DIY AliExpress Ambient Light Kit

[krazieboy]

I felt that the OEM Ambient lights were lacking, especially with no rear lights. I took the plunge to attempt this kit from AliExpress. I have heard that there are a few variations to this kit, but most of it is very similar on the install part. The kit I bought only works if you currently have the OEM ambient lights. Unfortunately, my seller isn’t very responsive, so figuring some of this out was harder than expected. Thankfully Ev-Vida was able to help with some of the questions I had. If you decide to attempt this also, I do suggest you sit there with google translate in live mode, and translate the labels. Labels are in Chinese.

I believe EV-Vida will be releasing an install guide for Mach-E's without OEM ambient light.

Lights can be control by OEM console or by WeChat miniapp. Without using the WeChat miniapp, the lights will stay on during daytime also. The WeChat miniapp allows for for additional features such as lightbars to be one color and brightness, while the footwell and storage lights to be another. App is only in Chinese only as far as I know. Once you figure out via google translate what each button does, it isn’t too bad.

Door modules connect back to main module wirelessly. You will need to tap power cables on each door.

As all DIY’s are, this is a DO AT YOUR OWN RISK. I am not responsible for any issues or damages that may arise. I am by no means a professional, and only sharing the process of my adventure.

1) Picture of the kit laid out.

2) Still no idea what these toggle switches are and what they do.

3) Or what this spare cable is about.

4) This is the wire harness to the Main Control Module. Main Module will be tucked behind the center console area left of the fuse box.

5) Wrong Fuse type came with the kit. I cut off the pre-attached fuse and crimped it to a fuse tap. Use a ACC switch fuse slot, and not one that is not constantly supplying power. I’m currently using fuse slot 24. There is a grounding spot left of the fuse box. It is hidden behind a panel.

6) Tap the blue line from main harness to the middle cable of the front passenger side ambient light. This middle cable supplies the signal for color and brightness.

7) Light bar for dash is kind of straight forward. Connection cable can be tucked under the speaker trim. Just lift it up a tad from the edge and tuck it in.

You will need to use the 1m extension cable for passenger side, and 1.5m for driver side. Run it down the sides and under carpet. This connects to the Main Module.

I didn’t cut the front light bars, and just overlaid them on top of each other in the middle behind the screen.

Note: I’m still trying to figure out what tape to use as it is not a snug fit, and driver side does hang out a tad without tape.

8) The footwell light harness also plugs into the main module. The footwell harness is one piece. Start from fuse box side, and route cable behind center console to driver side. Then under carpet and along side panel. See pic for reference. Each yellow dot is where footwell ambient light is located.

9) For rear ambient light cable, run along the side and tuck underneath the seat here. I made sure I had enough slack to move seat forward and back before I zip tied the cable down and put panel back on.

10) Front footwell light driver side. For the driver side, I used 2 zip ties to secure it along with adhesives.

11) Front ambient lights passenger side.

12) I have a GTPE, and underneath seat there is some fabric material. Not sure if the other seats are similar. This allowed me to use Velcro to attach the light.

13) Each door has 5 screws you need to take off. 7mm socket. Once you taken them off, start from bottom and pull the panel. It is held in by tabs and requires a bit of force. Once tabs are out, lift up to take door panel off.

14) There is one connector at bottom of the door panel you have to unclip, and also the door latch cable. The door latch cable has 2 clips. Use a flat head screwdriver to push on them. This was a bit of a struggle to me. See pic for door latch cable clips.

15) Driver side door power and ground. Borrowed pix from manufacturer instrutions.

16) Passenger Side Power and Ground. Different color but same pin location.

17) Remove Torx screws in this area for easier ability to insert Light bar.

18) Installing the door light bar. Start from one end and work your way to the other end. You will have to use a hard edge to slowly push it in so it sits nice and flush. My pry tools did the trick.

19) Tuck the connector under. This helps prevent any snagging. Use some tweezers if you are struggling to fish that though.

