Boot Lighting Upgrade

[Oz B-Spec]

G'day All,

I thought that I'd share my latest upgrade to the Levorg.

I'd already upgraded the factory boot light from the terrible halogen to an LED bulb, however, I still felt that it wasn't enough.
Initially, my plan was to fit 2 LED downlights in the tailgate, that was until I came across these on eBay;

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rear-Trunk-Boot-LED-Super-Bright-lights-Lamps-For-2014-up-Subaru-LEVORG-1-6T-2-0/362249207376?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649


I was skeptical at first, 60 odd Aussie for a purpose made panel with LED's inbuilt and a wiring loom.....sounds too cheap to be any good, right?
Well, I'm happy to report that I was wrong, it's a pretty bloody good product.

Install took around 1-2 hours, as I removed all the tailgate lining along with part of the passenger side boot lining so that I could wire these lights into boot light.

Here's some before and after photos

 

[Arctic Fennec]

Hey Oz,

I was going to upgrade to just a better quality (6000K) Phillips LED, but this seems smarter.
Do the lights go on and off automatically when the hatch is opened or work manually only?
What happens to the standard light on the side of the hatch? Does it continue to work like normal?
Do the lights come with some sort of instructions? And did you require any specialised tools to do the job?

Thanks!

 

[Oz B-Spec]

G'day mate,

Unfortunately, there are no instructions with their kit, however, it's super easy to install, if you're not scared to have a crack at yourself. In order to have mine perform the same way the boot light does (as it sounds you want and the factory light remains operational), I ran the wiring to it boot light (which is the way in which I believe they want it to work as the loom they supply reaches it).
This requires removing the tailgate interior covers (1 screw and a bunch of clips) and then pulling the passenger side boot interior covered (2 screws and a bunch of clips) back to get access to the boot light switch.

Tools and consumables:
a Phillips head screwdriver,
WD40 (to spray in the tailgate to body wiring boot which provides lubrication to for you to feed the wiring loom through)
2x Insulated Crimp Terminals. AKA wire joiners (used to join the wires from boot light wires)

Total time, around 1-2 hours from start to finish.

 

[Arctic Fennec]

Thanks Oz. I have ordered one. Can't have much light in the back, now that it's a temporary change table for the baby!

 

[Oz B-Spec]

Good choice mate, let me know if you get stuck with the install

 

[moojy]

Wow nice and timely was just about to change mine over too, have always fitted extra lights in the rear of my Subarus. Usually just surface mount ikea LED but they are never completely flush though they work a treat.Ikea dont do them any more, but this kinda thing:
https://www.lightingever.co.uk/3-led-under-cabinet-light-kit-510lm-puck-lighting-1800016-dw-uk.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlOH73Pj12gIVorDtCh2_ZgbaEAQYASABEgILkfD_BwE

These ebay jobs look nicer... if I can get em again.

 

[moojy]

Great find @Oz-B-Spec.
They're back on ebay folks, so bought a set.
How did you run the wiring from the trunk lid to the passenger side trunk light?
The only route seems to feed it through the small cable guide tubing between the lid and car body? How to get it there and then beyond?
Sorry - havent done this before. Just wanted to know what to do before I start pulling things apart....

 

[Oz B-Spec]

Basically, you have to remove all the tailgate (trunk) trim, which is only held together by 1 screw and a whole bunch of clips. The screw is located in the tailgate handle and then pull on the panels and they'll unclip.
You'll then need to run the wiring down to roof lining. Don't pull on the roof lining, you'll be able to feed the wiring through the rubber tubing (use WD40 to lubricate the inside of the rubber tubing) into the roof cavity and then feed it down the C pillar.
From here, you run the wires down the C pillar and into the boot. This will require you to remove part of the boot seal and to pull back the boot interior panels (2 screws and a bunch of clips to get enough room to work with and this is on the side of the boot light obviously ). then just connect the wires up to the boot light and you're done.


If you're in Sydney, I'm happy to give you a hand with you still have concerns.

 

[moojy]

Brilliant thanks for the info that is really really helpful. Very much appreciated.

I'm in Glasgow Scotland, btw <wink>

 

[Oz B-Spec]

Brilliant thanks for the info that is really really helpful. Very much appreciated.

I'm in Glasgow Scotland, btw <wink>

Pleasure mate. Happy to email you through some disassembly pics if you like. PM me your addy and I'll send them through.

Yeah, so not local then.....although, I'd be happy to fly over to assist........at your cost of course LOL

 

[moojy]

Pics would be really great thanks.

 

[Arctic Fennec]

Oz, I'm from Sydney and would appreciate your experiences before I get stuck into it pls.
I can't figure out how the plugs from the LED units connect to the cables, and then the untapped cables on the other emd, which I assume is to the switch in the boot. Would appreciate your assistance. PM or otherwise. Cheers mate

 

[Oz B-Spec]

Hey Mate,
The LED kit itself it comes with the 2 panels with the LED's in them plus a 2 piece loom. Onehalf of the loom goes plugs into the LED panels and other half has the untapped end. The untapped wires will need to be tapped into boot light (i used 2 Insulated Crimp Terminals for that job) via passenger side boot interior panel.

 

[Arctic Fennec]

'One half of the loom goes plugs into the LED'

That's the bit that I can't figure out. How did you connect the two plastic bits together without snipping/ soldering. See photo. Is this what you have too?

Driving me nuts!

If you can describe the process would be heaps helpful cos I'm stuck.

 

[Oz B-Spec]

Hey mate,
it appears you're missing part of 1 of the looms. I've added a pic which highlights the plugs which go together between the 2 looms.

 

[Arctic Fennec]

Thanks Oz.
Pissed cos I have already left feedback on eBay. Have contacted him and hopefully will do the right thing and send them separately.
Else report to eBay and see if I can source a connector locally. Thanks for all ur help. Let's see how this works out.

 

[Oz B-Spec]

Ah that's shit.
Truth be told, it wouldn't be too hard to make the missing loom if the seller dicks you around. A trip to Jaycar and you'd be sorted with the required plugs and wiring.
Let me know if you get stuck with the install, as i'm happy to help out if needed.

 

[Arctic Fennec]

I only figured it out when I went back and looked at what was in the box. Mistakenly assumed the 2 wire harnesses were the same for the left and right side instead of clipping into each other, so all good. I have put it in over the Weeknd, but am confused about where exactly you tapped the crimped ends into the boot light switch.

Did you tap it in to the wires (pink and green) before the connector to the switch? I assume the power in this circuit is automatically cut off when the hatch is closed?

 

[Oz B-Spec]

Hi Mate,
Correct, tap in before the plug (pic 2, IMG_20180526_125453) before the switch so that it will run off the boot lights circuit and therefore behave the same way.

 

[Matt_GT_AUS]

Just finished installing my set over the weekend, I can see everything at night in the boot area now - wow!

Love the touch switches in the middle of each light bank too, you can turn on/off with the brush of a hand.

A cheap and relatively easy to install upgrade.

Thanks for pointing these out to us all Oz B-Spec!!!