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DIY Dome Light Cutoff Switch

Bearstang

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Hey guys, I've been following this forum for a while, but just signed up. I wanted to show you guys how to install a dome light cutoff switch. I decided to place the switch on the front side of the panel facing the windshield to preserve the factory look of the car. This way you can't see the switch, but you can reach up and feel it. Anyway, here are the steps....

1. First remove the map/dome lamp panel by pulling down (its held in place using two push/pull clips on either side). Disconnect all the wiring (bulbs, map light switches, airbag indicator (use a T10 Torx driver), temp sensor and microphone (if equipped)) from the panel and cut out a hole for the switch. I decided to use this switch from DelCity...https://www.delcity.net/store/Non!illuminated-Mini-Rocker-Switch/p_788765.h_788770
The one you want is the SPST (Single Pole Single Throw).

2. As far as cutting the hole, I used tin snips to get started then a hand file to shape it into a square. The switch was a little too tall for the hole, but the headliner was soft enough that it just pushed into the headliner and helped hold the switch in place. You might use a slimmer switch if you want. I placed the cutout in the center of the lamp panel, but really it would be better to place the hole to the right of where I put it (where the "A715U" is stamped) since it was a tight fit around the airbag indicator.

3. Next is the wiring. You'll need to cut ONLY the GREY wire lead from each map light. Just cut it in two somewhere in the middle. This is the power feed for the dome light function. By doing it this way, you preserve the map light function, which means you can still switch the map lights on and off with the push buttons while having the dome light switched off.

4. More wiring... Cut two sections of wire and make a pigtail with one blade connector for the switch and two splice connectors which will go to each of the grey wires on the map lights you just cut. Connect (crimp) the grey wires to the splice connectors (one to each map light).

5. Strip the two remaining cut grey wires and twist them together (these will be the grey dome light feeds coming out of the headliner). Insert both wires into one blade connector and crimp. That's all the wiring. Push the two blade connectors onto the two blades (prongs) of the switch. Note: you can swap connectors on the blades to change the switch rocker orientation if you want.

6. Reinstall the bulbs, map light switches, airbag indicator, temp sensor and microphone (if equipped), and put the switch in place. Press the lamp panel back into the headliner with the clips and you're done. Enjoy guys!
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krazieboy

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Great job! I thought about the same thing, but a small switch like that on the back side never crossed my mind! do u have the dimensions by chance for the switch?
 
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Bearstang

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Thanks man! This was a big annoyance to me about this car, so I thought I'd share. If you click on the link for the switch from DelCity, there is a link to a drawing of the switch in pdf format under the "description" tab.
 

Damon

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Thanks! Install was easy with your guide
 

Brian_S550

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I like this idea a lot.
 

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michail71

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I'm going to do this with an LED swap but I tried to pull my dome light housing off and I can't get it to budge. I tried pressing into the tabs with a trim tool but I feel like it's going to break.

I've seen two versions of the housing and I'm not sure which one I have.

Anyone know the gauge of the OEM wire?
 

michail71

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I'm thinking of this switch here for dual purpose, https://www.amazon.com/Ulincos-Latc...rd_wg=7GkmN&psc=1&refRID=9BB3K49VHVJSHFP6J5N5

If I can tap into full time power I think this could double as a full time night spot light that is typically found in German cars.

I'm not sure about the fit just yet.

Also, is there something unusual about the 2018 dome light? In every YouTube video out there they just yank the housing right off. I've pulled on it so hard I feel like it's going break into pieces but it won't budge.
 

michail71

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I added a switch today. I got all the parts at Autozone placed a switch in the same spot that the convertible's switch would be.

The car's wiring is 20 gauge.
 

michail71

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Here is my test wire-up.

Those LED bulbs I picked up are too dim. I'll need to replace them with something better.
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dnldwd

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Hey Bearstang, thank you for this post.
I was looking for a way to do this to my car since about 5 minutes after I bought it.
Very well explained and photographed, I appreciate your efforts. I used a switch I found at work and traced the hole I took it from onto some card stock, to make a template.
Then I used a 1/16th drill bit to drill out the outline in my map light housing and a file to smooth it all out. Wired it up the way shown here and couldnt be happier with it. Now I can sit in my car during work hours without sending out a huge "here I am" signal to anyone out there.. Very useful mod.

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Jimayy

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Thanks for sharing this guys. I been wanting to figure something out. I couldn't imagine why there wasn't a 'stealth mode', my previous 2009 Rogue could turn off dome lights. I dislike it because at night, i can't see out the windows if the lights are on and it's dark outside... I don't know why that was an issue for me. Thanks for the post everyone. I was just going to use paper and electrical tape, but this seems a better and cooler way to do it. lol
 

michail71

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I know women that get frightened to not have it on. But once you explain they can't see outside the car but are themselves easily seen they get it.
 

dnldwd

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I know women that get frightened to not have it on. But once you explain they can't see outside the car but are themselves easily seen they get it.
Ive had the same discussion with a friend who wanted to light up our camp area in the back country of Yellowstone, while planning a kayak trip. I said "all you would be doing is limiting our vision to the ring of light from the lanterns, and lighting us up for the grizzlies etc. (that you are trying to avoid) to see clearly. He wouldnt reconsider. So, I went on the trip by myself and enjoyed my dark, predator free nights.
 

dnldwd

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some blue LEDs to complete the project :p
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mfk2910

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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS. This issue has been a nightmare for me to the point I don't really hang in my car at night I just get in or out quick without any enjoyment lol. I will try this and will share my results here as well.
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