20) These are the door storage ambient lights. I used 1 per door, but you may want to use 2 if you want them brighter. If I’m understanding this correctly, 1 or 2 of these can be used in the center console bottom storage. No idea how to access center console ambient light. Someone enlighten me please.

21) Drill a hole to fit the Ambient light Cover. Use supplied clear adhesive to mount cover.

22) I tucked it under the speaker housing plastic to prevent any chance of movement.

23) Use some foam tape for speaker light. Actually, not a big fan of this light, and I’ll probably end up removing it, but for DIY write up purposes, its installed.

24) Secure door module with supplied Velcro, and connect all cables together. There is one spare connector on the harness that is not used if only 1 storage light is installed. Zip tie cables down.

25) Connect module power cable to the door tap.

26) Power for rear doors is located behind the Speaker. It is the harness that’s clipped along the back. Pop the clip off and splice the jacket. Be very careful not to splice into any cable. You will want to tap the 2 thickest cables.

27) Route cable to front of door. I used the gromet. Make sure you have enough clearance for the rear window to row all the way down. I’m sure there’s a better way to route the cable but I choose this direction.

28) The rear light bar needs to be trim slightly to fit. Pic of how much i cut off.

29) Test everything before installing panels back on.

I currently have some spare connectors cables and spare storage light LEDs I have not used. If anyone knows how to get to the ambient light in the lower console storage area, please share. Another idea is to install one in the glove box area. Need to look when I have time and when it’s not so hot.

If you think there’s anything I can improve on, or have better ideas, please share. =)

Here is a copy of the manufacture instructions. Note how horrible it is..

 

[connoisseurr]

You are the G.O.A.T. for finally getting this posted. I've been following your comments on Reddit.

 

[krazieboy]

You are the G.O.A.T. for finally getting this posted. I've been following your comments on Reddit.

^^ It took a while since i was only able to do bits by bits due to the heat. I litterally only got the applet this morning too. I was sent this pic, and thanks to google translate, i was able to copy the text to find the app on WeChat.

 

[connoisseurr]

What a cluster-F. I've dealt with crap like this before, particularly with illuminated door sills from Chinazon. Thanks for doing the heavy lifting.

I saw the LED piping for the dash and doors and that's really all I wanted for the Mach-E. Maybe I'll bite the bullet one day.

 

[Scooby24]

Damn looks like a pretty legit kit. Nice thread, thanks op!

 

[krazieboy]

What a cluster-F. I've dealt with crap like this before, particularly with illuminated door sills from Chinazon. Thanks for doing the heavy lifting.

I saw the LED piping for the dash and doors and that's really all I wanted for the Mach-E. Maybe I'll bite the bullet one day.

haha yea, you would think they be able to hire someone to write better instructions. Now that i've done the leg work, i'm sure more ppl would be willing to jump at one of these kits.

 

[VegStang]

Excellent work & writeup! I was just wanting to add ambient lighting to the rear doors & footwell, controlled like OEM, but this adds more options.

I felt that the OEM Ambient lights were lacking, especially with no rear lights. I took the plunge to attempt this kit from AliExpress. I have heard that there are a few variations to this kit, but most of it is very similar on the install part. The kit I bought only works if you currently have the OEM ambient lights. Unfortunately, my seller isn’t very responsive, so figuring some of this out was harder than expected. Thankfully Ev-Vida was able to help with some of the questions I had. If you decide to attempt this also, I do suggest you sit there with google translate in live mode, and translate the labels. Labels are in Chinese.

I believe EV-Vida will be releasing an install guide for Mach-E's without OEM ambient light.

Lights can be control by OEM console or by WeChat miniapp. Without using the WeChat miniapp, the lights will stay on during daytime also. The WeChat miniapp allows for for additional features such as lightbars to be one color and brightness, while the footwell and storage lights to be another. App is only in Chinese only as far as I know. Once you figure out via google translate what each button does, it isn’t too bad.

Door modules connect back to main module wirelessly. You will need to tap power cables on each door.

