DIY Network

Mitsubishi Eclipse: Underbody LED-Lights Installation From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-105

	The tricked out Mitsubishi Eclipse.
	The Streetglow® LED light kit can create a variety of dynamic lighting effects underneath our Mitsubishi.

In this segment of Tricked Out, the LED underbody light kit is installed on the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: Vinyl graphics and light kits are fairly inexpensive, and relatively easy to install as automotive work goes. We gave this overall project a difficulty rating of 3 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. It may not be a walk in the park, but experienced gear-heads should have no problem. Having a second person to assist will make these jobs go much easier.

Materials used in this segment:

LED system
Screwdrivers
Eyelet connectors or splices
Crimping/stripping tool
Computer-safe line tester
Fuse taps
3/4-inch nylon tube clamps
Zip ties
Mechanic’s grabber tool

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LED Light-Kit Installation

Rather than installing a neon kit for the Mitsubishi, we opted for an LED light kit that offers options for the lights to flash or create dynamic "sweep" or "chase" effects under the car. All of the elements for this installation come in a complete kit that includes two 30-inch tubes that run underneath the front and back of the vehicle, and two 48-inch tubes that run along the sides. The control unit, that controls the speed and pattern of the lights, as well as turn the system on and off. The kit comes with everything needed for the installation in most applications. Following are the basic steps for installation as shown in the episode.

Safety Alert: When wiring new electronic accessories on a newer vehicle, avoid altering or disturbing any yellow wires, plugs or connectors. These are typically associated with the air-bag system. Altering these connections could cause the air-bag to deploy and/or could cause damage.

• To begin installing LED system, mount control box inside car. Simply peel back the tape on box and adhere it to interior.

• In order to find the proper power sources for wiring the system requires a computer-safe line tester. The control unit has four wires to connect. The black wire is the ground wire. Attach this to any wires near the fuse panel that are connected to the bare wire with a bolt or screw. Connect the black wire there using an eyelet connector or splice. The yellow wire is the main power. Put this wire onto fuse controlled by the ignition switch. FYI, the red wire is the memory lead and blue wire is for an alarm.
  

  Figure A

  Important: A line-tester that is not certified computer-safe could damage your vehicle's computer or electrical system.

• To find power on the fuse panel, use computer-safe line tester. To find constant power, take probe and put it to fuse. The light on the tester will come on to indicate a good fuse and a good power source (figure A). Switchable power should turn on only when car's ignition is turned on.
  

  Figure B

• We opted to install our fuse for the light system using a fuse tap. These handy electrical fasteners (figure B) eliminate the need for soldering. Place the fuse in a fuse tap.

• Take the old fuse out of the panel and insert it in fuse tap. Take the new fuse and also put it in fuse tap. Plug the fuse tap back into the panel.

• Take one of the power leads, put it into the splice and crimp it down.
  

  Figure C

• Before installing the lights, it's advisable to lay them out in the orientation in which they will be installed (figure C).If lights are directional, make sure to put them on correctly. To keep the orientation correct, when looking at car, make sure the wires are in your right hand.
  

• For the installation under the car, raise it on a lift or use a jack and jack-stands.

• Following the manufacturer's instructions, mount the first tube using 3/4-inch nylon tube clamps (figure D). For our Mitsubishi, we were able to use the factory side-skirt mounting holes. In other situations, you may need to drill pilot holes and use the self-tapping screws provided in the kit.

• Repeat the process for the other tubes. Each of our 48-inch side-tubes took four clamps. The shorter tubes required three.

• Once the tubes are in place, use zip ties to secure the wiring (figure E).

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

• Run all of the leads back to the firewall in shortest route possible, avoiding any mechanical parts that get hot or move.

• Once car is on the ground, insert a mechanic's grabber tool through the grommet in the firewall close to the control unit. Have a helper secure the leads in the engine compartment.

• Pull the grabber tool back through the grommet into the driver's foot-well with the leads attached (figure F).

• Plug leads into the control unit as indicated in installation guide (figure G).

• Use zip-ties to secure the wiring so it won't interfere with pedals or your feet.

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  

Cost breakdown for the upgrades:

$150 Vinyl graphics
$350 LED undercar kit
$50 Mini neon tubes
$5 Switch
$15 Fuse taps (3)

Total = $570

Do-It-Yourself cost saving: Approx. $250

Important: Included below are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and ear protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Also wear eye protection any time you are working underneath a vehicle.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

RESOURCES :

Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guide: Import Cars (Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guides)
Author: Joe Pettitt
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Voyageur Press (October 2000)
ISBN: 1884089526

Bend-Pak Inc.
www.bendpak.com
Bend-Pak manufactures automotive hydraulic-lift equipment and other specialized automotive equipment.

GUESTS :

Harry McKinney
Racing Innovations
8913 Oak Ridge Hwy.
Knoxville, TN 37931
Phone: 865-927-3278
Email:info@racing-innovations.com
Website: www.racinginnovations.com