DIY - Adding ambient light(s) to 2023 Maverick XL/XLT for <$10

[EONR24]

JL1B-14D662-R30XD

I bought this part number and got it used for cheap and I believe it should work for the ambient lighting under the radio!

Sponsored

 

[DaRaginCajun24]

I only have an XL but I want ambient lighting bad. Was looking into just amazon light kits just unsure which is any good

 

[Nemo]

Thanks blackb13 for posting the instructions. I did the same. Also used a piece of tape to match the lighting color as did TN_Oldman.

A few notes. There are different LED light sizes, I used the smallest. Also, turquoise rather than blue tape seems to match factory color better. I placed the tape underneath the thin diffuser strip. Could probably have used 1K resistors for all three, as with the cluster dimmed half way, they are not bright at all. I think these lights stay on all the time, as the USB port is always lit, day or night.

Parts
Tape: https://a.co/d/cRhVZLO
Lights: https://www.adafruit.com/product/1626

Of some interest, noticed on the bottom of the steering wheel, there looks to be a cutout for another light as well. Not sure of it was ever installed or just a carry over from another model.

 

[How15]

Instead of ordering the factory part, I decided to just make my own ambient/console light.

Remove the lid (clips circled in green, other clips are hidden towards the back) and unplug the harness (red circle) that is used to illuminate the USB ports.

(picture credited to @Executech)

You'll tap into the white/stripe for your (-) ground and purple/stripe will be your 12v (+) positive - these will dim along with the dimmer switch on the dashboard. The yellow/stripe is switched 12v that can be used for some other low power accessory. Dash cam, etc...

I used an LED light along with a 1k ohm resistor, soldered them together, wired everything up with some spare 18ga and taped them up. Shrink tubing would also work, but I didn't have any and didn't want to go back to the store. I used a 3M Command Strip and mounted it where the factory light would've been (there's an outline in the molding).

Edit 2/20 - added footwell lights as well:

Mu USB port lights up blue when I start my truck, 2023 XLT Hybrid, even when it is daylight out. Could the 3rd wire be a constant voltage wire so the blue light works off of the ignition switch?

 

[blackb13]

Mu USB port lights up blue when I start my truck, 2023 XLT Hybrid, even when it is daylight out. Could the 3rd wire be a constant voltage wire so the blue light works off of the ignition switch?

Which 3rd wire are you referring to?

 

[How15]

Which 3rd wire are you referring to?

In the post there're 3 wires, white for ground, purple for power and yellow is an extra wire. Was wondering if the yellow is a constant on to illuminate the blue ring on the port. My USB port is blue constantly after I turn on the truck, day and night. Post indicated the lights will dim using interior light switch on the dash and aren't on during the day.

 

[blackb13]

In the post there're 3 wires, white for ground, purple for power and yellow is an extra wire. Was wondering if the yellow is a constant on to illuminate the blue ring on the port. My USB port is blue constantly after I turn on the truck, day and night. Post indicated the lights will dim using interior light switch on the dash and aren't on during the day.

Here's what I wrote:

"You'll tap into the white/stripe for your (-) ground and purple/stripe will be your 12v (+) positive - these will dim along with the dimmer switch on the dashboard. The yellow/stripe is switched 12v that can be used for some other low power accessory..."

I'm not sure why you would want the ambient light to not be dimmable, but that's completely up to you.

Hope that helps!

 

[How15]

Here's what I wrote:

"You'll tap into the white/stripe for your (-) ground and purple/stripe will be your 12v (+) positive - these will dim along with the dimmer switch on the dashboard. The yellow/stripe is switched 12v that can be used for some other low power accessory..."

I'm not sure why you would want the ambient light to not be dimmable, but that's completely up to you.

Hope that helps!

The attached photo shows the blue outline that is always on. I was wondering if the ambient lights were on all the time too. Yes, I want to be able to dim them but that isn't the question.

 

[blackb13]

The attached photo shows the blue outline that is always on. I was wondering if the ambient lights were on all the time too. Yes, I want to be able to dim them but that isn't the question.

Yes, the ambient light is on whenever the USB light is on.

 

[How15]

Yes, the ambient light is on whenever the USB light is on.

Thanks

Sponsored