Puddle Lights

[Dereck]

Hi Guys

I am sure some one somewhere has allready done a puddle light modification but here is my take on on it, this one is really simple just commercially available parts and some wiring.

The design breif was to fit puddle lights and make it super simple so even the members of MM.net couldn't whine about over complexity.

First thought was to use the door ajar switches to switch only the puddle light on the open door but this turned out to be a non starter due to the three passenger door's switches being wired together.

Next thought was to use the footwell lamp to switch a relay that turns all the puddle lights on, there also turned out to be a slight problem with this due to the way the courtesy lights fade out, so I had to use a solid state relay, which looks complex in the diagram but is actually just an anonymous box with four terminal pins on it.

There is one foible with the way I have grounded the lights (keeping it simple remember) in that if one of the passenger windows should be lowered from the window master switch whilst the puddle lights are on that puddle light will go out until the switch is released.

Here is my wiring diagram for you to pick the bones out of.

http://superstitiongold.com/lincoln/MarauderPuddleLights/Marauder%20Puddle%20Lights%20W eb%20Size.JPG



http://superstitiongold.com/lincoln/MarauderPuddleLights/Puddle%20Lamp.JPG

The puddle lights I used are Renault part # 82 00 120 715 suitable for Renault Megane, Senic and other models. It also has always annoyed me that the reflector in the front doors does not light up so I fitted one behind it as well.


http://superstitiongold.com/lincoln/MarauderPuddleLights/Puddle%20Light%20Hole.JPG

First job remove the door card and cut a hole for the light


http://superstitiongold.com/lincoln/MarauderPuddleLights/Reflecto%20Light%20Hole.JPG

Next job remove the reflector and cut a hole for another light


http://superstitiongold.com/lincoln/MarauderPuddleLights/Reflector%20Light%20Front.JPG

Now fit lights

http://superstitiongold.com/lincoln/MarauderPuddleLights/Reflector%20Light%20Rear.JPG

http://superstitiongold.com/lincoln/MarauderPuddleLights/Front%20Door%20Car%20Lights%20 Fitted.JPG

And wire them in

All the wiring is in and I am waiting for the solid state relay I ordered to arrive, hopefully I will have some pictures of my efforts in action by next weekend.

Regards

Dereck

[jwibbity]

Man I love reading your posts! What's your background? Electrical/Electronic Engineer?

Its cool that you use your own materials and stuff.

Keep the projects coming!!!

[larryo340]

With the exception of cutting door panel it looks very good. When I did my LED puddle lights I wired them to the foot well lights without a relay...I figured that the LED's draw so little it wouldn't be a problem, and they've been working great since the install about a year ago. The only difference is that I did not put Potter lights on the rear doors as a very really have people in the back.

[fastblackmerc]

If I understand it correctly your puddle lights will only shine on the ground when the door is open? My understanding is puddle lights should light up before the door is open.

[Dereck]

Hi Fastblackmerc

I know you enjoy trying to pick faults with my little excentricities but really? Are you being serious?

Why would you need a puddle light on when the door was closed? Surely you do not need them until you go to get out of the car?

Regards

Dereck

[License2Bill]

I think it's a really clever idea you have going here Dereck! I wonder if FBM was inquiring about having the lights come on while you are still outside of the car?

[whitey]

Dereck, i like your style :thumbup:, im with jwibbity, love the ideas, and the free tutorials.

Dont mind fbm, he gets a little upset on cheap(price-wise) ideas, and free information being spread. Rock on!

[L.Mark]

Ahhhh! You even lit up the reflector in the panel.That's on my list to do's. Nice job!!!!

[fastblackmerc]

Hi Fastblackmerc

I know you enjoy trying to pick faults with my little excentricities but really? Are you being serious?

Why would you need a puddle light on when the door was closed? Surely you do not need them until you go to get out of the car?

Regards

Dereck

Not picking any faults.... you just over engineer everything.

The OEM puddle / valet lights mounted to the frame under the car. When you unlocked the door the lights came on and stayed on until the interior lights go off.

Don't need lights in the front since the wheel well lights are bright enough.

I did add lights to the rear interior door panels to light up the rear foot wells.

I also added ambient lighting to the front and rear wheel wells that stays on while the ignition is on.

Rear door panel lights (interior)
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/Rear%20Door%20Lights/th_DSCN0439.jpg (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/fastblackmerc/media/Rear%20Door%20Lights/DSCN0439.jpg.html)
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/Rear%20Door%20Lights/th_DSCN0437.jpg (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/fastblackmerc/media/Rear%20Door%20Lights/DSCN0437.jpg.html)

Valet lights I installed.
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Valet%20Lighting/th_DSCN0588.jpg (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/fastblackmerc/media/MM%20Mods/Valet%20Lighting/DSCN0588.jpg.html)

OEM valet lights (upgraded to LEDs)
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Valet%20Lighting/th_IM000877.jpg (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/fastblackmerc/media/MM%20Mods/Valet%20Lighting/IM000877.jpg.html)

[fastblackmerc]

I think it's a really clever idea you have going here Dereck! I wonder if FBM was inquiring about having the lights come on while you are still outside of the car?

You are correct.

[lji372]

When in an unlit parking lot I'd agree puddle lights coming on outside the car would be a plus.

[whitey]

When in an unlit parking lot I'd agree puddle lights coming on outside the car would be a plus.

Scared......

[lji372]

Scared......

Of stepping in a puddle, nope.

Of stepping in the dung you left next to my door, yep :D

[whitey]

Of stepping in a puddle, nope.

Of stepping in the dung you left next to my door, yep :D

Scared...:rolleyes:

[lji372]

Scared...:rolleyes:

Yep, I've seen what you eat :puke:

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Lights are for ricers.

[larryo340]

Lights are for ricers.

Ricer lights serve no purpose whereas a puddle light in any form serves a very useful purpose, and the source of the light is hidden from view.
For us that live in the snow belt it's also great in the winter so when you're getting out of the car you could see if there is ice or not.

[whitey]

Yep, I've seen what you eat :puke:

Maryland blue crab, smothered in old bay, you know it was fantastic!

[lji372]

Maryland blue crab, smothered in old bay, you know it was fantastic!

Next time I'll pay you not to eat it in front of me:puke: