder will come out. There are no pressure clips holding the panels in place, and should come out quite easily. Set the 3 panels aside.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/3223103754_abb41c031f.jpg

2. Remove the glove box.
a. Remove the dash strip.
Pull on the right side of the headunit, you'll feel a small notch you can get two figures into. Pull straight towards the back of the car until the clips are released.
The far right side is held in with a hook, where the rest of the strips is by three pressure clips. One on the far left, and two above the glove box.

b. Remove the two screws for the glove box
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3223085250_4362d247eb.jpg

c. Pull the glove box out
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3222231989_8636681646.jpg
Pull straight towards yourself if your sitting in the passenger seat. There is a big pressure clip on the right side where the kick panel was. Don't pull to far out, the glove box light is still attached. Use a Phillips screw driver to remove the one screw, then take off the light assembly. Now set the glove box aside.

3. Take off the passenger air duct
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3223086356_dceeb55349.jpg
The gray holder is removed the same as the kick panels. It will pretty much fall into your hands. The left side is held in place by foam and a small lip, so pull slightly to the right if it doesn't come off on its own.

4. Get the drivers side light across the HVAC unit.
By using a wire or stick of some sort. The drivers side light is the longer wired light.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3431/3223086712_e9562c669a.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/3222232743_7cd55291bc.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3223086922_2013db06de.jpg

5. Finding the wires.
When looking at the PBJ, you don't want this wire loom. There are a different set of matching coloured wires in this loom but aren't connected to the interior lighting.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3223086224_05ea79e19f.jpg
Look under the PBJ, you'll see a black cover. Forgot the picture, but you'll notice two pressure clips. Press with your thumb while slightly pulling.
You'll be presented with three plugs. Here's the one we want.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3222233335_d2b32216a3.jpg

To make things easier, you can remove it by pressing the two clips on either side with your fingers. The black cover will hinge down and the plug can be pulled off.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3390/3222233501_38453af9f2.jpg

6. Making the connections.
Thank you to yearoftherat for specifying the coloured wires to use, I confirmed in my 2007 Repair Bible wiring guide.

There is a red w/silver that has a built in fuse which is the power wire. This will tap the orange w/blue wire
There is a black w/silver which is the ground wire. This will tap blk w/ blue wire.

I cut the first taped part closest to the plug. This allowed me to get more slack in the wires to make the taps. Cleaned up the wires with a zip tie where the tape was.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/3222233669_133a255bd0.jpg

Reinstall the plug opposite of removal. As you hinge the cover the plug will fully seat. The foot well lights should illuminate now.
If your doing this in a cold environment, place one of the sticky pads in the kit into your front pocket or in a warm place. We'll get to it later.

7. Installing the passenger side.
The light cover is held with three small hooks which you press in slightly and pull up/off. Once the cover is off, you need to use the longest zip tie (black in the kit) and assemble as shown. There are two pairs of slits that are the length of the light and across, you want the ones which go with the direction of the wire.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/3222233907_8d908662e6.jpg
Note: The hoop side is the bottom of the light, the smooth side.

Route the light along the bottom of the PBJ and on the inside of the round support frame. Then zip tie the light up. But not to tight.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/3222234127_67de6867ed.jpg
I forgot the picture, but use one of the gray wire holders and stick it to a smooth part on the bottom side of the PBJ. This will hold the wire up and out of the way.

Reinstall the passenger duct, opposite of removal. Now position the light as shown.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3223088240_685e9fe997.jpg

Reinstall the black PBJ cover opposite of removal.
Reinstall the glove box opposite of removal. Note put the glove box in first before the passenger outside kick panel is installed.

8. Installing the drivers side.
Note the location in the picture.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3223085018_782001dd8f.jpg

Make sure the area is clean. Take one of the sticky pads and stick it onto the bottom of the light. Then remove the other side of the pad and press the light firmly into the flat spot.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3223088598_ca893f400d.jpg
The picture was take post install of the kick panel but it keeps the wire up and out of the way of your foot. This is extremely important as it will be a hazard if the wire is left loose. Tuck the excess wire under the HVAC unit.
If you wish, you can zip tie the wire up in behind the console, for an extra measure of security.

9. Clean up mess and tools. Then enjoy the new footwell lights.

High resolution photos available in the flickr set. HERE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/13867213@N00/sets/72157605786963135/detail/)

[yearoftherat]

Nice write up !! This should be stickied!!!
Also for those interested, the bulb is replaceable (#74) and can be replaced with a LED one :)
Just waiting for pics of the lights when they come on @ night time.

