rclymer

I bought am attempting to install some floor ambient lighting and it requires running a few very thin wires through the firewall. In order to have the lights turn on at the same time as the headlights I plan to wire it to the headlight fuse and the negative terminal on the battery. I need some help on the best place to push the wires through the firewall. - OR - Are there are any wire connections around the steering column that would give me acces to the headlight control? Obviously, I have looked underneath the steering column and its quite cluttered so and pictures along with what to do would be greatly appreciated.

Chad D.

iTrader: (19)

access through firewall is the bottom plug at the left corner under dash. you'll see it, I believe there is only 1 black cable that runs there. I have lots of wires run through there.
edit, pic.

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

take a small phillips screw driver and punch a hole in the gromet located at the top left of the clutch pedal (assuming you have lhd). Punch the hole at the bottom right of the gromet because that's in my opinion the safest location away from the harness. After you punch the hole in, molest it a bit with teh screwdriver so that you can easily push the wire through.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

When we wire after-market gauges that can change colors when the headlights are turned on, we just tap into the ashtray/cigarette lighter illumination wires.
No need to run through the firewall.

NgoRX8

iTrader: (1)

+1

For footwell lighting, use this method.

If by floor ambient lighting you mean exterior ground... then you wouldn't really need to route anything inside the car....

rclymer

I like the idea of using the cigarette lighter. After a little more thought, I think I might use the interior fuse box and hook it into the ambient lighting fuse. But that leaves me with the problem of what to do with the ground wire. Im kind of new at this so forgive me if I am making some rookie mistakes.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

The illumination fuse is in the fuse box under the hood, not the kick panel.
None of the fuses in the kick panel deal with illumination.
Once you pull the ashtray out you'll see a red/orange wire running to the cigarette lighter... this is the switched power.
For ground, you can use a nearby stud around the shifter assembly since its attached to the car's body (which is grounded).

rclymer

ok, how exactly do i remove the ashtray to access these wires?

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Here is a DIY for an iPod adapter:
http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8/1.php
The 1st couple pages will show you how to get the ashtray out.

rclymer

nvm, I figured it out. Footwell lighting works great but the ring light that illuminates the cigarette lighter went out. The wires are hot because the footwell lighting is hooked up there but no light. Any tips on getting the ring light to work again?