I saw the other Climate LED conversion from NICO and started it. Due to the POOR light output, I decided to engineer a better LED conversion. it takes more work, time, and effort, but it is completely reversible, and doesn't require soldering (but CAN be soldered if you want). The way I did it allows complete customization in case you want to things like color fades or whatever else fits your fancy. For my car I used all red LEDs except the 7th one, which is UV (to match the bulbs in my cluster)
First, Disassemble your Climate Control Unit (directions:
FAQ/Write-up: S13 HVAC/climate control and dash switch light bulb replacement.: 240SX Forum / 180SX Forum / Silvia Forum: Nissan Forums / Infiniti Forums - NICOclub)
Tools required:
7 12v LEDs w/ decently long wires (if you buy frosted tip LEDs you can skip the sandpaper)
Wire Strippers (or Scissors ^_^)
X-ACTO Knife or razor blade
Sandpaper (any grit is ok, but I used 100)
Electrical Tape
and most importantly, your HVAC/Climate Control Unit
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NOTE: if you are starting this project from scratch, skip to step 4
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1. If you followed the other LED conversion (
Another HVAC LED thread with pics for those interested: 240SX Convertible Forum: Nissan Forums / Infiniti Forums - NICOclub ) you should have something similar to this:
2. if you notice, I did not solder the bulbs, but instead opted to use the existing holders (mainly because I was too lazy to go to my parents to get my iron) it was pretty easy and looked similar to stock:
3. the first thing i did was disassemble the bulb. afterwards i had this:
I was keeping the bulb, but if you soldered the bulb the leads might be too short.
4. Cut your LED wires in 3 different lengths (you'll find out why later)
5. Thread the longest wire through the bulb hole as shown, and if you are using the bulb-holder method, cut it down until you have something like below. (if soldering, skip to step 8):
6. Stick the leads through the holes at the base of the bulb holders, then wrap the leads around the head of the bulb holder like this:
7: Twist the bulb holder back into place making sure the power is on the right side (the power sides face eachother, and the grounds face towards the front and rear of the unit respectively) I wrapped the wires in tape at the head of the bulb holder just to make sure they stayed in there securely.
you can see that from the top, it looks almost completely stock:
8. Use the X-ACTO or razor to cut a section of insulation off of the wires so that you can splice into them for the other two you will be using:
afterwards, you should have something like this:
9. splice the wires in and wrap them with electrical tape, then put the bulbs into place, after which, you should have something that looks like this:
10. Now, plug the Climate Control unit into your car to make sure the lights work and you like where they are located. (and that when you push the buttons they wont fall out)
another picture showing the brightness compared to my head unit (which is pretty freaking bright, even with the dimmer on)
11. Now, follow steps 4-10 with the other bulb hole (to balance the load) the 7th wire you want to keep full length, so you can put it in the lower space to illuminate the slider display.
12. Put everything back together and you are almost finished! yaay!!! If you did the bulb method your unit should look like this:
13. Now its time to put the Climate Control back in the car and enjoy your BRIGHT LED unit. it is bright enough to not be drowned out by my deck.
you can see from the following picture that they are bright enough to be seen with the interior lights on:
feel free to post questions, comments, and YOUR CUSTOM CREATIONS!!!!!!!!
ULTIMATE 89~94 240sx Climate HVAC LED Conversion [18 large pictures]
