Slice

In this thread ProToolKid mentioned that the dome light to use is:
"1 3/16" - Dome Light (I think this is the right size correct me if I'm wrong!!!)"

Is this true?

Has anyone used a RED LED or a RED Incandesent bulb for the DOME LIGHT?

What were the results?

I got my RED Footwell lights from Mazda yesterday, will install them this weekend!

---thread from ProToolKid---
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...d&pagenumber=1

THX

HighRev'n

I put in a red LED dome light in my car. I tried both LED and reqular red bulbs but the LED was brighter and had a better red color. The regular (Incandesent) was kind of a faded red.

I bought 31 mm Dome 4 LED bulbs (approx. 1-1/4") from this site http://autolumination.com/ They were $5. for the Led, $1 for the reqular bulb. The 1 3/16" bulbs would probably work too. The outlit it plugs into just clamps around the outside of the bulb. As long as the clamps make contact with the bulb you'll be good to go.

BTW I also replaced my Map lights with some Red 194 Oval Wide angle LEDs and the door lights with 194 6 LED lights. Now the whole car glows red when I open the doors. If you do plan on replacing the Map lights get a bulb with a thin profile or they won't fit. I tried the 6 LED bulb in there and couldn't get it to fit. That's why I ended up with the Oval wide angle.

Hope this Helps.

mikeb

autoillumation has good prices but I think their bulbs are cheapier in quality

Slice

Thanks HighRev'n for the info! As it turns out, this guy's shop is like 2 miles away! I ordered the same stuff you did. Hopefully I will pick them up this FRIDAY

Question: What do you think of the whole RED illuminated interior? Can you read a CD label with the MAP lites only? Should I consider white MAP lights?

Thanks for your HELP!

mikeb

I used white map lights so I have some light
all my other lights are red

I wouldn't make the map lights red unless you never use them to read stuff

Omicron

One thing to keep in mind too is that the LED bulb replacements will not fade in and out the way incandescent bulbs do.

HighRev'n

The LEDs I have in the Map lights are bright so there is plenty of light. I guess the problem might be reading under a red light. If you know what I mean. I thought about this too but decided I liked the look. If I need white light I will flip down the visor and use the white vanity miror lights to look at something.

Boss_429

Pictures please.... :D

Slice

OK, all the replacements are in EXCEPT the MAP lights! arrggh! How in the hell do you get the lens cover off w/out %&$#ing it up?

Suggestions?

I have not installed the Mazda Footwell lights....the wiring is extensive. Hopefully this weekend.

mikeb

the map lights are a pain
you have to remove the whole unit not just the lenses
I think their is 3 screws, hit the sunglass holder open and you will see the first screw

Slice

With the sunglass holder down, I see two screws. I removed them. Not seeing any other screws, I tried to remove the ENTIRE unit (sunglass holder, lights, sunroof switchs). It does not want to come out. I'll try it again tomorrow, its getting late.... THX

HighRev'n

Check page 8-31 of your owners manual. It goes over the map light removal process. There is just two screws in the sunglass holder and two clips that hold it in. You'll have to pull pretty hard to get those clips to release. I know it's a little nerv racking but once those clips pop the whole unit will be free.

HighRev'n

Sorry Boss_429. I tried to take a picture but my digital camera doesn't work well in low light. To get an idea of how it looks check this out:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ght=red+lights
It's not the same setup but I think the picture of his hand under the red light is pretty close to how it looks. However in my case since I used the map lights the whole front cabin area glows red not just the center console.

On a side note the Led lights do fade out. Although the fade does seem a little quicker than the factory non-led lights. Maybe it's just my eyes playing tricks on me.

HighRev'n

Let me try that link again. Hopefully this one works.

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=12661

Slice

SUCCESS! I got up early for work and decided to try to remove the assembly from all the advise I recieved from you guys! It worked! YEAH. It was a pain in-the @#%$; but it went back together fine.

As for readibility, its fine. Like HiRev'n said, if you need more light, use the vanity mirror lite (works great by the way).

The dimming was a nice suprise - I'm very glad it works too.

Next install is the footwell lights - I suspect the glow will be awesome.

Thanks MikeB and HighRev'n for all your help (and patience!)

PS My buddy has an 8 and I got him a PURPLE Dome lite. Looked very cool, but definately not as bright as the RED!

English

so that's it...all you gotta do is pull really hard after unscrewing the sunglass holder screws?.....I was afraid to yank, but if that's what you gotta do, I'm pullin' it this weekend.

Slice

YUP! thats it!

Start at the back end andslowly work your way forward (from the front of the car to the rear of the car). The user's manual said to use a screw driver w/a soft towel. I did'nt need it. I simply used my fingers. As you get to the front, I popped one side out and the other side came out easily.

GOOD LUCK!

English, what color are you going to replace?

Slice

Finished installing the footwell lights yesterday after work. I was skeptical about how difficult it would be, but I started it anyway.
Total time 2:00 hours. Project was straight forward except for the Electro TAP connectors. Finally figured it out tho. The light from the footwells is not a RED-RED, rather, its a RED-WHITE. Looks like I'll have to replace these bulds with LEDS too.

Anyway, the RED glow from all the lights is very very nice. I am pleased! Thanks everyone for your help!