Illuminated cup holders Tahoe (How-to)

[Anthony]

Heres the Directions: (Thanks 02TahoeMD) :Handshake:

Time: 90ish minutes


Well, this forum just keeps planting ideas in my head, and I tackled the latest idea today. I added LED lights to the cupholders on my Tahoe, it is a very easy mod to do, and I am happy with the results. Wanna do it yourself? Read on.....

You will need some 12V LEDs. I had some I had gotten from eBay awhile back just laying around, and used them. They are super convenient to use with their long leads. I got mine in red:

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk196/JohnTahoe/CupHolderLEDs.jpg

Next, yank out your cupholder and grab a drill bit that matches the size of the LEDs. I used a bit that was just a touch smaller than the bulb, and worked it around after drilling the hole to widen it just a tiny bit. I only used 4 LEDs for the entire project, since I wanted a subtle light, not too overpowering. I put one one each cupholder and one at each end of the catchall portion of the box.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk196/JohnTahoe/CupHolder2.jpg

After drilling in the holes, touch a dab of an adhesive to keep them in place. I used a touch of JB Weld on mine. I then routed the wires and connected them together, and then attached them to a quick disconnect plug that I had gotten from Pep Boys.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk196/JohnTahoe/CupHolder1.jpg

I have a 12V switched source that I routed into my console to have as a "master on" for my GPS and XM radio. I just used this as my power source and spliced in the other side of the connector. Voila! Now I have lights. Of course, you could also splice into the dash lights, or tap a line from the fuse box to do this if you want, anything 12V will work fine.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk196/JohnTahoe/CupHolder1.jpg

To help cut down on some of the glare directed back at the driver, I painted the tops of the LED bulbs flat black. You can kind of see the bulb tops in this photo:

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk196/JohnTahoe/CupHolder3.jpg

Last, I took a couple of photos at night with no other interior or dash lights on to show the effect that was achieved with just 4 lights. A water bottle helps to add to the overall glow that you see.

[tybardy]

what kind of LEDs do i buy?

[Anthony]

what kind of LEDs do i buy?

Something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/10PCS-12V-DC-20cm-WIRED-10mm-WHITE-LEDS_W0QQitemZ310156124051QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item4836bedf93&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294 %3A50

Just search eBay for: 10mm WIRED LEDs
I paid under $10.00 shipped for 20 of them.

http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/eylane/6DSC05567eylane.jpg

[AtomicHoe094]

hmm nice right up.

[tybardy]

what kind of resistors do i need with these?

[02TahoeMD]

what kind of resistors do i need with these?

None. I wired them directly to the 12V switched line. I do not know if you can get them to dim or not, that may require a resistor of some kind.

[tybardy]

yea i want to hook these into the dash lights

[Eagle]

Great write up.

To answer the above question, they already have a resistor on them (that is what's under the black heatshrink), and they will dim just fine...

I used them to replace some $10-$20 VW only dash bulbs in the wife's Jetta... and i had some in another car to illuminate the trunk mounted changer at night.

one of the tricks you can do is grind the tip flat and sand the entire thing opaque for a more diffused glow.


I beiieve the current 'brand name' is 'pilot', & available at pep boys. They used to be under a different name at best buy. They still come in overpriced packs of 3, but if all you need is one or two... and you need em NOW... well you can get em.

[vwbeaner]

In the past I bought leds, 330 ohm resisters, and used speaker wire. After they were soldered together they worked very well. I got the stuff at Radio Shack. it was pretty cheap.

[MikeTheApeman]

one of the tricks you can do is grind the tip flat and sand the entire thing opaque for a more diffused glow.

I just installed LED's in the cubby where (I think) the tape deck usually is. I used 3mm pre-wired white LED's I got off eBay. Based on Eagle's advice, I took a nail file and scuffed the surface of the two I installed, the light is MUCH more subtle and more like a slight glow than a light - just the effect i was looking for.

I'm at work right now, so I can't give any pics, but I plan on doing the other cubby and the cupholders this wekk, so will take some pics then. I also know whatever drill bit I used gave the perfect hole for the 3mm LED's, so I'll list that up as well.

[Tahoewhat]

I just installed LED's in the cubby where (I think) the tape deck usually is. I used 3mm pre-wired white LED's I got off eBay. Based on Eagle's advice, I took a nail file and scuffed the surface of the two I installed, the light is MUCH more subtle and more like a slight glow than a light - just the effect i was looking for.

I'm at work right now, so I can't give any pics, but I plan on doing the other cubby and the cupholders this wekk, so will take some pics then. I also know whatever drill bit I used gave the perfect hole for the 3mm LED's, so I'll list that up as well.

