Interior Single LED's

[theaussie]

I'm wanting to put single LED spaced along, underneath my dash (dont really wanna spend the money on strips and would like to do it myself)

I was just wondering if anyone had any basic info on this? I have read about cutting it into the fuse box directly, cig lighter, dome light etc.

I wouldn't mind running it from the cig lighter and will be needing a switch put in to control it.

Thanks.

[cwp_sedan]

Moved to Lighting section.

[gabbygenier]

search footwell, brings up this link

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?22759-Footwell-lights-Install&highlight=footwell

in there is this link

http://www.thexenonstore.com/strip_install.php

thats the way i would wire it up if i did it to mine

[theaussie]

Cheers man!

[theaussie]

So I tried this last night. I attempted to hook em up to the cig lighter and that was a no go. I did end up getting power from the light ring that surrounds the lighter, but blew 5 or so LED's trying this. I gotta hook up resistors etc. Anyone have the wiring info needed for such a feat? if not, i might just forfeit the 50 bucks or so, and buy 2 strips. might be a little easier.

Anyone that can help or provide info would be awesome!

[gabbygenier]

so you tried to hook up only LED's to 12V direct. if so that wont work. like you said you will need a resistor for each one. i figured you had some that you bought or something. if you can find resistors around where you live, a 470 Ohm resistor would be fine. but you need one for each led.

also not sure where youre shopping but if you look on ebay you can get 2 led strips for 5$ or less

[theaussie]

I was just looking around in stores. I don't have a credit card, so it makes it a bitch to buy stuff online.

Yeh, I had a feeling it was too easy to be true (if you reading this and thinkin "NOOB" you right, bite me!)

What do you recommend? strips or assmbling it myself?

[gabbygenier]

well for one u can make a paypal account with a bank account, you dont need a credit card to order on ebay.

if ur going to local stores all depends what's around you. not sure what's in Kitchener but im sure there's a source and you can get resistors there. only thing is they don't sell them separately. you'll have to get a pack like this.
http://www.thesource.ca/estore/product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=Resistors&product=2719018

how many LED's do you plan on hooking up?

[PearlM3]

I did strips for mine it was super easy, I drew power off of the cig lighter ring(lights only come on at night when my headlights are on) and grounded it on a bolt in center console. Super easy. If you want o buy on eBay you don't need a credit card, just use pay pal

[gabbygenier]

found a good place thats close to you. Sayal electronics

http://maps.google.ca/maps?um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=sayal+electronics&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=sayal+electronics&ei=I6wyTv6UBcutgQeCkuiEDQ&sa=X&oi=local_group&ct=image&ved=0CAQQtgM&iwloc=cids:7902604179811699638

[theaussie]

Sweet Thanks!!

[sharkbait]

Does anyone have a picture to show me how this looks?
Im a visual type of person....

[gabbygenier]

mazda3forums has many pics of ppl who added footwell lighting, some on here also.

heres one for example
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=164950.0

[theaussie]

I'm still looking online for a wiring diagram, showing me the best way to wire the LED's, resistors, switch and wiring to the power.

anyone know of anything or can help?

[Mitchell3]

Does anyone have a picture to show me how this looks?
Im a visual type of person....

If I were in the area I would show you mine. :P Mine does every colour of the rainbow.


I'm still looking online for a wiring diagram, showing me the best way to wire the LED's, resistors, switch and wiring to the power.

anyone know of anything or can help?

I took the easy way out. Just wire the lights to a cig lighter plug and thats all you need to do electrical wise. Your switch is pulling the plug :chuckle. You might be able to find a plug with a button/switch on it though. Easier if you buy a legit kit since in most cases most of the wiring are already done instead of wiring each light. And I hid the wires quite easily as well even using the plug..

[theaussie]

I ended up finding some cheap LED strips from Princess Auto in Doon. They were 5 Bucks a pop and light up the footwells nicely (will get some decent pics up once i find my camera).

[machx]

1) I wired LEDs directly to the positive/negative of the cig lighter ring for my cup holder LEDs without resistors and they didn't blow
2) What's the point of grounding it then? And if I was to, would I just be taking the positive from the cigarette ring and then negative to ground?
3) Simply splicing the positive/negative from the cig ring with the map light power positive/negative and then to the LED, that would have my lights turn on a) with the nighttime light of the cig ring AND with the map lights for when doors are open?

Thanks!

[Hoodzy]

How bright are you looking to go?? I know they have 12volt footwell lighting in red and blue from wal-mart.

[Darkice]

thats what i have and i tapped into the little compartment underneath the cig light and one is pretty bright


How bright are you looking to go?? I know they have 12volt footwell lighting in red and blue from wal-mart.

[peterm15]

http://www.autolismo.com

$2.99 ea for one that seems bright enough.

Not to hijack but does anyone know where to get a oem style toggle switch, when i do my footwells i would like to hook the maps and footwells up to a toggle switch beside the dash light dimmer. My 3 is always eating my lighters and would like to switch them on myself as well as when i open the door. probably need a 3 way.

[Hoodzy]

http://www.autolismo.com

$2.99 ea for one that seems bright enough.

Not to hijack but does anyone know where to get a oem style toggle switch, when i do my footwells i would like to hook the maps and footwells up to a toggle switch beside the dash light dimmer. My 3 is always eating my lighters and would like to switch them on myself as well as when i open the door. probably need a 3 way.

Canadian tire carries switches. As far as OEM.. i'd just check the price of some kind of switch from any mazda. Heated seat, fog, hazard???

[peterm15]

Thanks.