LX Puddle/Courtesy Lights LED strip upgrade

[screendoor]

Finished pictures first!


I put sliders on my ’01 LX a couple of months ago and mourned the loss of my running board puddle lights (aka courtesy lights). I found a couple of threads detailing replacements and was inspired by the LED strip that @bhicks used. I didn’t want to cut the wire connector off my running board because I am a pansy and found a source for the factory style connectors instead.



I used a 5050 RGB strip at first (overly long video), but I didn’t like the white color that it generated and didn’t have a need to change the color. So I ordered some Warm White and Bright White 5050 LED strip. I put the Warm White LED strip on and absolutely love it (video), though I do miss the fade on/off effect.

I used a meter of LED strip and stuck it along my frame rail. I cut the LED strip in to two sections (27.25" and 11.5") and soldered/heat shrinked in some wire to be able to extend the shorter strip to provide light for the passenger door area (had to jump over some bits that are on the frame rail). And put a few zipties around everything just in case.




My brother swapped all of his LX bulbs out with the Bright White interior PFRAN LEDs and he still has his running boards on, so I made him a Y adapter that he could use to easily add a matching Bright White strip to his existing running board puddle lights. He hasn't had a chance to put them on, so I don't have any pictures yet (I should just put a Bright White strip next to my Warm White strip to compare them).


I am happy with how it turned out - I get the puddle lights back and they are much much brighter than the running board lights. Let me know if you have any questions about how I put the connectors or LED strip together.

I have extra connectors (minimum order quantity from China was 100 connectors...) and extra LED strip and might offer them for sale if there is interest, but I want to test the long term durability of the strip first. If anyone wants to try them out at a discount ($16 per LED strip with connector included, plus shipping) and give me feedback, please let me know.

 

[bamabrock]

I need to redo my setup. Interested

 

[Ramathorn15]

How did you get it to stick? Does it seem secure? I used similar strips on my awning and rear hatch and have issues with the adhesive coming off.

 

[screendoor]

@bamabrock , PM sent

 

[screendoor]

How did you get it to stick? Does it seem secure? I used similar strips on my awning and rear hatch and have issues with the adhesive coming off.

I used the adhesive that was on the strip. I cleaned the frame rail as best I could and when I pulled off the original RGB strip I was surprised at how well it was stuck. The adhesive on the Warm White and Bright White strip is slightly different than the RGB strip so that is a reason I want to do a longer test. I did zip tie the front and end of each length of strip to the frame to make sure they wouldn't start peeling. I have been through a couple snow days so far and the strips seem secure.

 

[nnnnnate]

How about a link to the connectors

@paulbgardner used these LEDs on his hatch that are sealed and waterproof. It seems like they are rigid and could easily be attached to the frame and secured on with small brackets or something. I'd just be afraid that the stick on lights would come unstuck in short order.

 

[Ramathorn15]

Is it only LX's that have the wiring for the running boards? This thread has sparked my interest.

 

[Ramathorn15]

@screendoor Would you be willing to tell me where you found the plug sockets? If not, thats okay.

 

[screendoor]

@nnnnnate @Ramathorn15 - Unfortunately, I couldn't find anyone selling the connectors online and my local dealership wasn't able to get the connector for me either. @bamabrock said that his dealership got him the connector, but it was just the external housing and didn't include the internals. I ultimately found the connectors from a supplier in China. They offered a "sample" connector for free, but it would cost $20 in express shipping. I needed more than one connector in order to build strips for me and my brother, so I bought the minimum order quantities of 100 x male and 200 x female connectors. I use the SN-48B pin crimper to connect the 18 gauge wire to the terminals.

 

[Ramathorn15]

@nnnnnate @Ramathorn15 - Unfortunately, I couldn't find anyone selling the connectors online and my local dealership wasn't able to get the connector for me either. @bamabrock said that his dealership got him the connector, but it was just the external housing and didn't include the internals. I ultimately found the connectors from a supplier in China. They offered a "sample" connector for free, but it would cost $20 in express shipping. I needed more than one connector in order to build strips for me and my brother, so I bought the minimum order quantities of 100 x male and 200 x female connectors. I use the SN-48B pin crimper to connect the 18 gauge wire to the terminals.

Would you be willing to sell me some of the ones I would need? I think the stepside is the male side, right?

 

[bamabrock]

I'm in for two male connectors pinned with a little length of wire. Thanks for doing the legwork!


@Ramathorn15 This is the female side that is hanging down from my 04LX after removing the running boards.

 

[Ramathorn15]

I'm in for two male connectors pinned with a little length of wire. Thanks for doing the legwork!


@Ramathorn15 This is the female side that is hanging down from my 04LX after removing the running boards.

Thanks!

 

[taco47001]

I'm in for two male connectors pinned with a little length of wire. Thanks for doing the legwork!


@Ramathorn15 This is the female side that is hanging down from my 04LX after removing the running boards.

X2! Get back to me and I'll get you PayPal. One of the reasons it took me so long to remove my running boards was I loved the puddle lights. I never thought to add LED strips along the frame. You've just opened my eyes.

 

[sorich]

How do you open the covers to get at the rear hatch bulbs? The ones that are waterproof and only visible when you open the rear hatch... I just replaced all my other bulbs and couldn't get to these.

 

[Keowee]

@sorich Are you are referring to the two rectangle shaped lenses (tag lights) over the license plate? If so push on the inside edge and slide the light toward the tail light and pull that edge down gently. That releases the tab holding it in place.

 

[DanInDenver]

@screendoor I would be interested in purchasing two of the connectors if your selling them.

 

[screendoor]

@DanInDenver PM sent! Thanks

 

[DanInDenver]

How much do they run? I have some LED floods I was thinking of using is all.

 

[CreasyBear]

I'm in for 2 connectors, or a little kit as well!

 

[screendoor]

How much do they run? I have some LED floods I was thinking of using is all.

The full LED strip with connector attached is $13 each (I am hoping for feedback on how they do so they are discounted). Or just the connectors with wire attached are $7 each. Shipping has been under $3 total for the ones I have sent out so far. You can choose from Warm White or Bright White. I prefer the Warm White, but if you have swapped out your interior lights with LEDS (e.g. PFRANs), you would probably want to go with Bright White.

In my opinion, this is a cheap mod that makes a huge difference. After I put the LED strips on, my wife drove the LX and immediately tasked me with figuring out a way to get them on her Odyssey...