This has been added to the 'How-To' pages on Team Sol of Washington. I was asked about this many times at the last meet between Washington/Oregon groups. Enjoy.
This modification will work with all VTEC equipped models: Single and DOHC. It is simpler then the ones I've seen on the net as you don't use a relay in the circuit. For the ones that don't have the bezel with the VTEC cut out on them its a little more work as you can mount the LED on/through the bezel you have and use transfer lettering to mark it with if you wish. You also will have to cut out/throught the plastic lens under the bezel to fit the LED and wiring.
Part and tools needed:
1 - Phillips screw drivers (one short, one regular length)
2 - 12 Volt LED light (comes in Red, Blue or Green, I didn't see any White ones, but they probably have them to)
3 - Wire Connectors (sealed type),wire taps,wire eyes/ends
4 - Soldering gun
5 - Wire cutters/strippers
6 - 16 or 18 gauge wire (10-12 feet)
7 - Shrink tubing
8 - Modeling knife
9 - 10 mm socket and extension
10 - Small flat screw driver
Preparing the LED:
1 - Cut some wire about 6 inches or so and then solder it to the leads from the LED.
2 - Use some shrink tubing to cover over the soldered leads.
3 - You now done with this part.
Removal of speedo assembly:
1 - Start by removing the assembly by taking out the screws (2) above the dash pod, then lay it on the top of the dash.
2 - Next remove the screws (3) that hold the pod in, pull it out, then disconnect the wiring harnesses (four of them) and remove the pod from the dash (If you have indiglos disconnect those wires to).
3 - In a well lit area, look at the back of the pod, you will see above the cruise control light an uncut out hole, using a modeling knife cut out the hole, this is where you will mount the led.
4 - Carefully disassemble the front of the dash pod by lifting the tabs with a small screw driver, remove the one screw that holds the bracket on the top. Remove the front face plate then remove the bezel cover, under that you will see a small plastic cover, remove that so you can install the led through the hole you cut in the back.
5 - Install the led through the hole and tighten the nut on the back to hold it in place. Put the plastic cover back on that you removed earlier. Then put the dash pod back together.
6 - Add the connectors to the wires on the LED leads at this time. Your now done with this part.
Wiring the ECU and ground wire:
1 - Remove the big plastic screw that holds the carpet at the top under the dash.
2 - Pull back the carpet so you can remove the bolts (4 10mm bolts) that hold the ECU to the kick panel.
3 - Remove the cover, lift blue tabs and slide up on the wiring harness to remove them.
4 - Pull the ECU up and out so you can see the wiring at the bottom. You will be tapping in to the wire on A4 which is on the bottom row, second from the front, (It was orange with a white stripe on mine, there may be some variation in colors for some years).
5- Using a tap connect, tap the wire. Then put the wiring harness back on the cover, put the cover back on the ECU running the new wire behind the wiring harness out the top. Bolt the ECU back in. Run the wire along the top at the back of the dash and under and behind the console. With that done put the carpet back and your done with that side.
6 - For the ground wire I used the bolt that holds the inside hood opener, then ran it up and out to the opening for the dash pod behind the wiring harness. The power wire that you pushed through run that up the side out of the way of the gas pedal and use wire ties to hold it to the metal bar then up and out the opening for the dash pod. Now you can cut off the extra wire, leaving some slack and put on the connectors.
7 - Now you can put the dash pod back in, attaching/plugging in the wires for your new light (LED), then attach the dash pod wiring and Indiglo wiring if you have that. Put the screws back in and your done.
Now for the fun:
1 - Start and run your car till it warms up then hit the gas to bring it into VTEC and the light should come on. If not check your work over for shorts/bad connections.
Enjoy and have fun with your new mod, it looks really great at night - Geo
Pictures are up on the page. URL: VTEC Light
Geo TS #85
V.P. of Team Sol Of Washington
Team Sol of Washington
