I repaced my interior lights with white LEDs when I got my T4R. The extra brightness is great, but I found it can also be quite jarring when I'm driving at night and the passenger has to turn on the map light to do something (especially on a long, dark highway stretch). SO I hacked up my map console to add a second set of red LEDs for night driving. The red LEDs are lower power than the white LEDs and the red helps preserve your night vision. With this setup, I have the white LEDs when I need lots of light, the red LEDs when all I need a bit of light to look for something in the cabin. I thought I'd share this mod in case anyone was thinking about trying something similar.
***Usual Disclaimer: Perform this mod at your own risk, make sure you know what your doing before you get started, and observe all safety precautions***
(1) Get a set of surface mount LEDs. (I got mine from SuperBrightsLEDs). I got red ones that mount to a smooth surface.
(2) Drop your map console, remove the clear cover, and carefully mount your new LEDs. Note that surface mount LEDs (unlike incandescents) are highly directional, so the reflector that's in the map light console is of limited utility anyway when you switch to LEDs. The edges of the reflector are very sharp; make sure you cover them any place where they might rub the wires on the red LEDs.
(3) Add a switch and tap power to run the LEDs. The overhead console already has power, so it's pretty straight forward to find a place to tap power. (In the OH console, W/B is ground, Red is always-on power, gray and light green are power for the sunroof open/close). I chose to put the switch on the console and tap power directly from the console, so I don't have any additional wires running to/from the o/h console. The switch is high enough were it doesn't interfere with the contents or the operation of the sunglasses holder.
Results: I've only done one short night driving session since I've installed these, but here are my limited observations: Red LEDS are much less jarring, and I can leave them on for an extended period without creating any distraction from the interior brightness or glare. The light is sufficient, however, the RED leds don't light up the dark interior colors very well. Also I might adjust the position of the red LEDs or try to remove the console reflectors and recess the LEDs a bit more, as I can still see the red bright spot in my field of vision (still much better than the white LEDs). It's a cheap mod too, under $12.00 for all the materials.
Happy modding.
***Usual Disclaimer: Perform this mod at your own risk, make sure you know what your doing before you get started, and observe all safety precautions***
(1) Get a set of surface mount LEDs. (I got mine from SuperBrightsLEDs). I got red ones that mount to a smooth surface.
(2) Drop your map console, remove the clear cover, and carefully mount your new LEDs. Note that surface mount LEDs (unlike incandescents) are highly directional, so the reflector that's in the map light console is of limited utility anyway when you switch to LEDs. The edges of the reflector are very sharp; make sure you cover them any place where they might rub the wires on the red LEDs.
(3) Add a switch and tap power to run the LEDs. The overhead console already has power, so it's pretty straight forward to find a place to tap power. (In the OH console, W/B is ground, Red is always-on power, gray and light green are power for the sunroof open/close). I chose to put the switch on the console and tap power directly from the console, so I don't have any additional wires running to/from the o/h console. The switch is high enough were it doesn't interfere with the contents or the operation of the sunglasses holder.
Results: I've only done one short night driving session since I've installed these, but here are my limited observations: Red LEDS are much less jarring, and I can leave them on for an extended period without creating any distraction from the interior brightness or glare. The light is sufficient, however, the RED leds don't light up the dark interior colors very well. Also I might adjust the position of the red LEDs or try to remove the console reflectors and recess the LEDs a bit more, as I can still see the red bright spot in my field of vision (still much better than the white LEDs). It's a cheap mod too, under $12.00 for all the materials.
Happy modding.
