DIY: Trunk Open Warning Light
06-26-2005, 01:32 PM
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DIY: Trunk Open Warning Light
Today the weather was below 100 degree's, my son is with his mother and I'm not on call!
Time to do some mods I've been putting off for one reason or another.
A while ago I found some great instructions by OverLOAD
A D.I.Y. for replacing our rear 6x9 speakers.
This is something I've wanted to do but never quite found the time (until now).
I've always been a fan of Alpine Electronics so, I picked up a pair of SPS-6939K 6x9 3 Way Speakers.
------------------------------------------------------------
It's always bothered me that there is nothing to let us know if our trunk is closed.
I figure since I'll be tearing apart the *** end of my interior, I might as well install
an idiot light which will remind me to shut my trunk.
So.... heres what I've done....
Time to do some mods I've been putting off for one reason or another.
A while ago I found some great instructions by OverLOAD
A D.I.Y. for replacing our rear 6x9 speakers.
This is something I've wanted to do but never quite found the time (until now).
I've always been a fan of Alpine Electronics so, I picked up a pair of SPS-6939K 6x9 3 Way Speakers.
------------------------------------------------------------
It's always bothered me that there is nothing to let us know if our trunk is closed.
I figure since I'll be tearing apart the *** end of my interior, I might as well install
an idiot light which will remind me to shut my trunk.
So.... heres what I've done....
06-26-2005, 01:33 PM
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***continued***
If I were to do this again,
I probably would have installed the light just a little higher and closer to the upper edge.
It's easy to see in the mirror as it is.
I used Velcro buttons instead of the metal clips when I reassembled the deck lid pieces.
They're easier to work with and should help to avoid any noises.
PS: Turtle Wax 2001 bites! It left a spotty, filmy residue on the leather parts.
If I were to do this again,
I probably would have installed the light just a little higher and closer to the upper edge.
It's easy to see in the mirror as it is.
I used Velcro buttons instead of the metal clips when I reassembled the deck lid pieces.
They're easier to work with and should help to avoid any noises.
PS: Turtle Wax 2001 bites! It left a spotty, filmy residue on the leather parts.
Last edited by EyeBall Fixer...(o)(x); 06-26-2005 at 03:28 PM.
06-26-2005, 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by StealthTL
A really useful mod, and easy too if you are in there for speakers!
S
S
I don't know if I'd do all this work just to install the light....
Since I was in there anyways... thought I'd go ahead and install it
OverLOAD's instructions made it a breeze!
06-27-2005, 10:04 PM
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I think this whole topic is stupid. If you don't know your trunk is open you shouldn't be driving. Don't you inspect your vehicle for proper operation each and every time you drive???? 
I really hate how our society is becoming so "idot proof" it really detracts from the life experiences of non-idiots.
I really hate how our society is becoming so "idot proof" it really detracts from the life experiences of non-idiots.
Last edited by guy321; 06-27-2005 at 10:07 PM.
06-27-2005, 11:09 PM
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Originally Posted by guy321
I think this whole topic is stupid. If you don't know your trunk is open you shouldn't be driving. Don't you inspect your vehicle for proper operation each and every time you drive????
I really hate how our society is becoming so "idiot proof" it really detracts from the life experiences of non-idiots.
I really hate how our society is becoming so "idiot proof" it really detracts from the life experiences of non-idiots.
06-27-2005, 11:38 PM
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[QUOTE=guy321]I think this whole topic is stupid. If you don't know your trunk is open you shouldn't be driving. Don't you inspect your vehicle for proper operation each and every time you drive????
[QUOTE]
Inspect the vechicle... lol.. So how long does it take for you to:
1) Check the tire pressure
2) Check the oil level
3) Check the coolant level
4) Inspect the Belts
5) Make sure all seatbelts are functioning
and the other dozen things a full 'inspection' would include?
All that besides.. if you have a 2005 model, it's very EASY to open the trunk by accident simply by getting the key out of your pocket and putting it in the ignition...(the 2004 have thier key on a seperate fob)
I've driven home at least 2x with the trunk unlocked and never knew it thanks to the keyfob.
