led’s in trunk?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Lights, Neon, LEDs, HIDs
Forum Discription: Under Car Lighting, Strobe Lights, Fog Lights, Headlights, HIDs, DRL, Tail Lights, Brake Lights, Dashboard Lights, WigWag, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=102062
Printed Date: July 06, 2025 at 5:46 PM

Topic: led’s in trunk?

Posted By: goody17
Subject: led’s in trunk?
Date Posted: February 10, 2008 at 3:00 PM

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!!

Replies:

Posted By: Big Dog
Date Posted: February 12, 2008 at 3:06 PM

This is more complicated than you think. Do you know what is the voltage and current rating of each LED?

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Prepare your future. It wasn't the lack of stones that killed the stone age.

Posted By: rrcustom
Date Posted: February 23, 2008 at 12:28 AM

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...

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: February 23, 2008 at 4:24 AM

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. posted_image

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: February 23, 2008 at 4:31 AM

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.