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.
Here is where you cut out for the LED/wiring
LED install in the back of dash pod
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.
Remember the VTEC Light will only work if the car is moving, you just can't rev the engine to make it come on. At least 11 mph for the Auto, 15 to 25 mph for the manual models
Enjoy and have fun with your new mod, it looks really great at night.
By: GEO