A warning light would be Sooo nice , perhaps mazda could put it right under that silly thing they call an oil gauge in the 2006 models.
[QUOTE]
Inspect the vechicle... lol.. So how long does it take for you to:
1) Check the tire pressure
2) Check the oil level
3) Check the coolant level
4) Inspect the Belts
5) Make sure all seatbelts are functioning
and the other dozen things a full 'inspection' would include?
All that besides.. if you have a 2005 model, it's very EASY to open the trunk by accident simply by getting the key out of your pocket and putting it in the ignition...(the 2004 have thier key on a seperate fob)
I've driven home at least 2x with the trunk unlocked and never knew it thanks to the keyfob.
A warning light would be Sooo nice , perhaps mazda could put it right under that silly thing they call an oil gauge in the 2006 models.
06-28-2005, 07:57 AM
#13
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Awwe i'm loved
Not yet, im looking at different models
Who ever said I was short?
Not yet, im looking at different models
Who ever said I was short?
Originally Posted by EyeBall Fixer...(o)(x)
Well if it isn't my favorite Vertically Challenged Super Dork... Did you get your Moped yet?
Last edited by guy321; 06-28-2005 at 08:21 AM.
06-28-2005, 08:01 AM
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10 minutes, 53 seconds. I can do most of it while my car is warming up. I don't check oil level daily, just when I'm at the pump. I also check for window alignment and for proper operation of lights and if there are any animals under/around my car. Before I get in to drive, i do a visual sweep of the parking area around me for kids, pets, and oncoming vehicles that I may not see from the driver's seat.
During the normal course of a day after the car is warmed up i'm just looking for dents in my car, open trunk/doors and major tire issues, and the parking lot sweep.
[QUOTE=DaGnome][QUOTE=guy321]I think this whole topic is stupid. If you don't know your trunk is open you shouldn't be driving. Don't you inspect your vehicle for proper operation each and every time you drive????
Inspect the vechicle... lol.. So how long does it take for you to:
1) Check the tire pressure
2) Check the oil level
3) Check the coolant level
4) Inspect the Belts
5) Make sure all seatbelts are functioning
and the other dozen things a full 'inspection' would include?
All that besides.. if you have a 2005 model, it's very EASY to open the trunk by accident simply by getting the key out of your pocket and putting it in the ignition...(the 2004 have thier key on a seperate fob)
I've driven home at least 2x with the trunk unlocked and never knew it thanks to the keyfob.
A warning light would be Sooo nice , perhaps mazda could put it right under that silly thing they call an oil gauge in the 2006 models.
During the normal course of a day after the car is warmed up i'm just looking for dents in my car, open trunk/doors and major tire issues, and the parking lot sweep.
[QUOTE=DaGnome][QUOTE=guy321]I think this whole topic is stupid. If you don't know your trunk is open you shouldn't be driving. Don't you inspect your vehicle for proper operation each and every time you drive????
Inspect the vechicle... lol.. So how long does it take for you to:
1) Check the tire pressure
2) Check the oil level
3) Check the coolant level
4) Inspect the Belts
5) Make sure all seatbelts are functioning
and the other dozen things a full 'inspection' would include?
All that besides.. if you have a 2005 model, it's very EASY to open the trunk by accident simply by getting the key out of your pocket and putting it in the ignition...(the 2004 have thier key on a seperate fob)
I've driven home at least 2x with the trunk unlocked and never knew it thanks to the keyfob.
A warning light would be Sooo nice , perhaps mazda could put it right under that silly thing they call an oil gauge in the 2006 models.
Last edited by guy321; 06-28-2005 at 08:22 AM.
06-28-2005, 11:51 AM
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^^ Whatever... ^^
Nice touch. I didn't even realize the car didn't have one.
So, could you give us the shopping info on that particular led (would save us the time of the hunt).
Does the switch work that well? It switches when the trunk lid is only popped-open?
