Light Up Your Center Console Storage Box

[Duffy]

Here is a little project for NBC owners who don't have the CD player and want to light up that little dark hole called a storage area.

I used the same light that goes under the dash that lights up the cup holders. About $10.00 from VW. I removed the PC board and with fashioned three high brightness white LED's in series with a 150 Ohm resistor for 12V operation. A thin piece of foam tape in the top of the black housing holds the assembly in place. You will notice that I filed off the bullet end of the LED's. polished with 2000 grit sandpaper. This allowed a better fit of the assembly in the tiny case.

I went a little complex with the project to switch the light off when the lid is closed. Using a junk box micro switch, with lever actuation, was placed so the the ratchet device of the lid closing mechanism would operate the switch turning off the light. The hand made bracket is mounted to the end of two screws using speed nut(s). The bracket has about a 45deg. bend to provide alignment. If you choose not to use a switch the light will be on all the time when the headlights are on. When the console lid is closed, would it really matter if the light stays on?

The light was centered in the back side of box about mid way down to provide clearance for the light so the box could be inserted and removed. I used on old TV two pin connector to apply power (12V) to the light so the box can be removed and laid aside. The connector is optional but recommended. This location was the only place I could find for the light to mount and still insert/remove the box.

Power (12V) was accessed at the top up/down switch. Release the connector to expose the wiring and splice onto the gray/blue, (switch back lighting) and the brown (ground) wire.

If someone wants to tackle this project please ask questions.

[bugsy98nb]

Sweet !! Nice Job

[Steinola]

Nice Tom.

The only addition I'd have would be to mount the thing on a gooseneck so you could shine it back on the backseat... where there's absolutely no light.

[Duffy]

Hi Steimola, I'll have to work on that one.

[Deserion]

Holy crap I want it...

-Des

[squish37]

Not only do I want that but I think you could do something similar in the door to the trunk of the back seat. (You know the little hatch like door) Either way I am envious because I have NO talent at anything electrical so I won't be doing that but I do love it. VERY NICE!!!

[SeeMKay]

This was said in the first post.

I used the same light that goes under the dash that lights up the cup holders.

I don't have a light thats under the dash? Am I missing something? The only lights I have are: In the Visors, In the Rear view mirror, in the glove box, and in the trunk.

Just an fyi...I purchased a cigarette lighter flash light from my dealer (the one thats an accessory in the Touregs...and keep in in the 12 volt outlet that flips out in the back seat area. Its awesome.

[Duffy]

I don't know when VW added the little dim red light under the center of the dash directly over the cup holders. My 2003 NBC has it. I use just the housing so I could keep the installation VW. Yes, I have one of the plug in torch lights too and it is bright and has come in handy many times.

[Deserion]

All NBs have the red LEDs over the cupholders.

-Des

[SeeMKay]

Originally Posted by Deserion

All NBs have the red LEDs over the cupholders.

-Des

Are we talking the hazard button thats lit up or an actual interior light? Cause I ain't got it!

Unless its been broken since I bought the car?
--Connie

[Duffy]

No, its not the hazard switch. Look under your center dash under the heater/seat controls near the forward panel and also forward of the cup holders. If you have one you will see the white lens looking down onto the center console. At night with your lights on, place your hand in the same area and look for a dim red glow on it.

[Whitacre]

Yes she/he has it. Just never paid attention im sure. I didnt realize you could hook up a lighting asembly inside the glove box. Seeing as how i dont have a NBC or that type of arm rest since VW took it out after 05. But i wonder if it would work for the small arm rest they come in now? You'd have to run the wires im sure, but it would be a neat little thing.

[SeeMKay]

Originally Posted by Duffy

No, its not the hazard switch. Look under your center dash under the heater/seat controls near the forward panel and also forward of the cup holders. If you have one you will see the white lens looking down onto the center console. At night with your lights on, place your hand in the same area and look for a dim red glow on it.

I haven't checked mine yet..but I just got off the phone with my dealership....and they checked an '05 there in the garage and there ISN'T one in that one.

So I will check to see if I do have one...and if NOT, they are going to find out for me if its an option I can get and have it installed!!!!!
Thank you SOOOOOOOOO much for mentioning this.....
--Connie

[coolblu]

I've noticed a dim red glow and just assumed it was a small opening in the bottom of the console where the console lights were "leaking" out.

I'll check it out tonight.

I did have a 2006 Jetta as a loaner car the other week and there are dim red LEDs in the overhead area by the rear view mirror. At night they illuminate the shifter nob and the cup holders. My co-worker has the same in her Acura RL.

[Duffy]

Maybe some of you folks will remember a post about brightening up the little dim light. Something about a $10 mod. It may be on the old forum. Do a search for it. I did the mod on my light by adding two high brightness 3mm red LEDs. Made a nice difference too.

[SeeMKay]

I found it! WOO WOO!!!!!!!!! Now - that I found it- what am I going to do with it?

[Duffy]

Light up your bud vase: http://forums.newbeetle.org/showthre...threadid=24229


Modify under dash light - a little brighter: http://forums.newbeetle.org/showthre...5&pagenumber=1

[coolblu]

You're right Duffy...I found the lights. Cool.

[calvin.hoe]

Checker/Kragan auto parts sells an led side light that works well. I got one for lighting the back seat area either side of the console and under the foot area of the front seat. It's great to find stuff dropped on the black carpet at night.