2009 interior light or lack of?

[XpV8]

Howdy

We have a 2009 focus hatch . Just wondering anyone noticed how little light the front interior light pumps out? Is a front only interior light standard these days ? Very annoying trying to strap the little one in at night time!
So thats my whinge, just wondering is it straight forward hooking an after market one in the centre and has anyone done it?

Cheers

[MAGPIE]

Try a LED replacement for the OEM bulb first, it will make a difference (whether it is enough is another matter).

[XpV8]

Good idea I'll start with that

Thanks!

[Yellow_Festiva]

I don't mind the front light, it's the rear that really annoys me actually. No light at all. At night you open the rear doors to get something and it's pitch black.

Cost cutting.... I want to look into getting some LED fittings for each side of the rear wired into the front lights but want it to look neat.

At least you have the option of putting brighter lights in a fitting that's there!

[rand0mn00b]

yep the front light is next to useless for the front, don't even mention the rear

one of my main gripes with the Focus

[#Russ#Es#]

Originally Posted by XpV8

Howdy

We have a 2009 focus hatch . Just wondering anyone noticed how little light the front interior light pumps out? Is a front only interior light standard these days ? Very annoying trying to strap the little one in at night time!
So thats my whinge, just wondering is it straight forward hooking an after market one in the centre and has anyone done it?

Cheers

I did this to mine:



Bought a secondhand light assembly from the UK (same as the one used in the front) and put a LED globe in there. Works a treat.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by #Russ#Es#

I did this to mine:



Bought a secondhand light assembly from the UK (same as the one used in the front) and put a LED globe in there. Works a treat.

Looks tidy mate, where did you source the power from ?

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by Russ

Looks tidy mate, where did you source the power from ?

Curious to know that as well. One of the main reasons I haven't bothered doing it as yet.

Does the boot light illuminate with the doors I wonder? Perhaps that's an option?

[Russ]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Curious to know that as well. One of the main reasons I haven't bothered doing it as yet.

Does the boot light illuminate with the doors I wonder? Perhaps that's an option?

It probably does, I wouldn't particularly want to pull the hood lining down just to wire it up, seen it done before and it never sits the same

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Russ

It probably does, I wouldn't particularly want to pull the hood lining down just to wire it up, seen it done before and it never sits the same

Not to mention, touch it once.

BLACK MARKS, EVERYWHERE!

[#Russ#Es#]

Originally Posted by Russ

Looks tidy mate, where did you source the power from ?

I did it a while ago, but pretty sure I ran it from the drivers door. Had to run a wire above the roof lining. I didn't actually use the complete surround - see shot below (NB. every time I look at the pic it seems like the fitting isn't installed straight, but it definitely is!):



I have toyed with idea of fitting the surrounding trim but need to look at how to make it work - unfortunately the trim has a slight curve to it that's different to the curve of the roof lining.

[#Russ#Es#]

Sorry for the off topic link, but for anyone looking for better light in the boot I can vouch for this: 12VDC Flexible 21 LED Lgihts White

Have used one in my sedan for 4+ years and no problems at all, every LED still works perfectly (despite being on firmer suspension).

[Russ]

I guess another option would be to just stick one of those LED push lights onto an easy to access plastic section somewhere in the back, they last for ages, I have a couple of them stuck outside on my verandah, rather than having to chuck on the big light at night and encourage 20 million moths into the house, I just press on an LED. Just took a quick snap on my phone

[casabonka]

out of 10 whats the degree in difficulty in installing that second light?

[XpV8]

Originally Posted by #Russ#Es#

I did this to mine:


Bought a secondhand light assembly from the UK (same as the one used in the front) and put a LED globe in there. Works a treat.

that looks great, where was your entry point to run the wire inside the hood lining from?

cheers

[#Russ#Es#]

Originally Posted by casabonka

out of 10 whats the degree in difficulty in installing that second light?

I would say a 6/10, takes a little patience to run the wire through.

Originally Posted by XpV8

that looks great, where was your entry point to run the wire inside the hood lining from?

cheers

On second thought, I ran the rear light off the front one - I had to put in a higher amp fuse. Just need to drop the lining on one side to get enough access. I joined a piece of fencing wire to feed the wire from the front to the rear and out the small hole I cut for the new light.

[leakey]

Hey guys. I would strongly suggest cruising Ebay UK for oem parts.

You can usually pick up a genuine LR or LS Ghia rear light with a plug (important) and the metal backing (super important) and land it here in OZ, using Royal Mail small packets service for abou AUD$10 all up.

Whilst you are looking for that, also look for the small vanity lights that go under the visors, an additional footwell or boot light, and best of all, an XR5 style front interior light.

I've done all these mods very easily myself, and they look and work a treat.

All run through the front interior light assembly, so they dim at the same time.

My next mod will be using foot well light assemblies in the wing mirrors to use as puddle lights. Also run through the centre interior light.

I did a how to on the rear light and I think also the vanity lights. Have a look for it.

But changing the centre to an XR5 unit is just brilliant. Map lights and super bright OEM lamps too.

You should be able to upgrade all of your lighting for under $50 using Ebay UK.

Have fun!