LED interior light upgrades

[stellio78]

Hi,

Was wondering why I had no light in the boot, pulled out the light assy and found the bulb blown.

Seems like most people are replacing the standard bulb with a LED, so I might as well get one to match the other interior LEDs in the GTI.

Was thinking this one might be the go http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1X-41MM-33-SMD-3014-LED-Car-Festoon-Bulb-Interior-Dome-Light-License-Plate-Lamp-/231941948932?var=&hash=item3600d14604:m:mWjfMpFhn4 zCUAruAkI7mQA&rmvSB=true

Any input to what others are ordering would be great, thanks

[DKC]

Any LED that fits will do as they don't trigger any light warning. At least that's my experience.

[Mattlock]

Any LED that fits will do as they don't trigger any light warning. At least that's my experience.

Yeah, although I found the cheap ones on eBay had poor connections and had a habit of flickering. I eventually replaced all of my cheap ones with better quality bulbs from Bold Sport.




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[stellio78]

Thanks, I've ordered a cheapy off eBay, will let you know how it works out

[Barracuda]

Hi,

Was wondering why I had no light in the boot, pulled out the light assy and found the bulb blown.

Seems like most people are replacing the standard bulb with a LED, so I might as well get one to match the other interior LEDs in the GTI.

Was thinking this one might be the go http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1X-41MM-33-SMD-3014-LED-Car-Festoon-Bulb-Interior-Dome-Light-License-Plate-Lamp-/231941948932?var=&hash=item3600d14604:m:mWjfMpFhn4 zCUAruAkI7mQA&rmvSB=true

Any input to what others are ordering would be great, thanks

Just ordered an LED globe for the boot, too.

Here's a link to the one I bought (mainly because it was coming from Sydney so postage would be quicker)

The existing globe hadn't blown but it was pretty weak. Barely enough light to see anything in the boot.

I'll post a guide on how to remove the fitting and replace the globe once the globe arrives (even though it is ludicrously easy).

[agentthumb]

Just ordered an LED globe for the boot, too.

Here's a link to the one I bought (mainly because it was coming from Sydney so postage would be quicker)

The existing globe hadn't blown but it was pretty weak. Barely enough light to see anything in the boot.

I'll post a guide on how to remove the fitting and replace the globe once the globe arrives (even though it is ludicrously easy).

Would be much appreciated if you did

[Barracuda]

Would be much appreciated if you did

Will do! The LED globes should arrive tomorrow or Thursday so I'll do it as soon as they arrive.

[Barracuda]

I'm sure everyone will agree that the stock halogen light in the boot of the Mk7 Golf is pretty miserable. It's only bright enough to light about half of the boot area. It's also slightly annoying that the boot light is halogen when the rest of the interior lights are LED (Highline, GTI & R).

Luckily, there is a solution and it's cheap and easy.

What you'll need:

• Flat-head screwdriver
• 41mm Festoon LED globe

I used this 41mm Festoon LED globe from eBay. You can use any Festoon LED globe as long as it is the correct size and voltage.

1. Remove the light fitting from the trim. You'll see a small cut-out on the side of the light fitting that is closest to the boot opening. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to push in the metal clip which holds the light fitting in place. Alternatively, use some trim removal tools if you have them.



2. Detach the power cable from the light fitting by pressing inwards on the two clips as shown below.



3. Remove the stock halogen globe from the light fitting by pushing on the side of the globe until it slides out of the terminals.



4. Install the new LED globe and ensure that it is facing the front of the light fitting.



5. Reconnect the light fitting to the power cable and ensure that the clips on the power cable are secured. If you're lucky and the globe is installed the right way around, then it should turn on straight away. Otherwise, remove the globe, turn it around and re-install it.

6. Re-install the light fitting to the plastic trim and you're done!

Before:


After:


The only issue that I've come across is that the globe remains on (albeit, very dim) when the boot is closed. Apparently this is normal for some LED globes and is due to the fact that they're so much more efficient than halogen globes and the small amount of residual voltage is enough to power the LED globe in a very dim state. Strangely, when you lock the car the LED globe will turn-off completely.

Here's a photo of the LED light when the boot is closed:



Apparently, it won't cause any drain on the battery...

Anyway, I hope this guide helps anyone thinking of doing this great little modification.

[DKC]

I was going to make a post about boot light upgrade as well! In my case I have the R Wagon and the stock halogen light is in the roof, and grossly inadequate. Particularly if the luggage cover is drawn, there is no light underneath!

So in addition to fitting a 41mm LED festoon (from ebay), I connected a strip LED. It's powered by the same roof light so they turn on and off together. The strip LED is stuck to the vertical divider mesh metal bar across the boot just behind the rear seats (which is separate to the luggage cover).

Actually does anyone know whether this very solid metal bar is just for the vertical luggage divider mesh to be pulled out, or does it have a performance function? Like a strut brace between the 2 rear struts?




The tiny row of dots on the floor of the boot is artefact from the camera. See how weak the roof LED is by comparison!


Self frabricated connector to attach the wire to the ends of the LED Festoon


How it looks connected

[Barracuda]

What an improvement! That light bar looks brilliant! Do you find that the Festoon LED globe that you installed in the ceiling light stays lit in a dim state when the boot is closed?