http://www.g8board.com/forums/[IMG]http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/2nddomelightview.jpgI have figured out how to connect lighting for foot well and other interior lighting on my car. First off I have a 08 G8 with the V6 3.6 engine so I am not sure if all of these images are going to be exactly the same on your car. Secondly you are working with the BCM (Body Control Module) on your vehicle and a word of caution as a mistake can cause serious and expensive damage if you are not careful where you make connections. I highly recommend using a 5amp fuse at the point where you make your splice to protect the circuit. The connection you are hooking to has a 10amp fuse so if you develop a short it will be protected by using the 5amp.

By connecting to the wire I am using I am able to get my LED's to dim off just as the dome light does. I have not installed any yet as I want to use 9' led strips and I had to order them but the led light I had hooked did dim out as I expected. I also have some led lights to install under the door panels to provide light when opening the door. You will see images of the parts I have in this post.

The BCM's on my car are located under the kick panel by the steering column on the right hand side above the foot feed. They should all be in a row I have 8 total I think. They are hard to get to as you need to basically lay on your back to see and work and there is not a lot of room. I used a wire splice to access the wire and I had to eventually peel away some of the wire covering to get the splice to make contact.

To begin you need to remove the kick panel under the dash on the driver side. Note in image you only have to remove on screw from the ODB port. The panel will then pull down with some force applied but be careful not to break any of the plastic pins.


http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/ODBport.jpg

This is an image of the kick panel after removal





http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/kickpanle.jpg


After kick panel is off you should be able to see the row of BCM connections, mine look like this and you can see my splice in this image.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/BCMview.jpg


This image shows the wire on my car that you need to splice to. This wire is blue and white and it is in socket 5. be careful as there is a similar wire in this same area. To test to see if this is the same wire you need use a test light and with the door open and the dome light on see if you show power at this wire. If you have power add your splice and then wire in a test led close the doors and see if it goes off when the dome light does. If it does then you have the correct wire.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/BCM2Wirelocation.jpg


You will find there is little room to work in here and as I stated earlier I had to remove some of the wire covering to get my spice to make connection so make double sure before cutting that it is the correct wire by using the test light.


I would recommend again placing your fuse close to this point for the added protection. Remember to place it where you can access it without having to remove the kick panel.

These next set of images show you how to access the dome light and find the proper wire there. I would strongly suggest accessing this and find the wire shown in the next picture before trying to access the wire at the BCM. If it is the same color as mine (Blue/White) then there is a strong chance you will have the same wire as mine on the BCM.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/Domelightconnection.jpg

To access the dome light I recommend a flat head screw driver and be careful not to damage the head liner. Remove the screw from inside the sun glass tray (it requires a tork bit screw driver)and then pry down on the front as shown in this image.


http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/domelightaccess.jpg


Remember if you make a connection here that the plug must remain plugged in as shown for any splice to work. I would recommend an additional 5amp fuse here if you do splice.


Here is a picture of the parts I used and the LED's I plan on using for my door entries.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/Parts.jpg


Here is the wiring diagram for the BCM with the connection names and positions. Again this is for my car and yours may be different.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/BCMX2Wiring.jpg


http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/BCMX2plug.jpg

Great write up. Thanks, this is something I will probably do in the spring. Thanks and update us when you get done!!

Very nice write up. Where did you get the pinout and wiring diagram? I'm thinking of using some red LEDs for the footwells that come on with the instrument panel (pin 3 according to the diagram).

Very nice write up. Where did you get the pinout and wiring diagram? I'm thinking of using some red LEDs for the footwells that come on with the instrument panel (pin 3 according to the diagram).


I have an account at www.alldatadiy.com (http://www.alldatadiy.com) it is an online manual service. Cheaper than the $150 for a manual although I will eventually get one of those.

I want to do red LEDs as well, but only when the dome light is on.

I want to do red LEDs as well, but only when the dome light is on.


I did this exact same mod on my 08 Solstice GXP and the footwell lights only work when you open the door's. If you turn on the dome light (map lights in mirror) the footwell lights do not come on so of that is what you are wanting you may want to figure out what wire is the source wire in the plug in the dome light over head .

Wired the lights in the footwell tonight and they look great..............will have to see if I can "tone down" the brightness of the dome light though.

I used a 9' red led strip on both the driver and passenger side.



http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/footwell2.jpg


http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/footwell1.jpg


I will work on entry lights later and post picks then.

Very nice!

Where did you pick up the 9" led strip?

Where did you pick up the 9" led strip?


Got them at Advanced Auto but I think they are going to be a discontinued item so you may want to check. OPTX is the brand name.

Wow, nice job!