Nice touch. I didn't even realize the car didn't have one.
So, could you give us the shopping info on that particular led (would save us the time of the hunt).
Does the switch work that well? It switches when the trunk lid is only popped-open?
06-28-2005, 12:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Racer X-8
^^ Whatever... ^^
Nice touch. I didn't even realize the car didn't have one.
So, could you give us the shopping info on that particular led (would save us the time of the hunt).
Does the switch work that well? It switches when the trunk lid is only popped-open?
Nice touch. I didn't even realize the car didn't have one.
So, could you give us the shopping info on that particular led (would save us the time of the hunt).
Does the switch work that well? It switches when the trunk lid is only popped-open?
I've seen them at auto parts stores and radio Shack.
Since I connected the LED directly to the trunk light wiring, I didn't have to install a new switch.
When the trunk light is on, my LED is flashing.
Simple
07-01-2005, 12:32 AM
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Well lookie here..
It seems Mazda decided to 'fix' the problem in another fashion..
Rather than give us a light.. they modified the keyfob from .05 second delay to a .7 second delay to open the trunk now..
I wonder if my dealer can retro-fit my key.. no more accidently popping my trunk!
Link to Service Bulletin.
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...10-05-1502.pdf
It seems Mazda decided to 'fix' the problem in another fashion..
Rather than give us a light.. they modified the keyfob from .05 second delay to a .7 second delay to open the trunk now..
I wonder if my dealer can retro-fit my key.. no more accidently popping my trunk!
Link to Service Bulletin.
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...10-05-1502.pdf
07-12-2005, 03:31 PM
#19
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A simple and elegant solution. Kudos!
Not sure if Guy was joking or not. But the trunk can appear closed on casual inspection while the light is activated, thus draining the battery. And some folks have even had the trunk light stay on when the trunk is fully latched. This is a good and useful indicator even for the infalliable amongst us
Not sure if Guy was joking or not. But the trunk can appear closed on casual inspection while the light is activated, thus draining the battery. And some folks have even had the trunk light stay on when the trunk is fully latched. This is a good and useful indicator even for the infalliable amongst us
08-19-2005, 01:02 PM
#20
Not to take away from this idea, but I wonder how hard if would be to actually connected the trunk light (wiring) to the actual door open light on the dash. I mean, the car doors are already done, so it shouldn't be too hard. Time to get a wiring diagram.
04-22-2006, 10:27 AM
#21
The warning light is only useful if you happen to be sitting in the driver set ...
I installed a switch in the trunk that lets me turn on the light when I need it, but otherwise lets me keep it turned off. This way I don't run down my battery if I forget to close the trunk, which happens quite often with me when I'm working on the car.
I installed a switch in the trunk that lets me turn on the light when I need it, but otherwise lets me keep it turned off. This way I don't run down my battery if I forget to close the trunk, which happens quite often with me when I'm working on the car.
Last edited by TeamRX8; 04-22-2006 at 10:29 AM.
04-22-2006, 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by guy321
I think this whole topic is stupid. If you don't know your trunk is open you shouldn't be driving. Don't you inspect your vehicle for proper operation each and every time you drive????
I really hate how our society is becoming so "idot proof" it really detracts from the life experiences of non-idiots.
I really hate how our society is becoming so "idot proof" it really detracts from the life experiences of non-idiots.
12-19-2006, 11:24 AM
#23
:( traded in my 8
Originally Posted by PaSs1oVeR
Want an easy way to tell if your trunk is open or not?
Push the do0r lock, if your trunks open, they wont lock
Push the do0r lock, if your trunks open, they wont lock
I know a thread from the past - Actually when I was locking the car with the fob and the trunk was popped the lights won't flash. The car locks but the lights don't flash.
It had me wondering for about 10 minutes trying to figure out why the lights didn't flash anymore. I pressed the trunk button and I heard the actuator but the trunk didn't pop, thats when I realized it had been open for quite some time.
That is what brings me to this thread today, I need the idiot light
08-14-2009, 09:46 PM
#24
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