[S.F.W.]

stickied

[Ogata]

How do you go from the drivers side to the passengars side? Thats what I'm confused about and how do you dry the plastic open? Just use shear force and pull it out?

[Gizzmo_jr]

Technically there isn't anything you need to do on the drivers side besides getting the light over and sticking it up. Everything is done from the passenger side.
Could you rephrase about the plastic piece your asking about?

[Ogata]

Technically there isn't anything you need to do on the drivers side besides getting the light over and sticking it up. Everything is done from the passenger side.
Could you rephrase about the plastic piece your asking about?

Yes how do you get it over is my question. The plastic peice I'm reffering to is the cap which holds the bulb. Would it be possible to hook this to the cigar lighter and then route it to a switch?

[Gizzmo_jr]

Both lights are powered by the same source. The drivers side light goes in behind the center console (HVAC, hot/cold air controls). If you remove the inside kick panels, you'll see exactly as shown in step #4.

For your question about power and a switch, theoretically you can find any 12v source and do it that route. So yes would be the answer, but I can't find a time that I'd need the light to be on aside from when the interior lights are on. And if I do, I have my LED cigarette light for occasions like that.

[Ogata]

Both lights are powered by the same source. The drivers side light goes in behind the center console (HVAC, hot/cold air controls). If you remove the inside kick panels, you'll see exactly as shown in step #4.

For your question about power and a switch, theoretically you can find any 12v source and do it that route. So yes would be the answer, but I can't find a time that I'd need the light to be on aside from when the interior lights are on. And if I do, I have my LED cigarette light for occasions like that.

Interesting...hmm your instructions say the covers are held by 3 clamps. Did you use your fingers to pry it out? Also it was not mentioned but is this hooked to the dimmer? I am planning on getting door pocket illumination and finding a way to hook that into the dimmer.

[Gizzmo_jr]

Yes, if you wire into the exact wires specified, you'll get onto the interior light dimmer sequence. Fade and all.

[Gizzmo_jr]

About the plastic cover, you need to depress the 3 hooks to get it off. One by one, depress the hook inwards with something as you gently lift. It will rest with the hook not in place as you do the others.

[Ogata]

About the plastic cover, you need to depress the 3 hooks to get it off. One by one, depress the hook inwards with something as you gently lift. It will rest with the hook not in place as you do the others.

gently...hmmm....I'll try that tomorrow. Gizmo..your still up??! I thouguht I was a nightowl... :pop

[yearoftherat]

Finally installed them today. Thx to Gizzmo_jr for the walk thru. Here's a few pics @ nite.
The driver side is brighter due to the placement of the lamp compared to the passenger side.
Pics were taken @ f2.8 @ 1/6 sec.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k22/cjlee9/Interior%20Lights/IMG_0703.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k22/cjlee9/Interior%20Lights/IMG_0704.jpg

[Cardinal Fang]

One of the best write up's I've seen yet. Clear and well illustrated.

[Gizzmo_jr]

Nice night time shots. I'd add them in if I could.

[Ogata]

Are those the OEM lights? That looks nice!! Do you see them lit if you were looking from them out from the outside?

[yearoftherat]

Yes..OEM ftw.
With a tint on my windows, its a bit hard to see from the outside.

[Ogata]

Yes..OEM ftw.
With a tint on my windows, its a bit hard to see from the outside.

Did you wire it to your dimmer or only when you open your door?

[yearoftherat]

I wouldn't know how to hook it up to the dimmer switch nor would I want to. I wanted to keep it OEM installed.

[Ogata]

I wouldn't know how to hook it up to the dimmer switch nor would I want to. I wanted to keep it OEM installed.

So it lights up all the time when the car is on or when you power on your headlights?

[yearoftherat]

Neither. They go on just like dome light/map lights when you unlock the door via remote or open the door. Thats the wires you are splicing into during the installation.

[omalak]

Simple question..

I have ran my wiring for my footwell lights, i need to tap the maps now

It is my understanding if i tap the map light connection, footwell lighting will come on when doors are open/closed (just like lighted sills)


Issue

When the doors are closed and i hit the map light button, i want my footwell lights to come on aswell. I'm debating where to place the wiring. I want it automatic so i'm not looking to install a manual switch anywhere.

