PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Driving at night, music blasting, cool lights shining in your car. Doesn’t that seem like the perfect combination? This article will teach you how to install LED lights in your car, truck, or SUV. It’s affordable, quite simple, and sets the perfect mood!

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Gathering Parts and Planning

PDF download Download Article
  1. Depending on the size of your vehicle, 4 is adequate, but you can always buy more!
  2. Installation kits are fairly inexpensive and include most of the parts needed to install the lights.
    • Ordering online is the most affordable, but auto parts stores may also carry them for a little bit of a higher price.
    Advertisement
  3. Options include under the dash, under the seats, or both.
    • Kits usually come with all that you need, but a fuse adaptor and some tools may also be required, depending on your vehicle. Kits usually come with the lights, zip ties, Velcro, and a power box.
  4. The recommended way is to use the fuse box, which is normally under the driver side footwell. There are other methods as well for powering the lights, such as using a cigarette lighter.
  5. Advertisement

===Installing===

Method 1: Using the Fuse Box

  1. It should state the location of each fuse, as well as what the fuse powers. Look for the accessory fuse location. This will allow the power of the lights to turn on when the car is on, so it doesn’t drain the car’s battery when the car is off.
  2. Place the fuse in a fuse adaptor, and insert the fuse adaptor back into the original fuse spot.
  3. Connect the lights to the power box.
  4. To do this, loosen up a bolt, put the wire under it, and tighten it back up. A grounding point is a metal part under the dash, such as the firewall. Without a proper grounding point, your lights will not turn on.
  5. Advertisement

Method 2: Using the Cigarette Lighter

  1. They are also known as a cigarette lighter, or car charger.
  2. The wire should be exposed.
  3. Crimp the connectors so they are secured.
  4. Plug the cigarette charger adapter into the 12 volt outlet.
  5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Connecting and Organizing

PDF download Download Article
  1. Start routing your wires in a place where they will not be visible, such as under the dash or between the center console.
    • Use zip ties to organize your wires so they look presentable and clean.
  2. Mount the lights to your desired locations. It is recommended that you put one in the driver footwell, one in the passenger footwell, and one under each seat towards the back seats.
    • Use electrical tape to tape the wires to a place under the dash, so they don’t fall while driving.
  3. Ensure all wires are hidden.
    • If they are not secure, the lights can easily fall out when a car hits a bump, so this is a crucial step.
  4. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Testing

PDF download Download Article
    • If your lights don’t turn on, backtrack each step, and ensure that each connection is correctly fitted and tight.
  1. These type of lights are configurable to any liking.
    • Change the pattern and color using the included remote.
  2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Things You'll Need

  • LED strips (number of your choice)
  • 5-10 ft of red and black automotive wiring
  • Zip ties (amount depending on how many lights)
  • Velcro (amount depending on how many lights)
  • Add-a-fuse
  • Electrical tape
  • Butt connectors (optional)
  • Wire stripper


Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about installing lights, check out our in-depth interview with Ricardo Mitchell.

You Might Also Like

Advertisement

About This Article

Ricardo Mitchell
Co-authored by:
Electrician, CN Coterie
This article was co-authored by Ricardo Mitchell. Ricardo Mitchell is the CEO of CN Coterie, a fully licensed and insured Lead EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Certified construction company located in Manhattan, New York. CN Coterie specializes in full home renovation, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, cabinetry, furniture restoration, OATH/ECB (Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings/Environmental Control Board) violations removal, and DOB (Department of Buildings) violations removal. Ricardo has over 10 years of electrical and construction experience and his partners have over 30 years of relevant experience. This article has been viewed 84,827 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 5
Updated: August 12, 2024
Views: 84,827
Categories: Car Lighting
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 84,827 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement