Center Console PRNDS Lighting

[JDowns]

Since Ford discontinued this option in later models and the topic comes up frequently, I figured I would take a look at what it would take to add lighting and if it was a relatively easy task.

I would wait to do this mod until a better LED strip solution is available. I'm going to order some varying LED strips from Oznium that I think will be a much better fit. The strip I had handy that just happens to fit perfectly, also happens to have poorly spaced LED's where a few ultra thin options from Oznium shouldn't produce hot spots as you will see below.

You will need the following tools.

Small flathead screwdriver.
Panel removal tool (angled is best).
7mm socket.

Start by lowering the glove box by compressing in the sides.

Remove the lower panel between the glove box and instrument panel. Start near the instrument panel in the top corner and work your way down the inside edge. Then the same from the outside edge and pull forward. These tabs are soft so take your time to avoid breaking and bending them. If the white retainer clips come off replace them back on the panel as needed.

Lower the drivers side panel under the steering wheel. This is hinged at the bottom. If the white retainer clips come off replace them back on the panel as needed.

Remove the lower panel between the the panel you just lowered and the instrument panel. Follow the same method as the other side.

Remove the two (7mm) screws holding the 12vdc lower panel to the dash. Using your panel removal tool start from the top edge and release each side. There is a center retaining clip that will release as you gently pull outwards. Remove the wiring from the two sockets and set the panel aside.

Using the panel removal tool gently pry up on the cover for the front center console. Start between the cup holder and panel. Work your way towards the front of the vehicle on each side. You do not need to remove this entirely. From the back gently push out the USB port assembly. You can tap into the ambient lighting for the USB port.

The cover for the gear selector (black) is held to the housing by (6) clips. Starting on the drivers side under the "P" gently separate the two by gently pressing in the white tab while lifting on the black cover. I used a small flathead. You have to be gentle here since these white tabs can snap off easily. Work your way around counter clockwise to release all (6) tabs. You will not have to do the last two in front. You will just be able to lift up and wiggle the top off.

There is a recessed rectangular channel under the lettering where an LED strip can be placed. I'm assuming due to the layout this was originally a light pipe and the lower center cutout was for a wiring connector. You can use this center cutout to run your wiring. I did look throughout the parts at Ford and could not find a part in any schematic. If this could be located and available, obviously the OEM light would be best.

For testing I used a 101.6 x 14.70 x 7.95 LED strip. Standard 4" LED strip from Amazon. The spacing of the LED's is a poor solution that results in hot spots. Smaller LED's with tighter spacing would be much better. I'll order some next week and test them.

Run your wiring through the center slot and forward towards the USB ports. This was the hardest part. Getting the wiring from here to cutout for the USB ports.

I cannot stress how much I really hate these "T" connectors. I will eventually put down some protection and solder in a pigtail here, but I showed these connectors since this is what most folks would go ahead and use anyways. You may want to test but for my connection the Y/W wire was the positive (wire furthest from the retaining clip).

You can notice the hotspots. These strips are clearly not the best solution. Strips like these would be a much better solution due to the tighter spacing of LED's.

I didn't get a good photo. But when you run your wiring, run them along the drivers side. You can zip tie you're wiring to the existing wiring to keep away from any moving parts or from rattling.


If you ever want to run cup holder lighting or the console lighting it would be a good idea to leave an accessible pigtail under here where you don't have to remove all the paneling again.

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[Bob902]

That's cool. Thanks!

 

[Danager]

I’m thinking of tackling this with ice blue COB strip lights. Much denser emitter placement.
Had all that apart and did leave a pigtail.

 

[Bob902]

I’m thinking of tackling this with ice blue COB strip lights. Much denser emitter placement.
Had all that apart and did leave a pigtail.

the blue should be a close match to the lights on the usb ports

 

[JDowns]

I’m thinking of tackling this with ice blue COB strip lights. Much denser emitter placement.
Had all that apart and did leave a pigtail.

I ordered some 12vdc COB strips along with some very tightly placed LED's. About the same cost, but the COB's are a much better solution.

Overall the dimensions should be at least 3" with a max of 4". Width should be no more than 9.75mm, the strip I used was silicone covered and it was snug. Height was 3.25mm and the cover snapped in nicely, but you could tell there was a bit of resistance.

I'm gonna try these in a bright white. Width is gonna be tight, no height dimensions so its a shot in the dark but looks like it may work. If I don't like the white I can always get some transparent colored sheets cut to size to fit onto the top housing underneath to alter the color.