Sorry for bringing up old thread, but it is a DIY one, so this may help..

but did you ever get some pics of your install and what are you guys that did this wiring the lights to so they can dim. Im thinking of doing this subtle look and just curious what you wired them to. I know 12v, but what? Like the cig lighter? Or if you have a pic also of where you wired them.

thanks

[ScottL4619]

If you have the Bose system with the subwoofer under the console, you can wire the positive for the LED's to the pink wire in the harness directly under the cupholders. Just buy one of those crimp splice pieces. I just found a screw attached to metal near the same place (console mount) to ground them. They don't dim, but only turn on when the subwoofer does (key turned, doors unlocked, etc). I bought radio shack LED's that have nuts on the backside, so they did not require any glue. If you get very subtle dim LED's, you don't really need to dim them.

[Tahoewhat]

If you have the Bose system with the subwoofer under the console, you can wire the positive for the LED's to the pink wire in the harness directly under the cupholders. Just buy one of those crimp splice pieces. I just found a screw attached to metal near the same place (console mount) to ground them. They don't dim, but only turn on when the subwoofer does (key turned, doors unlocked, etc). I bought radio shack LED's that have nuts on the backside, so they did not require any glue. If you get very subtle dim LED's, you don't really need to dim them.

yeah i have bose. Appreciate the info.. I'll have to check them out..

[highrollin113]

i like this idea i think i am gong to give it a try and coming off the amp was what i wa thinking glad to see i can

[MikeTheApeman]

Sorry for bringing up old thread, but it is a DIY one, so this may help..

but did you ever get some pics of your install and what are you guys that did this wiring the lights to so they can dim. Im thinking of doing this subtle look and just curious what you wired them to. I know 12v, but what? Like the cig lighter? Or if you have a pic also of where you wired them.

thanks

No, I didn't, and to be perfectly honest I totally forgot. (The g/f's mom passed right around when I posted that, so haven't been on in a while.) I'll make a note to get pics of where I tapped and install pics at lunch, will try to get lit up pics tonight or tomorrow after dark.

I know that I did NOT tap the pink wire as everyone else is saying. I want to say I tapped a light blue wire...the rub here is that it only read at 5v with the multimeter. This adds to the subtle effect, since the LED's are 12v, and I'm not powering them 100%.

[Tahoewhat]

No, I didn't, and to be perfectly honest I totally forgot. (The g/f's mom passed right around when I posted that, so haven't been on in a while.) I'll make a note to get pics of where I tapped and install pics at lunch, will try to get lit up pics tonight or tomorrow after dark.

I know that I did NOT tap the pink wire as everyone else is saying. I want to say I tapped a light blue wire...the rub here is that it only read at 5v with the multimeter. This adds to the subtle effect, since the LED's are 12v, and I'm not powering them 100%.

Cool, thanks man. Whenever you get the chance. Id like to know what you plugged into. I would like the subtle look also, not really full brightness. Just a sort of glow per say..

[Redhoe01]

I want to do this mod but elec stuff scares me. If anyone has the time, please post a pic of the 12V dash wires I can access to do this. I dont have bose stereo so I dont have the center console sub to access. Can I use the tape deck wires that is in the center console?

[MikeTheApeman]

Okay, here's a couple of pics I took yesterday showing where I hooked up. It's the royal blue wire, second slot from the corner, right between baby blue and orange. I ran a lead with a quick-connect and wired the LED's into that, this way if I need to take the cubby out there's no problem. Originally, I grounded to the 12v outlet...yeah, not so good. Power from amp harness + ground from 12v outlet = blowing fuse every other day. Moved the ground to under the cupholders, also with a quick connect just in case, no problems since.

As noted earlier, my LED's are 3mm, so they are smaller. I also tapped into a line that appeared to only carry 5V, so they don't get lit as bright. I scuffed the entire outside with a nail file to diffuse the light a little more, also need to pop them back out and paint the tips better, as the lights shine right into the eyes of a passenger in the back seat. (I tried to hit them with a sharpie while installed...yeah, not so much.) I didn't check what drill bit I used, but I know it was perfect for 3mm LED's, nice and tight, no glue needed. Overall, just a simple glow to let you know something's in there, kinda like opera lighting.

[ScottL4619]

Interesting, you guys are lighting up the cubbies. I just did my actually cupholders. Are the cubbies hard to remove? I would like to add a couple to both cubbies if it's easy.

[MikeTheApeman]

The Cubbies come out in one piece, just have to pry a little bit harder because it's got those spring clip retainers holding it in place. Then the 12v outlets have plugs to remove.

