LEDs under the hood

[halo0]

I agree, it's not rice necessarily, it's functional. Having a flashlight is nice, but it still doesn't let you keep your hands free, and you have to make sure you always have the ligth with you.

I'd like to to do this too. Finding the right switch would be the only hard part.

 

[rsvinylgraphics]

Finding the right switch would be the only hard part.

not really you can just use a toggle switch from radio shack

 

[halo0]

OK I guess knowing what the type of switch you need is called is the hard part Thanks.

edit: I was envisioning a switch that activates automatically when you open the hood.

 

[rsvinylgraphics]

^ you can use one of these
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_514AU43/Crime-Guard-AU43-Pin-Switch.html?tp=155

 

[808MP5]

OK I guess knowing what the type of switch you need is called is the hard part Thanks.

edit: I was envisioning a switch that activates automatically when you open the hood.

U will need an spst(single pole single throw) switch
if u want one for when the hood opens I would suggest using the magnetic one like they use on regular house doors. Those pin switches like the ones posted above usually break and require drilling. The magnetic ones require double side tape and are less prone to breaking. But with either of those switches you will probably need to run a relay cuz they really aren't switches at all.

 

[Wagonbacker9]

or you could wire in a switch so that they came on when you opened the hood... much cleaner, and easier.

 

[ejh]

Just wear a headlamp when you work on your car.

 

[Sleezer1533]

^ +1

 

[jmonterr]

sounds like a good idea but idk if it would work that well

 

[dmention7]

or you could wire in a switch so that they came on when you opened the hood... much cleaner, and easier.

My car alarm has a little mercury switch that attaches to the hood, as the hood lifts above horizontal, the switch opens. Something like that would probably work pretty well for underhood lighting.

EDIT: just read that's what he OP already has >.<

 

[StealthWyvern]

"I installed (3) Oznium High-Intensity LED Flood Light in addition to the 28" LED strip to fully illuminate the engine bay."

http://www.oznium.com/high-intensity-led-floodlight

 

[halo0]

That looks freaking sick. Nice work. Did you use a mercury swich? If so, which one and where did you get it?

 

[theeyeman]

Mazda Minivan MPV 2002

I went to get my car inspected today and to my surprise it did not pass inspection. Test results showed P0171 - System too lean (Bank 1) and P0037 Manufacturer specific code heater control circuit low (bank 1 sensor 2). My question is: Why would the car fail inspection for both these issues? and what will the dealership charge me? Thank you in advance!

 

[StealthWyvern]

That looks freaking sick. Nice work. Did you use a mercury swich? If so, which one and where did you get it?

It's not my install and you dont have to use a mercury switch. You can use this normal run of the mill hood pin switch that most car alarms use.

 

[halo0]

I know but it would be cleaner to hide the switch and wiring up under the hood under-cover thing.

 

[Wagonbacker9]

I know but it would be cleaner to hide the switch and wiring up under the hood under-cover thing.

then you have to run more wiring to the hood. this could be installed next to the hinge in the back of the engine bay and be relatively hidden.

 

[halo0]

The lights are already going to be mounted in the hood, so it's 2 wires that have to go up there either way