I was thinking maybe the best way to do it would be to solder the wires from the footwell directly to the map light circuit board

so the footwell light would would have a live, and ground wire, but the ground would be split into 2 so that i would end up with 3 wires which can then be soldered directly into the map circuit board.

Ideas, thoughts?

[Brownsound]

I haven't tried this yet, but it is my understanding that this should work. I have posted my sources too:

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=381966&postcount=29

[omalak]

oh i missed that thread in my search!

thanks..

It makes sense, but i'm not looking to add a dimer or switch between the constant ground line..

So in essence i need to figure out where to tap the constant ground AFTER it has passed through the map light switch.

[Noisy Crow]

I was thinking maybe the best way to do it would be to solder the wires from the footwell directly to the map light circuit board

so the footwell light would would have a live, and ground wire, but the ground would be split into 2 so that i would end up with 3 wires which can then be soldered directly into the map circuit board

The would pretty much work. Not sure why you want two ground wires. Basically, you want to put the footwell lights in parallel to the maplight bulbs.

[omalak]

Well if i wire it direct to the circuit board, i am assuming the circuit board will have solder points for Interrupted ground/Constant Ground/Live 12V

I would have to make sure i can wire the led strip to each of those points or i wouldnt get the functionality i want

1) on when door open/close
2) on when i hit map light button)

If i wire it directly to the map curcuit i will put in some sort of molex connector connection so that i can still fully remove the maplight housing..

I just want to know the cost of the unit (with sunroof controls) in case i screw up the housing haha:chuckle

[Brownsound]

What I would do is tap the constant ground going to the maplight housing and tap a switch and the footwells there, and put a switch in that spot by your left knee. That way if you leave the maplight switch constantly on, you could control both the maplights and footlights with the one switch by your knee.

You would also have to tap the footwells into the interrupted ground as well.

[Noisy Crow]

Well if i wire it direct to the circuit board, i am assuming the circuit board will have solder points for Interrupted ground/Constant Ground/Live 12V

I would have to make sure i can wire the led strip to each of those points or i wouldnt get the functionality i want

1) on when door open/close
2) on when i hit map light button)
:chuckle

I can check the wiring in the wiring manual for you -- I don't recall the connections off the top of my head. But you really should only need to pick off the +12V and the ground from the bulbs. If you do run two grounds separately, you will need to diode isolate them (the map light has the diodes built into it).

[omalak]

I can check the wiring in the wiring manual for you -- I don't recall the connections off the top of my head. But you really should only need to pick off the +12V and the ground from the bulbs. If you do run two grounds separately, you will need to diode isolate them (the map light has the diodes built into it).

Thanks Rick, i'd appreciate it if you could check up the diagram, and post it maybe if you ahve a digital copy :)

Picking off the ground and 12v from the area close to the bulb sucket seems like a much more simple idea, maybe that is the route i should take

[Noisy Crow]

Well, it does look the best way to achieve what you are after is to pick the -ve off of the bulbs. The +ve you can get anywhere. It's the -ve that is switched. I am assuming that the drivers map light will feed the drivers foot well, similar for the passengers. Note the wiring for the Map Lights runs up the C-pillar and they across the roof to the front of the car, with a detour through the central dome light.

See here:
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk71/NoisyCrow/th_MapLights-1.jpg (http://s277.photobucket.com/albums/kk71/NoisyCrow/?action=view&current=MapLights-1.jpg)

[DARK3]

looks pretty simple...might have to do that myself

[Brownsound]

Tried doing it Gizzmo's way and for some reason I couldn't get it to work. Maybe the wire colourings are different for an 04? I ended up just tapping it into the black/red and orange/green wires up by the maplights. Works fine now.

[Gizzmo_jr]

odd, maybe the maybe the instrumentation wire section is different. I only have the wiring diagrams for my 07.

[TheMAN]

I finally installed my foot lamps yesterday after waiting to buy the mazda ipod kit. Installed both at the same time since I already have the dash apart.

I went ahead and wrote my version of the how-to also. It follows the original Japanese instructions as much as possible in order for it to be "OEM". Please look at it also as an alternate source of information:
http://www.protegefaq.net/BKfootlamp/

[Trinidad]

I just have a quick question regarding this modification. I am not installing footwell lamps but rather puddle lights for the side mirrors. Now I have my grounds grounded elsewhere in the car and just the positive for the lights connected to the Orange/blue wire. Now the lights stay on regardless of the if the door is open etc. So is there something special with having the ground go to black/blue so that it only comes on when you open the door? I am assuming from the wiring diagram posted above that there is a switch for the ground?