Way I saw it, the cup holders have light from the windows...cubbies get darker faster. Not to say I won't go back and do the cupholders too, since I got about 100 LED's leftover here, but the cubbies were the 1st one I wanted to tackle. Now that I have power and ground leads run, I can add the cupholders easier anyway.

[ScottL4619]

Is it possible to drill holes and mount LED's in the top of the cubbies as opposed to the backs? That way, the lights don't shine towards people in the back seats.

[bsims3996]

when i did this i got power from the A/C controls so they can dim with all the factory lights. i believe their was 2 power wires, 1 constant and one that worked when the lights came on. and grounded it under the cupholder, beside the bose amp

[MikeTheApeman]

Is it possible to drill holes and mount LED's in the top of the cubbies as opposed to the backs? That way, the lights don't shine towards people in the back seats.

For the top one? Definately. The bottom one might be a little tricky because of the angle. It's just easier to know going in that you have to paint the tips.

[jpaeltz]

Nice

[Tahoewhat]

when i did this i got power from the A/C controls so they can dim with all the factory lights. i believe their was 2 power wires, 1 constant and one that worked when the lights came on. and grounded it under the cupholder, beside the bose amp


Do you remember what color they were? So they can dim. Im either going w/ low volt one, or just have them dim.

[ScottL4619]

I got the lowest intensity LED's Radioshack had and I couldn't see having to dim them. Even with the rest of my interior lights dimmed, my cupholder LED's just have a nice glow to them. I've heard (but it may not be correct) that LED's don't dim all that well.

[Tahoewhat]

I got the lowest intensity LED's Radioshack had and I couldn't see having to dim them. Even with the rest of my interior lights dimmed, my cupholder LED's just have a nice glow to them. I've heard (but it may not be correct) that LED's don't dim all that well.

Ok, thanks, i havent really heard of them dimming, but worth a shot, i'll just go w/ the low volt ones and have the subtle glow.

[Rivieraracing]

Post some night pics guys (if it's even possible), curious on how much brighter they are compared to other lit items in the truck!! Sounds like a cool and easy mod to do!!

[bsims3996]

Post some night pics guys (if it's even possible), curious on how much brighter they are compared to other lit items in the truck!! Sounds like a cool and easy mod to do!!
filmed with shitty camera but you can get a idea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFNo4-0u_vs

[MikeTheApeman]

I've heard (but it may not be correct) that LED's don't dim all that well.

In order for LED's to truly dim, you need a PWM circuit, and that sure ain't part of this deal.
EDIT: Looking at that video, I stand corrected...I think...cause they sure look like they are dimming.

As mentioned later, they aren't giving off a whole lot of light. Install them first. If too bright, then scuff the surface with a nail file. Simple, cheap, and easy.

[ScottyBoy]

That looks sweet! I may have to do mine now. I did my door switches in blue LED's already. Now I need the cupholder to match.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w233/cutdog504/DSC01787.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w233/cutdog504/DSC01789.jpg

[Tahoewhat]

Bumping old thread, b/c i just did this and have some questions.
first here is pic
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg4/whitemike80/PART_1299980323255.jpg

2nd. Right now they are on a switch. I would like them to come on w/ the headlights. (what could i tap into to achieve this) tried a orange wire in radio, but didnt come on, only flickered then stopped. So made a switch for it. But dont like it.

3. they are way to bright for me. I only have 4 in the top compartments, and 3 in the cupholders. I would like the subtle glow. I read wrong and see you have to basically shave the top, dome, off and then sand the whole led down to opaque. RIght? This will give it more of a glow. I read someone tapped into a 5v source. Where could i find one at, i dont have a volt meter. The 12v seems to be too bright.

4. Thanks for any help on this.

[bsims3996]

this is the wire i tapped into behind the a/c controls

[Rivieraracing]

Yeah Mike, you can tap into anything that lights up in your interior when the lights are on just gotta find the wire on it that power up with the headlights!! Also, for your LED's, could also tint them with some spray tint, I wouldn't think the LED's would get hot enough to burn the tint off but haven't tried it to find out!! Someone should be able to chime in about the LED shaving to tell you if that works or not, haven't done that either! Plus you need to buy yourself a cheap voltmeter and also a test light, solves alot of problem having one!

---------- Post added at 09:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:07 AM ----------

Just thought about this, if you have a light in your center console that only lights up when the headlights are on, you could tap into the power side of the switch for your LED's, it's gotta be the power side or else they would only turn on when the center console was opened up with the headlights being on!

[Tahoewhat]

this is the wire i tapped into behind the a/c controls

Is that a gray wire? I'll look at mine and see. Sure i can figure it out.

Thanks very much for posting that.

