Interior Light Toggle Switch

[kenmnv]

One design flaw is lack of the ability to override the interior light settings from the drivers seat. For example, A) turn on lights similar to the door open switch and B) turn off all lights that are manually switched on by passengers (kids) to improve visibility when needed.

[kenmnv]

Has anyone attempted a mod to add an interior lighting toggle switch to the front dash area? Maybe getting the schematic / wiring diagram would help.

[vanguy]

Yea I miss this feature also. My old Chevy van had a nice push button switch to turn off all passenger & cargo lights. It was handy when you had the doors open for extended periods.

[axulsuv]

The  dome lights in the NV will time out and shut off if  doors are open , I camp in mine and it has been checked a few times , it just takes a few minutes .

Glenn

[vanguy]

Glenn

Do the cargo lights turn off too?

I've had my cargo doors open for 10 - 15 minutes at a time & the lights are still on.

[Elfmaze]

I built a secondary lighting system in the back of my NV,   The switches are attached to the side of the driver seat plastic so I can reach the controls from the front or back of the van.   I added two LED lights (http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/dome-lights/56-round-dome-light-led-fixture-with-3-position-switch-/1273/2949/)  They have Red and white lights,  we use the red lights at night so we don't blow out our vision,  Easy to read and work in the back with the two lights,  and they pull next to no power!

 

My lights are powered from the "house batteries"  I added, But it would be easy enough to tie in a line to the Starting battery.  

 

 

 

Edited January 29, 2014 by Elfmaze

[Elfmaze]

One design flaw is lack of the ability to override the interior light settings from the drivers seat. For example, A) turn on lights similar to the door open switch and B) turn off all lights that are manually switched on by passengers (kids) to improve visibility when needed.

 

 

I imagine overriding them to keep them off would be easier than wiring them to keep them on.  But same concept...   The light units are negative ground.  So we cant do too much with the grounding circuit.  BUT.  the positive wire that runs up the drivers side can be spliced into,  there are two wires,  one to supply power when the door is opened and one to supply power all times for the "on" switches.   cut  the wire of your choice and add a switch to be able to shut them off.   OR splice in a positive wire from the battery with a switch  to be able to turn them on when the BCM has shut off all van power.  

 

Honestly,  the dome lights are not bright enough for me to care about them in there stock form.  My LED ones are MUCH brighter.  Maby you can use LED's in the stock light units?

[jimgoings]

This is why I switched the interior lights to Red LEDs.  Kids can leave them on and the red hue prevents my vision from being spoiled.  Keeps the sleeping kids from being blinded when the door opens after a long drive at night too.

[xavman]

This is why I switched the interior lights to Red LEDs.  Kids can leave them on and the red hue prevents my vision from being spoiled.  Keeps the sleeping kids from being blinded when the door opens after a long drive at night too.

 

Jim,

Got any install links/pointers/recommended products for converting to the LED?

 

Mike

[Elfmaze]

check with these guys http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/led-vehicle-replacement-bulbs/  They will have it

[Elfmaze]

i used two of these,  I still have my three stock dome lights too.  These two when on are much brighter

 

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/truck-trailer-led-lights/56-round-dome-light-led-fixture-with-3-position-switch-/1273/2949/

[jimgoings]

Jim,

Got any install links/pointers/recommended products for converting to the LED?

 

Mike

 

Yep, these are exactly what I ordered.  They are just replacement bulbs.  No special magic to install them. :)

 

http://www.superbrightleds.com/search/led-products/DE3175/

DE3175 LED Bulb - 4 SMD LED Festoon Cool White

DE3175 LED Bulb - 4 SMD LED Festoon Red

[HERvan]

I also camp a lot, with the dogs and horses.  I have two methods to add "manual-on" interior lights.  e-mail me for diagrams.  Both methods require finding an "always hot" point in the fuse box at the lower left of the dash.  I am in the process of finalizing diagrams and taking pictures of my installation.  kczflea.factory@verizon.net.

[wizardberry]

I am interested in the wiring diagrams but your email address bounced...  If you're still active and see this reply, please advise on how to go about getting your diagrams...

[sliderinct]

yes, same here...in search of those specific wires coming from the door switches to the dome lights...

need to tap into those for manual on and bypass completely...NEED colors?locations?

[CaptainLarry]

Did anyone get the wiring info requested above to modify the dome lights?  I really want an override for all always on/all always off (just like my Tundra :(.)

 

Also, my first impression is that the individual dome switches are finicky.  In particular, the center position, which I insist of my children that they stay in, is very sensitive to the slightest movement.  Has anyone had problems with them failing or needing replacement?

[NVdriver]

I just bought my NV Passenger, and was disappointed when i couldn't turn on all the map lights from the driver's seat. Has anyone figured a workaround to get this to work?

[CaptainLarry]

I'm SLOWLY working on this.  I bought a three position switch.  It would be nice to have the weather cool down before I work out in that van for a few hours.  I expect this to be a pain.  I wonder if my car audio guys could work this up for me.