[Noisy Crow]

I just have a quick question regarding this modification. I am not installing footwell lamps but rather puddle lights for the side mirrors. Now I have my grounds grounded elsewhere in the car and just the positive for the lights connected to the Orange/blue wire. Now the lights stay on regardless of the if the door is open etc. So is there something special with having the ground go to black/blue so that it only comes on when you open the door? I am assuming from the wiring diagram posted above that there is a switch for the ground?


For the map lights, it's the ground that is switched, not the +ve. And the OEM footwell lights connect to the map light wiring.....

[Trinidad]

Thanks NC. I knew it was something simple, guess I have to re route my negatives to the black/blue wire.

[AkoSiGloc9]

is this for the 2007? anyone have info on 2010 mazda 3? i know it may be similar i just want pictures and im really carefull about how to do it.

[gfong]

same question if same for 2010 mazda sport

[Gizzmo_jr]

This was written from an 07. I don't know forsure if it applies to the 2010s

[abnormal3]

Popped over from another Mazda3 forum after being bitten by the Interior light bug and found this how-to.I have little electrical knowledge and a fair bit of Automotive knowledge (general repair).I was planning on running the wires off the Dome light as it will be Blue LED as well as the footlight LED strips and activated when the doors are opened or unlocked by remote.Maplights will be brighter White LED and will only be activated manually when needed.

A couple questions



Neither. They go on just like dome light/map lights when you unlock the door via remote or open the door. Thats the wires you are splicing into during the installation.

So will splicing the wires as described allow the footlights and domelight to work as desired or am I dreaming it can be that simple and I'm gonna have to have the Map lights activated too?

I really would prefer not to have to run wires from the dome light and tear apart my interior to get this to work.

[abnormal3]

Since I can't seem to edit my previous post to add this question.


Originally Posted by yearoftherat
There is a red w/silver that has a built in fuse which is the power wire. This will tap the orange w/blue wire
There is a black w/silver which is the ground wire. This will tap blk w/ blue wire.


I'm not exactly sure what this means ,other than the Power wire is red-w/silver and the ground is black-w/silver .
do I tap those wires or do I need to tap the orange-w/blue one and the blk-w/blue one? or since that quote seems to be from another thread somewhere are these "This will tap the orange w/blue wire" and "This will tap blk w/ blue wire." simply referring to a different project?

[GSXi]

thx man, giving it a read.


I finally installed my foot lamps yesterday after waiting to buy the mazda ipod kit. Installed both at the same time since I already have the dash apart.

I went ahead and wrote my version of the how-to also. It follows the original Japanese instructions as much as possible in order for it to be "OEM". Please look at it also as an alternate source of information:
http://www.protegefaq.net/BKfootlamp/

[Ogata]

I tried to install it with a 74 LED but the 1 amp fuse that came with it blew along with the wiring being abit hot. Has anyone tried to install this with LEDs?

[TheMAN]

you did something wrong then because it shouldn't have done that
but I don't see a reason using LEDs because the lights won't fade out gradually when you close the doors

[Gizzmo_jr]

+1 to that. LED's don't do PWM very well.

[Ogata]

it was tested with a 12V drill battery so I didn't hook it to the PJB to test to see if they work or not.

[yearoftherat]

I tried with LED's also and kept blowing a fuse. So I put the stock ones back in and no issues since.

[Gizzmo_jr]

interesting...

[Ogata]

I tried with LED's also and kept blowing a fuse. So I put the stock ones back in and no issues since.

ahhh so I'm not the only one...that means they can't be 74 LEDs?

[TheMAN]

was the polarity correct during the attempts?

[yearoftherat]

Yep..if I blew a fuse, I would flip the bulb around and replace the fuse...same thing..

[Noisy Crow]

I tried with LED's also and kept blowing a fuse. So I put the stock ones back in and no issues since.

Probably aren't 12V LEDs... or they are blown......

[Pivot]

Sorry to dig this one up from the grave, but...

Are these lights the OEM MX-5 footwell lights? I can't seem to find info about OEM footwell lights ≤2010 for MZ3. Are we talking about a EDM or JDM accessory?

