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led's in trunk?


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goody17 
Member - Posts: 11
Member spacespace
Joined: January 20, 2008
Location: Iowa, United States
Posted: February 10, 2008 at 3:00 PM / IP Logged  

I want to install about 6 leds in the trunk of my '98 vw jetta to light up an amplifier. I want to tap into the power source running to the switch that turns on the light in the trunk that way the led's light up when the trunk opens. I am new to car electronics so I have no idea how to wire this. Is there a way i can do this without splicing into the wires running to the switch? Do I need to use a relay? Basically how do I wire the leds?

Any help is appreciated!!

Big Dog 
Gold - Posts: 1,265
Gold spaceThis member consistently provides reliable informationspace
Joined: May 02, 2002
Location: Quebec, Canada
Posted: February 12, 2008 at 3:06 PM / IP Logged  
This is more complicated than you think. Do you know what is the voltage and current rating of each LED?
Prepare your future. It wasn't the lack of stones that killed the stone age.
rrcustom 
Copper - Posts: 87
Copper spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: April 11, 2005
Location: Utah, United States
Posted: February 23, 2008 at 12:28 AM / IP Logged  
Big Dog wrote:
This is more complicated than you think. Do you know what is the voltage and current rating of each LED?
Agreed. If and when you pull a DIY. You will start an electrical fire if done improperly. It will most likely SHORT OUT your entire car's harness...about $2k to track down and fix within a 2 month period...seen it happen too often...scary doodie...
i am an idiot 
Platinum - Posts: 13,670
Platinum spaceThis member consistently provides reliable informationspace
Joined: September 21, 2006
Location: Louisiana, United States
Posted: February 23, 2008 at 4:24 AM / IP Logged  

I really don't see 6 LEDs causing excessive surrent draw on a circuit that now powers an incandescent light bulb.  Attached is a diagram that will help you out.  The 1000 ohm resistor is just a safe choice, no matter what the voltage or current rating of the LEDs.  I only drew one of the 6 LEDs and resistors.  You will need to wire up 6 of these and connect each one to one of the wires on the picture.  The fuse holder and (Proper size fuse) IS neccesary.  It is not just a suggestion.  On the package of the LEDs it will tell you which leg is positive.  It does matter when connecting the LEDs.  If you have the specs of the LEDs we can get you the proper resistor value.  led's in trunk? - Last Post -- posted image.

i am an idiot 
Platinum - Posts: 13,670
Platinum spaceThis member consistently provides reliable informationspace
Joined: September 21, 2006
Location: Louisiana, United States
Posted: February 23, 2008 at 4:31 AM / IP Logged  

The fuse holder needs to be connected AT the light bulb.  You do not want 3 feet of wire before the fuse holder.  The less wire between the bulb and the fuse holder, the better. 


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