As all DIY’s are, this is a DO AT YOUR OWN RISK. I am not responsible for any issues or damages that may arise. I am by no means a professional, and only sharing the process of my adventure.

1) Picture of the kit laid out.

2) Still no idea what these toggle switches are and what they do.

3) Or what this spare cable is about.

4) This is the wire harness to the Main Control Module. Main Module will be tucked behind the center console area left of the fuse box.

5) Wrong Fuse type came with the kit. I cut off the pre-attached fuse and crimped it to a fuse tap. Use a ACC switch fuse slot, and not one that is not constantly supplying power. I’m currently using fuse slot 24. There is a grounding spot left of the fuse box. It is hidden behind a panel.

6) Tap the blue line from main harness to the middle cable of the front passenger side ambient light. This middle cable supplies the signal for color and brightness.

7) Light bar for dash is kind of straight forward. Connection cable can be tucked under the speaker trim. Just lift it up a tad from the edge and tuck it in.

You will need to use the 1m extension cable for passenger side, and 1.5m for driver side. Run it down the sides and under carpet. This connects to the Main Module.

I didn’t cut the front light bars, and just overlaid them on top of each other in the middle behind the screen.

Note: I’m still trying to figure out what tape to use as it is not a snug fit, and driver side does hang out a tad without tape.

8) The footwell light harness also plugs into the main module. The footwell harness is one piece. Start from fuse box side, and route cable behind center console to driver side. Then under carpet and along side panel. See pic for reference. Each yellow dot is where footwell ambient light is located.

9) For rear ambient light cable, run along the side and tuck underneath the seat here. I made sure I had enough slack to move seat forward and back before I zip tied the cable down and put panel back on.

10) Front footwell light driver side. For the driver side, I used 2 zip ties to secure it along with adhesives.

11) Front ambient lights passenger side.

12) I have a GTPE, and underneath seat there is some fabric material. Not sure if the other seats are similar. This allowed me to use Velcro to attach the light.

13) Each door has 5 screws you need to take off. 7mm socket. Once you taken them off, start from bottom and pull the panel. It is held in by tabs and requires a bit of force. Once tabs are out, lift up to take door panel off.

14) There is one connector at bottom of the door panel you have to unclip, and also the door latch cable. The door latch cable has 2 clips. Use a flat head screwdriver to push on them. This was a bit of a struggle to me. See pic for door latch cable clips.

15) Driver side door power and ground. Borrowed pix from manufacturer instrutions.

16) Passenger Side Power and Ground. Different color but same pin location.

17) Remove Torx screws in this area for easier ability to insert Light bar.

18) Installing the door light bar. Start from one end and work your way to the other end. You will have to use a hard edge to slowly push it in so it sits nice and flush. My pry tools did the trick.

19) Tuck the connector under. This helps prevent any snagging. Use some tweezers if you are struggling to fish that though.

20) These are the door storage ambient lights. I used 1 per door, but you may want to use 2 if you want them brighter. If I’m understanding this correctly, 1 or 2 of these can be used in the center console bottom storage. No idea how to access center console ambient light. Someone enlighten me please.

21) Drill a hole to fit the Ambient light Cover. Use supplied clear adhesive to mount cover.

22) I tucked it under the speaker housing plastic to prevent any chance of movement.

23) Use some foam tape for speaker light. Actually, not a big fan of this light, and I’ll probably end up removing it, but for DIY write up purposes, its installed.

24) Secure door module with supplied Velcro, and connect all cables together. There is one spare connector on the harness that is not used if only 1 storage light is installed. Zip tie cables down.

25) Connect module power cable to the door tap.

26) Power for rear doors is located behind the Speaker. It is the harness that’s clipped along the back. Pop the clip off and splice the jacket. Be very careful not to splice into any cable. You will want to tap the 2 thickest cables.

27) Route cable to front of door. I used the gromet. Make sure you have enough clearance for the rear window to row all the way down. I’m sure there’s a better way to route the cable but I choose this direction.

28) The rear light bar needs to be trim slightly to fit. Pic of how much i cut off.

