This mod links the map lights with the dome light such that both map lights come on whenever the
dome light comes on, and they also fade out just like the dome light. But the nice trick with this mod is that map lights
will also still work as map lights. i.e., with the dome light off, each map light can be switched on and off individually,
without switching the other one on or the dome light. This is accomplished by placing a diode between the dome light and each
map light. The diode allows current to run from the dome light to each map light, but not from the map lights to the dome
light, nor from each map light to the other.
This mod will work for both sunroof-equipped and non-sunroof Elantras. Note that 01-03 sunroof-equipped
Elantras don't have a dome light to the rear of the sunroof. The 04-05 Elantra with sunroof has the dome light, so it is the
same as the 01-03 non-sunroof Elantras. The wiring is the same for all Elantras, except non-sunroof 01-05 Elantras and sunroof-equipped
04-05 Elantras need to have a short wire snaked above the headliner from the dome light to the map light cluster, whereas
sunroof-equipped 01-03 Elantras have everything you need to solder contained in the map light assembly. The photos for this
mod are from a non-sunroof Elantra.
Materials:
- Two standard diodes (1N4001), available at Radio Shack for about $1.00 for a whole pack.
- Several feet of 16-20 gauge wire.
- Solder and solder gun, and electrical tape.
Procedure:
Step 1: For sunroof equipped 01-03 Elantras, remove the map light cluster. For all non-sunroof Elantras
and sunroof-equipped 04-05 Elantras, remove both the map light cluster and the dome light assembly. The map cluster has four
screws, two are accessible from the sunglass case and two from above the lens, which pops off. The dome light assembly has
two screws above the lens.
Step 2: Wire up the two diodes as shown in the schematic. Solder the ends to wire, and use plenty of
electrical tape or shrink tubing to fully insulate the diodes and the bare wire coming out form each end. Be sure to wire
them together on the end with the silver stripe. That end goes to the dome light. The other end of each diode goes to one
of the map lights.
Step 3: This is the trickiest part. Look carefully at the photos of the map light cluster. Take each
of the two wires coming from the non-silver striped end of the diodes and solder one to the negative end of each map light
switch. This will require some soldering dexterity. The electrical connections are embedded into the molded plastic, and only
become exposed right at the switch. Be very careful to solder to the negative side of the switch and not the positive side
(look closely at the photos).
Step 4: Non-sunroof: Snake the wire that was soldered to the silver striped end of both
diodes above the headliner and out through the dome light opening. Solder the end of the wire to the negative end of the dome
light bulb. The negative end is easily identifiable in the photo. Sunroof-equipped: Find the negative terminal of the dome
light bulb (sorry I can't help here) and solder the wire to it.
Step 5: Put everything back together, and voila... more lighting. Enjoy!
-- southpawboston