[-ToM-]

i got led strips from crappy tire, and wired them to my 12v, works perfectly fine

[Gizzmo_jr]

Sorry to dig this one up from the grave, but...

Are these lights the OEM MX-5 footwell lights? I can't seem to find info about OEM footwell lights ≤2010 for MZ3. Are we talking about a EDM or JDM accessory?
JDM accessory
http://www.jdmgoodie.com/product_p/mazda_3_interior_foot_lamp.htm

[Pivot]

Thanks for the heads up.

[Astig02]

Do these instructions apply on the 2011 Mz3 Sport GT?

[yearoftherat]

Do these instructions apply on the 2011 Mz3 Sport GT?

It would be a safe bet to say no.

[TheMAN]

Sorry to dig this one up from the grave, but...

Are these lights the OEM MX-5 footwell lights? I can't seem to find info about OEM footwell lights ≤2010 for MZ3. Are we talking about a EDM or JDM accessory?


JDM accessory
http://www.jdmgoodie.com/product_p/mazda_3_interior_foot_lamp.htm
they are also a canadian accessory... at least was at some point in time

Do these instructions apply on the 2011 Mz3 Sport GT?
no.... the 2011 has a different kit
order part # 0000-8F-L35 from the dealership... comes with english/french/spanish instructions

[Hyperion]

no.... the 2011 has a different kit
order part # 0000-8F-L35 from the dealership... comes with english/french/spanish instructions

Much cheaper to buy a led strip off eBay and wires + switch at an electronics store (Sayal) and make it yourself.

[TheMAN]

definitely
however, on defense of the mazda kit... it comes with a dashboard switch that allows you to dim it or switch it on at all times.... on top of that, there's good mounting brackets and well protected cut to length wires :)

I think the switch itself is worth half the cost of that kit

[Hyperion]

definitely
however, on defense of the mazda kit... it comes with a dashboard switch that allows you to dim it or switch it on at all times.... on top of that, there's good mounting brackets and well protected cut to length wires :)

I think the switch itself is worth half the cost of that kit
$5 from Sayal again.

[TheMAN]

and it'll just be an ugly $5 rocker switch that doesn't blend in with the rest of the interior... rat shack special!
even if it's illuminated, it still won't match... the OEM switch matches and is illuminated too

I guess it's all up to everyone's personal standards... if you want to cheap out then that's the results you get
I do agree the mazda kit is way too expensive though

one important thing not to forget... the mazda kit won't void your car's warranty relating to the electrics... your home brew one will!

[yearoftherat]

I've got the kit from jdmgoodie and there is no switch included in with the kit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TheMAN]

I think you missed reading a few posts
we were talking about the 2010 kit, not the 04-09 kit!

I guess its a little harder to read web pages from an iphone eh?

[yearoftherat]

Damn phone..lol
Nice to see that the newer kits come with a switc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cSPEED]

Anyone willing to do the install? I hate finicky interior panels and stuff, mechanical is easier to deal with IMO. If you're willing to install it for me please pm me :)

[juan]

true noob here, I've been reading a lot on how to install the footwell lights and the cup holder glow on my car. It seems simple enough and I'm sure I could probably do it, however, the only problem is that all the comments and threads I have read are all talking about older models. I have a 2012 GX model, and when I went to try and do it I found out that the armrest does not come off like it does in previous models, so I have no idea how to take it of, and the cigarette lighter 'light' doesn't exist anymore. So I was wondering how I would go about doing the footwell lights and cup holder glow. I practically bought everything I need, all I need is to find out how to do it now, thanks for the help.
sorry for being so long.

[Hyperion]

true noob here, I've been reading a lot on how to install the footwell lights and the cup holder glow on my car. It seems simple enough and I'm sure I could probably do it, however, the only problem is that all the comments and threads I have read are all talking about older models. I have a 2012 GX model, and when I went to try and do it I found out that the armrest does not come off like it does in previous models, so I have no idea how to take it of, and the cigarette lighter 'light' doesn't exist anymore. So I was wondering how I would go about doing the footwell lights and cup holder glow. I practically bought everything I need, all I need is to find out how to do it now, thanks for the help.
sorry for being so long.

1) It's pretty much exactly the same, I've done it on both gen's.
E-brake up and pull on the cup holders.
2) Press the Enter/Return button every once and a while for easier reading.