29) Test everything before installing panels back on.

I currently have some spare connectors cables and spare storage light LEDs I have not used. If anyone knows how to get to the ambient light in the lower console storage area, please share. Another idea is to install one in the glove box area. Need to look when I have time and when it’s not so hot.

If you think there’s anything I can improve on, or have better ideas, please share. =)

Here is a copy of the manufacture instructions. Note how horrible it is..

 

[krazieboy]

Excellent work & writeup! I was just wanting to add ambient lighting to the rear doors & footwell, controlled like OEM, but this adds more options.

it was a good learning experience too. now i know where to grab power from shall i need. I'm really not fond of the speaker lights, so i plan to remove those.

 

[VegStang]

Yeah, not fond of those speaker lights either, but was worth a shot.

it was a good learning experience too. now i know where to grab power from shall i need. I'm really not fond of the speaker lights, so i plan to remove those.

 

[krazieboy]

Found this just now. Will get to center console area when it cools down some more.

Also considered putting one of the lights into the glove box. Can't believe there's no glove box light...

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

Just a word of caution for anyone who dives in to this project.
I was working with EV-Vida trying to get this working. I got the lights installed but they only turned on in one color.. ice blue. After a boot up period of a few seconds, I had the ability to change them. But if I selected a different color on the sync screen lighting control, I got some random effect. red/white/blue cascading, or multicolor rainbows. The mapping of the control module didn’t read the signal properly. Or it read the signal but the logic inside had an incorrect output for each input I could control the lighting from a third party app… but each time I turned the car off and back on, it restarted in ice blue.
We ended up giving up on the project as the manufacturer wouldn’t allow us any remapping of the control box.
Maybe it’s improved. Or maybe I had a bad unit. But EV-Vida eventually decided against selling these kits as they weren’t reliable.

 

[krazieboy]

Just a word of caution for anyone who dives in to this project.
I was working with EV-Vida trying to get this working. I got the lights installed but they only turned on in one color.. ice blue. After a boot up period of a few seconds, I had the ability to change them. But if I selected a different color on the sync screen lighting control, I got some random effect. red/white/blue cascading, or multicolor rainbows. The mapping of the control module didn’t read the signal properly. Or it read the signal but the logic inside had an incorrect output for each input I could control the lighting from a third party app… but each time I turned the car off and back on, it restarted in ice blue.
We ended up giving up on the project as the manufacturer wouldn’t allow us any remapping of the control box.
Maybe it’s improved. Or maybe I had a bad unit. But EV-Vida eventually decided against selling these kits as they weren’t reliable.

For sure mines a different system than the one EV-Vida had. there's quite a bit of system out there and this word of caution is good. I wasn't aware of the problems with the kit he had. I dont have what they call the "symphony lights" and just standard RGB. Mines will boot up same colors. If i adjust brightness in dual zone via app, the brightness will stick when switching colors and will not reset until you adjust brightness on the console.

 

[THLU]

Excellent work & writeup! I was just wanting to add ambient lighting to the rear doors & footwell, controlled like OEM, but this adds more options.

Thanks for many good pictures and hints. I'm considering throwing myself into the project. Am in dialogue with a supplier from China, but want to make sure I have the app as I want to use it for control. I can't immediately find it on the app store. The vendor says I need to use WeChat, it's a social app. Can you send me the name of the app you have installed?

 

[krazieboy]

Thanks for many good pictures and hints. I'm considering throwing myself into the project. Am in dialogue with a supplier from China, but want to make sure I have the app as I want to use it for control. I can't immediately find it on the app store. The vendor says I need to use WeChat, it's a social app. Can you send me the name of the app you have installed?

Depending on vendor, there's different apps in Wechat. Basically loading wechat app, you would scan their code, which is typically a sticker on the control box. This would link the applet, and make sure to favorite it for easier access.

 

[THLU]

Thank you for the feedback. A slightly special app that requires a current user helps with access, a bit too Chinese. How did you get a login to wechat?

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