Here is an update on my install:

I replaced the dome light clear bulbs with these.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/redbulb.jpg



Also you can make your own fuse holder by using two female slide connectors. This picture shows you how I did mine but I recommend using the insulated ones to keep from shorting out if they come in contact with a ground source I used my last two insulated to do mine so this is just for showing you how to make it.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/Slideterminals.jpg

Replaced the bulbs in the dome lights front and back. Here is finished night image. The image does not do the actual lighting justice but I am very happy with the out come of the project.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/domeandfootwell.jpg

An update on the ability to see in the car with the new lights. I was easily able to read the owners manual and see items in the console compartment.
The light is by now way over powering and I am really happy with the final result.
I took a couple of shots but with the night time setting my hand needs to be a little more steady so sorry for the blurriness but as you can see there is ample light. The second shot was taken with the book laying on the shifter console.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/nightshot2.jpg



http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/nightshot.jpg

Just an update to let you know that the wire location on the BCM is in the same location on the GT model.

looks pretty decent

Great mod. And it addresses one of my lighting peeves of our cars. A few questions...

-Was the wiring mod at the dome light just to use a new style lamp?

-When you push the dome light button, is the power fed from that switch directly to the lights or does the signal go to the BCM and then to the lights?

-Where did you route the wires for the rear foot well lighting? Through the center console?

Great mod. And it addresses one of my lighting peeves of our cars. A few questions...

-Was the wiring mod at the dome light just to use a new style lamp?

-When you push the dome light button, is the power fed from that switch directly to the lights or does the signal go to the BCM and then to the lights?

-Where did you route the wires for the rear foot well lighting? Through the center console?


Not sure of what you are asking in your first question there actually was no mod at the dome light other than a bulb change...........I only added the red bulbs because the white ones were some what over powering the red leds on the footwell.

The switch goes to the BCM and then the dome light.

I dropped the side panels on the console and fed the wiring under the front of the console to the passenger side. I didn't do red leds under the back of the driver seat although you could run the wiring easily to it under the console. I did place a red bulb in the rear light though

Thanks Hoosier G8. I must have misunderstood your post about removing the dome lens and its purpose.

Since the domes are controlled by the BCM, we could have the foot well lights run of that same switch.

Very nice write up. Where did you get the pinout and wiring diagram? I'm thinking of using some red LEDs for the footwells that come on with the instrument panel (pin 3 according to the diagram).

I'm thinking something similar.

1. Use PIN 3 for ambient red LEDs under the front footwells, which will (hopefully???) dim with the instrument cluster dimmer switch.

2. Use PIN 5 hooked up to some incandescents (say, 194's) in the footwells for door-on entry lamps that would dim off with the BCM controller.

Best of both worlds, I think. Hopefully it works they way I think it would...

Forgive my ignorance, but you need to ground the lights too, right? Where did you ground yours?

you can ground to anywhere there is a bare spot to the chassis. simply touching the ground lead to metal will let you determine that.

[quote=StraightG8;415888]I'm thinking something similar.

1. Use PIN 3 for ambient red LEDs under the front footwells, which will (hopefully???) dim with the instrument cluster dimmer switch.
quote]

That is what I'm interested in trying to do as well. I like the idea of ambient lights tastefully located, but I want them subtle and not overbearing.

I have added the footwell lighting (spliced to the dimming instruments lights) amd also one in the cubby on console. It looks great. What I want to add now are lights in the overhead to provide a low level of interior light (red) during driving. I recently rode in a BMW with this, and love the concept. I cannot find led bezels to mount in the ovehead that would look OK, but have the light recessed to allow focusing the light on the console mainly.

Down the road, a small amount of light in the door handle would also be desirable. again, as seen the BMW.

Any help with the bezels?

Hopefully some vendor will be available to do this at the National meet.

I have added the footwell lighting (spliced to the dimming instruments lights) amd also one in the cubby on console. It looks great. What I want to add now are lights in the overhead to provide a low level of interior light (red) during driving. I recently rode in a BMW with this, and love the concept. I cannot find led bezels to mount in the ovehead that would look OK, but have the light recessed to allow focusing the light on the console mainly.

Down the road, a small amount of light in the door handle would also be desirable. again, as seen the BMW.

Any help with the bezels?

Great work. What Pin did you splice into? any pics or vids of the lighting in action with the dimmer??

And yes, I thought about adding some overhead ambient LEDs. I did mod my mirror with two red LEDs shining down, which helps, but are not quite bright enough. I wanted to add them to the overhead console, and wanted to recess them into it, but couldnt find anything suitable at radioshack.

Spam

...What I want to add now are lights in the overhead to provide a low level of interior light (red) during driving. I recently rode in a BMW with this, and love the concept...

Why Pontiac Why?!

I owned a '91 Trans Am GTA which had a red/orange ambient LED in the rearview mirror that shined down on the center counsel (sp?). Too bad GM / Pontiac did away with a nice feature.

I have noticed with my sunroof switch in the G8 that it may have this feature in OZ but I haven't done much research yet. Too Cold in WI!

