Opinions Welcome - Mod for Lighting Up P-Window Switches

[jzack]

One of the cockpit complaints regarding the pre-2007 HLs is that most of the controls on the driver side door are not illuminated making them hard to find. A few LEDs, some glue and a little drillling should be able to fix this issue -- there's plenty of room underneath the trim panel for this mod.

Figured before I start the job - I'd prototype a bit with Photoshop. Much easier to decide how things should look this way - any other ideas or opinions out there? I'm proposing to use use 3mm low intensity LEDs -- they'll always be on when the car is running. 3 Green LEDs and 1 Red one.

Picture 1 - Here's the general idea.


Picture 2 - Darkened it down to give a better idea

[05Moose]

Fantastic Idea! Definitely a gripe with our 05 Highlander! Go for it and let us know how it goes (and keep a list of parts and such to make it easier for your followers to do the same). I assume you'll tie it into the power going to the window switches.

[jzack]

Yes - plan to document the job. My Haynes manual shows easy access to switched +12 volts and ground on the wiring harness, so expecting this to go pretty well.

It's really too bad - actually came up with an even easier solution. There's a nice little wedge shaped projector LED light designed for dash guages, etc --- but it only puts out blue light (not white). Could be mounted next to the door lock button and pointed down across the tops of everything. Had to rule out that option because I have a brown interior and the blue light just doesn't look good.

[LifeTech]

Not to rain on your parade ... I feel it would be an overkill novelty. Much work needed....for just a little bit of light.

I never had lighting issues using my window controls. Lexus does it a bit different with the lighted switches . I.E the RX 330-350.

And, Honestly, I never need to look at the switches...I use/touch them by feel.

I could see using Led's in other places ...like under the dash/footwells, glove boxes etc. , and also in all the cup holders at all locations of the interior.. ( Toyota Japan ) sells these Led light kits for the HL in Japan just for this purpose.. These are more important areas yu might want to address for lighting.

But go for it.
Others might like this concept.

I would also not want to compromise the warranty on this Driver's Door Window ECU switch.( As this switch incorporates the HL's Locking system computer in this switch panel and costs $much Money to replace.)

If yu remove the switch/panel yu will see that it is modular in design. Just not something to modify. As I have replaced these switch panels many times before on many other Toys.
I have considered getting the Lexus variant of this switch however. But ,the wood grain facia would not match however.


LT

[jzack]

Good comments - thx. This mod is more for other members of my household (new drivers included) that are complaining about it since they don't drive the HL that often -- like you, after a while I've gotten use to the locations in the dark.

Good point on the warranty -- this mod is all about the trim piece and not the control switch (nothing is touched there). So concern is very low in terms of messing it up - if I don't like how it comes out, pretty easy to find a replacement trim piece from a salvage yard (attaches to control unit with 3 screws).

Interior lighting -- yes, that's going to be tackled soon as well. Very (very) easy to add aftermarket LED illumination to the center storage bin and a few other locations. Just found what I think is a great deal on an Autozone small white projector LED + stick on mounting case -- ran 98 cents for a pack of two (very cheap, basic thing - but ready to go). Bought $4 worth (big spender here!) - but haven't tested them yet. Here's a link for anyone interested (Pilot Automotive, part #cz-119w):

AutoZone.com | Shopping | Accessories | Product Detail - Pilot Automotive Wangs PIL Mini stick-on led light

[LifeTech]

The trim yu refer to is actually part of the whole switch. It is not separable.

It is one whole assembly. So, if yu mode the "Trim" around the buttons, yu are modding the whole switch as an assembly.


Good thread!

LT