DIY AliExpress Ambient Light Kit

[krazieboy]

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?

I've had wechat for over a decade, so dont know if there's a new process to joining. Take screenshots and have google translate app translate it.

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[THLU]

Ok, thanks

 

[TheDarkLord]

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..

Did you ever figure out what the toggle switches and extra connector were for?

 

[Mic71]

Thanks so much for this extensive guide you have put together.
Is it possible to keep the original ambient lights working and just use part of this kit to add on?
I would like to add the led light strips across doors and dash and maybe do the rear footwell lights.
If I where to only fit these and install the main control module will that all work alongside the already installed ambient lighting in the car?
Thanks in advance
Mike..

 

[Mic71]

I have finally got around to starting this project..
Have made the connections for the main control module and installed the dash strip.
I'm going to start on the doors today.
It's been a while since these have been discussed and was hoping someone had an update on..

What the dipswitches do on the main module?
Has anyone got a link to the app for that side of control?
Mike.

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