 

[Rinn69]

Cool mod, BUT.....it doesn't tell me what gear I'm in. Any chance you'll make a strip that's attached to the shifter handle with a window to highlight what gear it's in ??

 

[JDowns]

Cool mod, BUT.....it doesn't tell me what gear I'm in. Any chance you'll make a strip that's attached to the shifter handle with a window to highlight what gear it's in ??

Due to the layout and space constraints between the white housing and the black housing (cover) I don't see how thats possible. Only thing that might be possible is to tie bi-color led's into the shift mechanism or instrument panel to change each LED color. Wouldn't be a simple mod by any means, or the risk of really messing something up.

 

[JDowns]

I have a feeling the light is part of the Bezel (part #7D433). If you search for 2020-2021 its a valid part but not for 2019 and no such part even shows up. The part is valid from 7/2020 and up. Makes me think the part is not even made anymore or available and most likely get replaced with a non-lit version.

There is room to pull out the wire and solder. Even though the light is pulled out, depending on the new lights I may or may not keep it in there, but at least I won't have to worry about those "T"'s and the inevitable flashing of lights due to a bad connection. Those really are horrible on small wires and reliability. Just left a connection near the gear so all I have to do now is pop up the panel, rather than take everything back apart again.

 

[JDowns]

Got some lighting in today...that came fast.

Unfortunately the amber I ordered was the wrong one that is non cuttable. But geez these little strips are bright! They would make great accent brake lights, running lights, grill lights, etc.

But I got in the COB strip also. I wish they had something shorter than 5m. Cuttable sections at 45mm and you only need 90mm you could at least do 55 vehicles or add some nice in bed lighting. These are plenty bright for this application and I'm gonna have to wire up a dimmer since I think they will be way to bright.

 

[JDowns]

Don't think I'll bother with the ambers when they show up, I'll just toss them into the spare LED's box. The COB's light up perfectly. You will need a dimmer as 12vdc is way too bright.

The COBS mentioned above have a cutoff voltage at 9.25vdc. I used this dimmer from Diode Dynamics as I had a pair handy. I'm running them at just below 10vdc.

Take pics with a grain of salt since the camera will adjust exposure.

Full brightness.

10vdc.

Next test will be to see if I can source a cellophane sheet to mimic the stock blue.

The cobs fit perfect. You'll need 90mm or two sections.

 

[Azriq]

In no way am I meaning this in a negative way, but sure seems like a lot of work for the end result. My 19 happens to be illuminated but I never really think about it. I either count the clicks or look at the cluster. 100% props to you for taking the initiative to figure it out. For your next project, I'd like to see the mirror controls illuminated. Wife borrowed my truck and I had to talk her through the location and operation at night after she finally gave up and called me.

 

[JDowns]

In no way am I meaning this in a negative way, but sure seems like a lot of work for the end result. My 19 happens to be illuminated but I never really think about it. I either count the clicks or look at the cluster. 100% props to you for taking the initiative to figure it out. For your next project, I'd like to see the mirror controls illuminated. Wife borrowed my truck and I had to talk her through the location and operation at night after she finally gave up and called me.

It is a bit of work. All in all not too bad. The added illumination is nice, but the lack of gear indicator is sad. I can't say I've ever really looked down there for gear selection, its on the instrument display right in front of you if you really need it. Figured I'd take up the challenge since its a reoccurring theme here and some folks may just enjoy the added feature. Now that I've got it in there, I gotta be honest and unless I can match or come close to the stock blue I will probably just disconnect it or turn it amber to match the interior amber lighting.

It may come in handy though for anyone looking to add other ambient lighting to the interior and where they can tap into an existing power source without a fuse tap.

Not sure about the illuminated mirror controls. Quick look at mine. Part #AB39-17B676-BA (-AA for switch with folding mirrors) and the internal buttons that strike the contacts are solid black and would block any lighting. There is a gap between the square button assembly and the instrument panel. It may be possible to put in some lighting that lights up the ring around the square button through the gap....so challenge accepted.

 

[JDowns]

Sometimes the DIY godz smile upon you.

Tomorrow is trash day so I was loading up the kitchen trash to take to the bin. Noticed the fancy blue drawstring on the 30 gallon Hefty Super Strong bag was transparent. Cut off a section and taped over the COB LED.

It's ever so slightly more blue. But close enough for government work and its beer thirty.

 

[OFC Ranger]

I am working on a mod to install braille down there so blind drivers can better tell what gear they are in.

 

[Bob902]

I don’t need the lights but I think it just gives the truck a finished look. And why does my bank have Braille on the drive up ATM?!?

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