Here is an update on my install:

I replaced the dome light clear bulbs with these.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/redbulb.jpg



Also you can make your own fuse holder by using two female slide connectors. This picture shows you how I did mine but I recommend using the insulated ones to keep from shorting out if they come in contact with a ground source I used my last two insulated to do mine so this is just for showing you how to make it.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd347/HoosierGXP/Slideterminals.jpg
Hey Hoosier, great write-up I'll be trying this sometime soon. As for the dome lights, I bought a pair of blue 194 bulbs like yours and I was initially happy with the appearance in my Grand Prix but, over time, the paint on the bulb started to fade until they burned out. I pulled them out and saw that the light and heat had burned through the paint on the outside and the blue lighting was gone. In my humble opinion, I'd recommend a WLED 194 replacement, it'll last longer and give you a wide angle of light from an LED. I put them in my car and they look pretty sweet

Hey Hoosier, great write-up I'll be trying this sometime soon. As for the dome lights, I bought a pair of blue 194 bulbs like yours and I was initially happy with the appearance in my Grand Prix but, over time, the paint on the bulb started to fade until they burned out. I pulled them out and saw that the light and heat had burned through the paint on the outside and the blue lighting was gone. In my humble opinion, I'd recommend a WLED 194 replacement, it'll last longer and give you a wide angle of light from an LED. I put them in my car and they look pretty sweet


Mine are still holding up but I agree an LED would be a better choice. If mine go bad I will give them a try. Thanks for the upgrade info.

What are those parts you used at the wire splice junction in the picture (blue and white parts attached to the blue and white wire? I would like to do this mod, but am afraid the hardest part would be the splicing of the wire. There is not much room to work with in that tight area under there. Did you unplug the the whole white pin socket out of the BCM. Great write up by the way.

What are those parts you used at the wire splice junction in the picture (blue and white parts attached to the blue and white wire? I would like to do this mod, but am afraid the hardest part would be the splicing of the wire. There is not much room to work with in that tight area under there. Did you unplug the the whole white pin socket out of the BCM. Great write up by the way.


I didn't unplug the harness although it may help but not sure you would gain that much room. The parts you are referring to are a simple wire splice and a spade connector you can purchase at any auto parts store. I don't have a better image of them on hand but most parts store clerks will know what you are talking about if you ask. The really hard part is getting the connector to make contact when you do this so a pair of needle nose pliers will help in closing the connector and as I stated in the write up I pealed a little of the wire insulation back to expose the bare wire to get a good connection. I make it sound harder that it really is but the connection is the hardest part to me. If you have any trouble finding the connectors let me know and I will try and get you a better description of them.

I found and purchased a wire splice and spade connector similiar to the one in your picture. The one I bought is for 16-14 AWG wire (blue connector). Is this the right connector? I am aiming at tapping into both PIN 3 for the footwell lighting and PIN 5 for door entry lighting. What tool did you use to peel back the wire insulation? It sounds like a very delicate job! Thanks again.

I found and purchased a wire splice and spade connector similiar to the one in your picture. The one I bought is for 16-14 AWG wire (blue connector). Is this the right connector? I am aiming at tapping into both PIN 3 for the footwell lighting and PIN 5 for door entry lighting. What tool did you use to peel back the wire insulation? It sounds like a very delicate job! Thanks again.



Your connector should be fine...............I used a small razor knife to peel back the insulation you only need a small area no need to peel all the way around the wire.

cool write up

Here's my setup right now. They look much better in person, but the iPhone isn't exactly known for taking great photos.

I have 12" strips in the trunk and under the driver and passenger side front footwells. I have 9" strips under the front seats for the rear footwells, I have a diffused red LED mounted behind the Blaupunkt system to illuminate the cubby, and LED bulbs replacing the front and rear dome lights. All of the LEDs are currently powered off a custom 12v controller, but as soon as I finish lighting the engine bay and door pockets, each LED strip will be individually controllable and dimmable from a control panel in the center console that I have mostly built but not installed yet. Each light will have a separate toggle switch and the whole system will be routed through a potentiometer to regulate dimming, should I want to.

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/1607/img0043gn.jpg (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/img0043gn.jpg/)

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/2350/img0044qy.jpg (http://img141.imageshack.us/i/img0044qy.jpg/)

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/1038/img0045zu.jpg (http://img141.imageshack.us/i/img0045zu.jpg/)

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/6134/img0046gus.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/img0046gus.jpg/)

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8184/img0048bh.jpg (http://img217.imageshack.us/i/img0048bh.jpg/)

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/4611/img0049ok.jpg (http://img707.imageshack.us/i/img0049ok.jpg/)

http://img602.imageshack.us/img602/1809/img0050x.jpg (http://img602.imageshack.us/i/img0050x.jpg/)

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/716/img0052q.jpg (http://img151.imageshack.us/i/img0052q.jpg/)

Amazing work Bad Karma. I'd like to do the footwells in my front and rear

Do you need to put a fuse on the footwell lamps power connection?

my grill lights and led dome lights and 12 in. strips under seats and dash, and 4 in. strip in cubby

Do you need to put a fuse on the footwell lamps power connection?
You can. Its not a bad idea. I did not.. Worst case you blow whatever fuse power your pulling from. In my case, the cigarette lighter.