Wow I didn't expect much if any interest in this mod and therefore didn't take any pictures while doing so, I wouldn't call this a write up...its more notes for you to do the right up..haha
I guess first thing is to note that the dome light ALWAYS (regardless of key on or off) has 12volts, it relies on a ground from the door switch to complete the circuit turning on the dome light. So you have two options, one is more involved than the other:
1) You could connect a relay and use the ground from the door switch to turn on the relay and give 12 volts to the led, note that the driver's door switch ground is different from the other doors switch ground, I think this is for the anti lock out feature or something that needs to know when the drivers door is open vs the other doors.
2) Or you could just use the 12volt line already in the drivers door (my 99 limited had it) and front passengers door used for the door locks as the 12volt and use the door switch for the ground.
I used option 2 because I was lazy, required less work but works just as well.
FRONT DOORS
Remove the door panels...I assume there is a write up for this somewhere.
Using a volt meter you should find that the blue wire in one of the connectors is “always on” 12v (this is true of both drivers and front passenger's door) use this for 12volts.
Snake a wire into the door through the umbilical cord ( I found it easier to unplug the two connectors that go to the door from behind the drivers door kick panel or passenger’s kick panel, straighten out the accordion part then shove the wire through). Use electrical tape or zip ties to route the wire along with the other wires. Connect the other end of the wire to the door switch.
Drill a hole in the bottom of the door in one of the slight recesses (see the pic below) that are along the bottom of the door, this will give you slightly more clearance between the led and door frame. The hole should be large enough to allow you to insert the base of the led, I used 194/168 bulb called WLED-x5 from (
Super Bright LEDs - Miniature Wedge Base Bulbs). Whatever led you choose make sure it will fit when you close the door. I am not sure how much clearance there is but I know these don't hit the door frame when the door is closed. If you use the same leds as I did then the hole should be 3/8”.
To keep the leds in place I epoxied them then put silicone around the bulb to waterproof it.
REAR DOORS
The rear doors have no “always on' 12volt so you have to tap into a 12volt line, I used the same 12volt wire for power, this time I tapped it from the connector behind the driver's / passenger kick panel (this is the same connector the wires from the door plug into).
Also the rear doors don't have an accordion umbilical cord like the front doors, they are only wires with electrical tape on them so you have to peel back the tape before you can slip the wires through the rubber gourmets in the door frame and door.
Drill the holes, wire up the leds, and mount them put everything back and enjoy.
Hope this helps you guys.
