DIY inner tail lights CX90/70

[RobertJT]

I never liked the fact that only the outer tail lights actually light up. I balked at the $500 price of upgrading them along with the labor. I noticed the dummy inner tail lights were hollow so I drilled an exploratory hole in the side. Then I got the idea to try one of these 12v light strips. I drilled a 3/4" hole in the side. 3/4" is is a good size since there are a lot of plugs for this size hole available at hardware stores and home depot. I bought a pair of these light strips and slipped them inside. I drilled a hole for the wire on the under side of the plastic and into the tailgate. I spliced it into the plug for the reverse light. and plugged the holes. 3 days work and a total investment of around $20.

 

[ADS-B]

I do not own a CX70/90 so please educate me on this one. If I understand correctly, the inner tail light doesn't illuminate on the lower trims? You have to buy a higher trim to get the illuminated inner tail lights?

 

[RobertJT]

That is correct. The other option if you bought the lower trim is to buy the illuminated version from Mazda and install them. It is a couple hundred bucks just for the parts.

 

[Mazdiod2]

Did you use amber leds?

 

[Silly Wabbit]

Did you put any sealant under the plug?

 

[RobertJT]

Did you use amber leds?

No the light strip is white light. The lens is tinted amber.

 

[RobertJT]

Did you put any sealant under the plug?

I used hot glue.