where to tap into. . . . .

[Grandmastertook]

I want to do some custom LED lights in my door handle, I actually started a thred a while back but never really got some answers that I was looking for, so I have the LED's and I want to tap them off of the interior dome lights, because I want the LED's to turn on while I unlock/lock the car like the dome lights, so my question is does anybody know where to tap from the dome lights/ color of wires, thank you for your time.


also thoughts are welcome too

Mahalo

Grandmastertook


this is a pic from an older BMW but I put the pick because the handles are similar

[Grandmastertook]

Here is some one that did it on a TL, I guess they are saying that you have to run it off the courtesy circuit or something, someone that knows the electrical please help

[willy18]

Looks kinda neat. I'm only guessing but there's probably on two wires going to the dome lights, a postive and a negative. You could also try finding the coresponding dome light wire at the fuse box area. Good luck. Let us know if you figure it out.

[tsx4life]

Originally Posted by Grandmastertook

Here is some one that did it on a TL, I guess they are saying that you have to run it off the courtesy circuit or something, someone that knows the electrical please help

thats one of the guys on another forum.... his car is sick...

[04pwptehsex]

jw but when would these light up ? its kinda dope

[kuma912]

Remove the fuse box panel by sliding the door off. Unscrew the panel right below the steering wheel and take the black panel that covers the wiring under the steering wheel.

In order to have the lights dim in and out like the dome lights, you need to tap Fuse #6 (red 10A, sixth from bottom left in the box) for power, and the green/red coming from the MICU (multiplex integrated control unit) for the ground. Fuse 6 (white/blue) is a constant 12v, green/red is a variable ground that switches from 12v to 0v when the door is opened, fob pressed etc.

Green/red supplies 12v when the door is closed. 12v power (white/blue) and 12v ground (green/red) cancel each other out and result in no lights. When the door is open you get 12v power and 0v ground, lights on. A transistor takes care of the dimming from 12v -> 0v.

The green/red was nearly impossible to find, its on the back of the fuse box at the top. Its a 5 pin green connector that you need to feel for, unclip and remove. It looks like this





The green/red is the 2nd/4th wire from either end. Tap this wire and run a ground wire off of it.

Next tap the #6 Fuse and run a power wire from it. I used an add-a-fuse to make it easier

#6 removed

[Grandmastertook]

Originally Posted by kuma912

Remove the fuse box panel by sliding the door off. Unscrew the panel right below the steering wheel and take the black panel that covers the wiring under the steering wheel.

In order to have the lights dim in and out like the dome lights, you need to tap Fuse #6 (red 10A, sixth from bottom left in the box) for power, and the green/red coming from the MICU (multiplex integrated control unit) for the ground. Fuse 6 (white/blue) is a constant 12v, green/red is a variable ground that switches from 12v to 0v when the door is opened, fob pressed etc.

Green/red supplies 12v when the door is closed. 12v power (white/blue) and 12v ground (green/red) cancel each other out and result in no lights. When the door is open you get 12v power and 0v ground, lights on. A transistor takes care of the dimming from 12v -> 0v.

The green/red was nearly impossible to find, its on the back of the fuse box at the top. Its a 5 pin green connector that you need to feel for, unclip and remove. It looks like this





The green/red is the 2nd/4th wire from either end. Tap this wire and run a ground wire off of it.

Next tap the #6 Fuse and run a power wire from it. I used an add-a-fuse to make it easier

#6 removed

Thank you so Much!!!!!!!!!! Ill try to do A DIY Thread when Im done, but where do you think I could get an add a fuse? Ive never seen something like that before

[Grandmastertook]

Originally Posted by 04pwptehsex

jw but when would these light up ? its kinda dope

These Turn on when you unlock your car, and fade on and off like the dome lights

[willy18]

kuma912, have you done this yourself? I'm sure everyone would love to see a video or at least pics if you have.

[kuma912]

Originally Posted by willy18

kuma912, have you done this yourself? I'm sure everyone would love to see a video or at least pics if you have.

Yes. My puddle lights are wired up to this.

[Age]

Originally Posted by Grandmastertook

Thank you so Much!!!!!!!!!! Ill try to do A DIY Thread when Im done, but where do you think I could get an add a fuse? Ive never seen something like that before

Get the mini size that fits the TSX. It should be available at most autoparts stores.

[TSXFiles]

To find the green/red wire, you're going to have to stick your head way under the driver side footwell near the pedals and look up toward the roof pillar. And I'm pretty sure you'll have to peel some foam padding back off the harness before you can see the green connector in the pictures above.

By the way, if fuse#6 is a constant source, then you can tap any + wire you want besides fuse#6 as long as it is also a constant source. This would be fine as long as you use an inline fuse. Its an alternative to the add-a-circuit

The add-a-circuit would likely be much easier though.

[04pwptehsex]

yea kuma you have any pics? ive wanted to add puddle lights to my car i love how they look

[kuma912]

[04pwptehsex]

^ where did you get your lights from