LED Courtesy lights

[flynblind]

KAI LED Courtesy/Dome lights installation steps

Just finished the install of the map and courtesy lights on my 2013 RSpec. Here is my step by step installation for the courtesy lights (rear seat over-head lighting).

A couple of things to keep in mind.

• Use the proper tools for the job.
• This is my method, mileage may vary.
• If you don't want to risk damaging something, don't do it!
• I would rate this as "Intermediate" skills required.

1. Pry out the light defuser.
   
   1. Locate the small recessed slot in the outer edge of the defuser (there are 2).
   2. Gently pry the edge out of the assembly.
   3. Work your way around until the lens pops out.
   [
2. Pry out the factory LED light focusing assembly.
   
   1. Locate the small recessed slot in the outer edge of the assembly.
   2. Gently pry the edge out of the main assembly.
   3. Work your way around until the focusing assembly pops out.
   
3. Remove the 2 screws holding the main light assembly.
4. Slide assembly towards the front in a downward motion.
5. Locate the electrical connector and remove.
   
6. Gently peel back insulation material to expose the screws and tabs.
   
   1. Locate the 3 screws securing the electrical control component to the main assembly.
   2. Remove the three screws.
   3. Locate the 4 tabs securing the main assembly together.
   4. **Carefully** pry and push each tab until the electrical component is freed.
   
7. Locate the 6 black tabs holding the electrical control component together.
   
   1. **Gently** pry up each of the tabs.
   2. Be careful not to pry too hard.
8. Remove the black cover.
9. Remove the screw that holds in each of the factory LEDs.
10. Test fit the LED panels into the main assembly shell.
    
    1. With the electrical component removed, slide the LED panels into their desired location.
    2. Feed the electrical wires through the LED light holes in the main assembly.
    3. Check for clearance in the electrical connections of the LED panels.
    4. Check the general fit of the LED panel (curve, size, etc.).
    
11. Decide on method of mounting the LED panels.
    
    1. I chose double sided sticky tape.
    2. Use tape with one side covered stuck to the assembly to test LED panels.
    3. **Carefully** bend panels to form to the curvature of the assembly.
    4. Apply panels to double-sided sticky tape.
    5. Pull panel back off with the sticky tape attached to the LED panels.
       
    6. Cover sticky tape for later application.
12. Remove the factory LED lights from their electrical component.
    
    1. Use soldering iron to remove factory connections.
    2. Be careful, the back of the factory led lights is metallic and will get hot.
       
13. Solder LED panel to electrical component.
    
    1. Feed wires through the main assembly shell where the factory LED lights were.
    2. Feed wires to the electrical component.
    3. Solder the wires to the appropriate electrical wires.
    4. The electrical board is marked with "LED +", "IS', and "LED -".
    5. LED Panel is marked with the same markings.
    6. Protect electrical connections with heat-shrink insulation or, in my case, electrical tape.
       
14. Put cover back on electronic component.
    
    1. Rock into place carefully.
    2. Be sure all 6 tabs are connected solid.
    
15. Gently rock electrical component back onto main assembly shell.
16. Be sure to align the 2 guide tabs.
17. Tuck one side under and apply pressure.
    
18. Take full assembly with the LED panels still loose back to car.
19. Plug assembly back in.
20. Test lights.
    
21. Replace the assembly back into place.
22. Secure with the 2 screws removed earlier.
23. Peel back side of sticky tape off of the LED panels.
24. Press LED panels into place.
    
25. Place defusers back into assembly.
26. Enjoy your new lights!
    

 

[flynblind]

And a picture of the LED Map Lights (front lights) already installed:

 

[ShadowZ]

looks nice! i think i missed the part where you mentioned where you got such light panels.

 

[flynblind]

Sorry. I thought about that after I posted and tried to make some adjustments. The Dome lights can be found here:

http://koreanautoimports.com/genesis-led-dome-panels/

The Map lights can be found here:

http://koreanautoimports.com/genesis-led-map-panels/

Expect some long delays in getting these in as they are shipped directly from Korea.

 

[videopho]

A strange thought.
I believe mine came with map lights stocked led already installed.
Wonder why you have to do this again? For better looks?

 

[flynblind]

A strange thought.
I believe mine came with map lights stocked led already installed.
Wonder why you have to do this again? For better looks?

There are LEDs used in the factory lighting for the map and dome lights. They used a single LED with a focusing housing to attempt to amplify the lighting. I didn't like the amount of light put out by the single LED and the way that the focusing housing made it appear (looked like a circle of light coming from an oblong shaped defuser).

These are 11 times that light output (single factory LED vs 11 LEDs on the board) and fill the defuser with a nice, brilliant light.

 

[scottdk]

I have these same LED's in my wife's Optima and she's not a fan. She feels the cockpit is more like Target Field in Mpls. with full field illumination at night! Others' have also made similar comments such as the lights being retina burners. I had to tint the factory diffuser's to for better comfort. Her car is the black interior, so I couldn't imagine this mod with a lighter interior. Shark Racing now makes light diffusers for this issue (not for the Genesis)....

http://www.sharkracing.com/2011-2014-optima-k5-interior-light-diffuser-panel-kit/

For example only-

When a set of LED interior light kit is installed, the result is a brighter and whiter interior light, but it's difficult to look at the map lights when turned on because they are too bright, and the individual LEDs are visible. The interior light diffuser panel kit will solve this problem by turning the brightness down slightly

 

[flynblind]

I like the description of Target Field fully illuminated at night. That actually fits.

It does put out a good deal more light than the factory lights. I prefer my interior lights that way.

 

[carlosinseattle]

My 2014 interior lights are SUPER bright, not sure if they are different in your 2013, but I wouldn't want them even slightly brighter. The car lights up my entire driveway as it is when the interior lights are on.