Fitting an alarm LED

Shambles · **June 13, 2009, 12:39:12**

Well after having purchased a blue flashing LED some months ago I decided to use this nice warm UK day to fit the dammed thing.

I decided to fit it between the power sockets...

To begin, I removed the top cubby hold and radio fascia, as in this thread

Also removed the lower cubby hole (two screws) and the power socket fascia (simply pulls out)

Notice what I think is the alarm module, which would be an ideal place to tap into the "active when armed" circuit, but I couldn't get the black module out (it's been slid onto a metal arm but I couldn't release it, and I've plenty of blood on the back of my hands to prove that I spent 45 minutes trying

)

So, what I was after was a permanent 12v +ve and a lead that was 0v (not -ve) when the key was out. I found the two red wires in the hazard warning button gave me exactly that...

I tested them out using the LED

Spliced and soldered some spare wire, keeping the colours (black & blue) consistent...

Don't forget to tape the base solder joints off...

Next, using an 8mm drill I cut the hole for the LED

Screwed in the LED, soldered it to the new cable I added and refitted everything back.

So now I get a bright blue flashing LED when the key is out but nothing when key in at position 1

**Reply #1: June 13, 2009, 13:02:50**

Neat job Shambles.

Well done.

Bob

Dazzler · **Reply #2: June 13, 2009, 13:21:58**

Nice Job Steve...

Hemmi · **Reply #3: June 13, 2009, 14:34:17**

Great job!

eye30 · **Reply #4: June 13, 2009, 15:38:25**

neat and tidy.

Is that blood I spotted on 1 of the white blocks?

Shambles · **Reply #5: June 13, 2009, 15:50:48**

Quote from: eye30..(aka RECALL BOY) on June 13, 2009, 15:38:25

Is that blood I spotted on 1 of the white blocks?

No, the blood came later

YOSOYPEPO · **Reply #6: June 13, 2009, 22:59:49**

nice job Shambles!!!

bachus · **Reply #7: June 14, 2009, 01:44:46**

I'm everytime surprised noone uses this things (don't know the english word) to attach a cable to another

Hemmi · **Reply #8: June 14, 2009, 02:11:57**

Quote from: bachus on June 14, 2009, 01:44:46

I'm everytime surprised noone uses this things (don't know the english word) to attach a cable to another

I think it's called thief in Icelandic, maybe the same in English

Although it's good, but soldering is always better option.

Shambles · **Reply #9: June 14, 2009, 09:19:45**

Quote from: bachus on June 14, 2009, 01:44:46

I'm everytime surprised noone uses this things (don't know the english word) to attach a cable to another

I wouldn't say "noone uses these things" as I've made use of them quite a lot in the past

Those snaplock connectors are always useful, but not when you you have limited space to work with, plus I prefer soldering like Hemmi

Rubix · **Reply #10: August 03, 2009, 11:39:12**

Personally I skin the wire and then use electric tape. I'm your typical husband-handy-man. Always breaking something to fix another...

2i30s · **Reply #11: August 03, 2009, 11:51:35**

,shambles,what are the buttons either side of your ashtray for.both of my i30s are base models and dont have those buttons.

Dazzler · **Reply #12: August 03, 2009, 13:00:34**

Quote from: 2i30s on August 03, 2009, 11:51:35

,shambles,what are the buttons either side of your ashtray for.both of my i30s are base models and dont have those buttons.

I'm guessing they are the seat heater buttons

2i30s · **Reply #13: August 03, 2009, 13:26:58**

you dont have them either dazz

Dazzler · **Reply #14: August 03, 2009, 13:28:58**

No M8 .. not in the SLX with cloth trim (don't even think the SR with part leather gets them)

Shambles · **Reply #15: August 03, 2009, 13:46:09**

Yep Dazz is right. Two-stage ceramic seat heating controllers. "Asses to ashes"

bumpkin · **Reply #16: August 03, 2009, 14:06:41**

Nice job Steve

bumpkin checks signature to ensure that heated seats are mentioned since he has the buttons too

Dazzler · **Reply #17: August 03, 2009, 14:27:39**

I don't get it with those seat heaters.. When you first get in and sit down the leather would be really cold (that is the worst bit about leather in cold climates) It's a bit late when a few minutes later they start to warm up

(A bit like putting an electric blanket on after you get into bed....

)

bumpkin · **Reply #18: August 03, 2009, 15:12:05**

Nah mate

You switch them on whilst you clear the frost from the windows (which of course is much easier due to the windscreen heater element) then put your laptop and lunch in the car, lock the house, pop the little 'un in her seat jump in and enjoy the sound of your missus ecstatic exclamation that her bum is cosy

Dazzler · **Reply #19: August 03, 2009, 22:08:21**

I'm usually in a hurry.. but I get the idea thanks Brian

bumpkin · **Reply #20: August 04, 2009, 09:30:06**

I know what you mean about the hurry bit, from November to March I have to get up 10 minutes earlier just to perform the additional actions noted in my previous post

Kitjunky · **Reply #21: August 27, 2009, 21:40:38**

Just had a brain wave , I really like the look if the led interior lights and maybe a purpose built led assy with one high bri led amongst an array of hi bri white leds would be really cool

the white leds would be used for normal interior lamp function, and when the car is locked the red led would give a very bright split second flash every 3 secs when the alarm is enabled.

Ive done the hi bri red led split sec flash in my old 2 Rovers and they were never broken into (No alarm) and looked well cool but they were on the dash. 8)

Just an idea

Shambles · **Reply #22: August 27, 2009, 21:56:57**

Quote from: Kitjunky on August 27, 2009, 21:40:38

Just had a brain wave...

Just an idea

I look forward to the pics

2i30s · **Reply #23: November 06, 2010, 11:35:09**

i may have a go at doing that mod over my Christmas holiday .

agentr31 · **Reply #24: November 06, 2010, 14:09:37**

isnt there a dash mounted LED in the middle of the dash where the de mister vents are...

Myowni30 · **Reply #25: November 06, 2010, 14:17:23**

Quote from: 2i30s on November 06, 2010, 11:35:09

i may have a go at doing that mod over my Christmas holiday .

Me too