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Custom Dashboard Lighting - Alternate Color

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Snake, Dec 16, 2010.

  1. Snake

    Snake New Member

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    Hey all, I am interested in changing the lighting underneath the dashboard buttons and displays. Not the actual digital gauges (the speedometer and such), but the buttons such as those for the NAV screen change and the A/C controls.

    I wanted to change the color from green to blue, including the switches on the doors for the windows/locks.

    I saw someone do something similar on the forum but I can't seem to find that thread. I was wondering if anyone knows how difficult this would be. Are the lights green LEDS or blubs with film over them? Are they gelled over? Is it a simple thing or should I pay someone to do it?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated! :D
     
    #1 Snake, Dec 16, 2010
  2. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    First off, are you familier with SMT technology?
    SMT is VERY TINY COMPONENTS on a flexible circuit board.

    This means NO WELLER 300 watt guns!!!

    If you take your time, have fairly good SMT soldering and desoldering skills, yeah, it's a snap. I have the tools, and training, it's part of my job!!
    However unless you can do basic soldering, you probably better pass on this one.
     
    #2 KK6PD, Dec 16, 2010
  3. Snake

    Snake New Member

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    I'm actually not familiar with SMT technology, I'm afraid. I have some skill in soldering, but I haven't done it in years. When I got the idea I was pretty sure I was going to pay someone else to do it but I need as much information as possible so I can buy all the parts first.

    On the Gen III are you saying all the bulbs are LEDs?

    Ironically enough you don't live that far from me...
     
    #3 Snake, Dec 16, 2010
  4. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    OK Snake, here is the thread that you saw the pic I think .

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...troubleshooting/86647-gear-shifter-light.html

    pEEF mentioned that he did this mod, and used LED's, also changed the value of the current limiting as well. I am pursuing this mod. I will drag out the SMT soldering station and take the car apart again...
    The only P.I.A. to the mod is selecting the value of the new R, which is user detemined, and should be done in a dark garage or at nght!

    What city are you in?????
     
    #4 KK6PD, Dec 16, 2010
    Ben carter likes this.
  5. Snake

    Snake New Member

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    Yea that's it; that is actually exactly what I want. I just don't have the technical expertise to do it myself so I would have to get someone else to do it.

    Based off of what he says, they are all white lights with tint or gel over them. I bet it is probably the same for the 2010.

    I asked a few local places an they want to charge me 1,000 dollars not including parts. Bah.

    I live in Ventura County, in a city called Simi Valley. Where are you located within LA?
     
    #5 Snake, Dec 17, 2010
  6. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    A thousand bucks, somebody cerainly has a OVERBLOWN sense of worth! LOL!!!

    I am in the Crescenta valley, hop on the 118, head east, 6 miles west of the Rose Bowl!!
    The parts should be around 50 bucks tops... The key is how long to dassasemble the necessary devices to make the swap! I am ordering some SMD Leds, going to play with them first. I need to take something apart to see what physical size to order. I would like to see a schematic for the steering wheel, guess I will hop over to the Toyoa site and spend 15 bucks and download away that will tell me how many are in the steerng wheel, and hopefully the value of the I limiting R.
    More thoughts and info to follow!!![​IMG]
     
    #6 KK6PD, Dec 17, 2010
  7. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

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    Is this thread about Gen III or II - I think the gen III may (or may not) be more difficult to pull the dash. I have instructions posted for NAV swap - which includes pulling some of the dash for antenna - it doesn't look all that simple to get at the dash displays???
     

    Attached Files:

    #7 rrolff, Dec 17, 2010
  8. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Snakes' got a 10, I have an 08', however, the technique is the same.
    I am going to hit up TIS and pull the maintenance files specific to the steering wheel, as well as the rest of the PDF's failed to download last visit!. The Radio I can figure out myself. the leds under the MFD buttons should not be that had to get into.
    It follows "Sullivan's Law" "It went together, it HAS to come apart!"
     
    #8 KK6PD, Dec 17, 2010
  9. Snake

    Snake New Member

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    Wow! Way closer than I thought! Good luck there!

    Yea, that's what I said to him. I never believed labor should be something about hours but more about work done, especially because he was charging me for all the research he'd have to do on the internet (Wth?).

    I will try to get as much information as I can from a dealer and other sources. With two different generations they may be using different lighting (which I doubt). I would gladly pay you a few hundred dollars to put this stuff in.

    This (probably) voids my warranty, but oh well...
     
    #9 Snake, Dec 18, 2010
  10. Snake

    Snake New Member

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    #10 Snake, Dec 20, 2010
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