Yeah Mike, you can tap into anything that lights up in your interior when the lights are on just gotta find the wire on it that power up with the headlights!! Also, for your LED's, could also tint them with some spray tint, I wouldn't think the LED's would get hot enough to burn the tint off but haven't tried it to find out!! Someone should be able to chime in about the LED shaving to tell you if that works or not, haven't done that either! Plus you need to buy yourself a cheap voltmeter and also a test light, solves alot of problem having one!

---------- Post added at 09:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:07 AM ----------

Just thought about this, if you have a light in your center console that only lights up when the headlights are on, you could tap into the power side of the switch for your LED's, it's gotta be the power side or else they would only turn on when the center console was opened up with the headlights being on!


Chris,
Yeah i figured i could tap into anything, just dont know what really. Need to get a volt meter. Dont really want to go and check around w/ a hot wire. Could end badly for me. lol Tinting them, ive been reading again and think i just need to sand the whole thing and the top a little.

I dont have a light in the console at all. Wish i did, that way would be very easy, just tap into it and be done. No wires running all over.

Thanks guys for all your help. I'll be looking into this again today and see what i can do. thanks again..

mike

[Rivieraracing]

Chris,
Yeah i figured i could tap into anything, just dont know what really. Need to get a volt meter. Dont really want to go and check around w/ a hot wire. Could end badly for me. lol Tinting them, ive been reading again and think i just need to sand the whole thing and the top a little.

I dont have a light in the console at all. Wish i did, that way would be very easy, just tap into it and be done. No wires running all over.


mike

At least get yourself a test light, they are dirt cheap and makes it pretty easy to find a wire with voltage to it!! As for the console light, must be another denali thing!! How about the back of the console, don't you have rear audio controls on there? If so they should light up with the headlights, that would be another option to tap into!

---------- Post added at 10:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:57 AM ----------

Sounds like you gotta just get in your truck tonight when it's dark, turn your headlights on and see what lights up in your truck and choose the closest thing you can to your cupholders that lights up and tap into it!!

[Tahoewhat]

At least get yourself a test light, they are dirt cheap and makes it pretty easy to find a wire with voltage to it!! As for the console light, must be another denali thing!! How about the back of the console, don't you have rear audio controls on there? If so they should light up with the headlights, that would be another option to tap into!

---------- Post added at 10:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:57 AM ----------

Sounds like you gotta just get in your truck tonight when it's dark, turn your headlights on and see what lights up in your truck and choose the closest thing you can to your cupholders that lights up and tap into it!!

LOL. yes you and your denali has everything. ha ha.. Crazy, the newer ones dont have half of what you do.

I actually found a test light looking for something else. So thats a plus. Better than nothing. You know, i never thought of the rear audio controls. I dont ever go back there. But i could tap into that somehow. How do you take that out if you know? Now that i have a test light, guess i can find out which one lights up those. SHould only be one wire right? Id rather go to that, then the a/c. Just messing w/ a/c wires frightens me. About to go check this all out.

I tried that last nite, got in and turned lights on and looked around, only thing i could see what dash lights, a/c and such, didnt think about rear audio controls, they light up.. Thanks chris, im going to look into this now.

[Rivieraracing]

Yeah, it will only be one wire you will look for, just gotta take the test light, hook the one end of the light to a good ground (make sure the ground is good by checking the wires and make sure the light lights up with one of the wires at least) and start by checking all the wires with the headlights off noting which ones have power and which ones don't, then turn the headlights on (with the truck off, should only light up your interior lights and nothing else) and check the wires that didn't have power before and you should be able to find only one wire, that's the one you want to use!!

---------- Post added at 01:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:06 PM ----------

As for taking out the rear controls, I haven't done that before!! Shouldn't be too hard to figure out!

[ScottyBoy]

Mike, the brown wire with a white stripe is the illumination wire in the AC harness with the light blue plug. The white stripe may look off white or even a really light yellowish color. I know that's the illumination wire. Ask me how I know, lol!!

[Tahoewhat]

Thanks. Chris and Scott. Ill look into it more in a minute. So brown and white are illuminations. Thanks. You have to sand quite a bit of the led for a more glow effect. The a/c is still kind of bright.

[Rivieraracing]

Thanks. Chris and Scott. Ill look into it more in a minute. Can u guys look at the led footwell thread. I need some help with a spdt switch. Its posted in there the problem.

I'd just rip all the crap out and call it a day!!! Ha ha ha!! J/K!!

As for this thread, the more I hear others doing this makes me really wanna give it a try!! Why not add another project to the list!! ha ha ha!

[Tahoewhat]

Lmao. Came close. If you guys weren't here with all these cool projects I'd be good. Lol. But I love all them and must do them.

[dwmmatt23]

Man always one more thing adding to the todo list, thanks for the write up