2007 Toyota Tundra Installation Report by WileETundra

2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 5.7L V8 Limited
Pyrite Mica, Standard Bed, 20" Alloy Wheels

Owner: WileETundra

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Installation Report: Center Console Light

Project Description
In a previous install report I mentioned how the Tundra has a huge center console compartment for storage. This is very handy but unfortunately Toyota opted not to install a light inside the compartment so it is like a deep dark black hole which makes it nearly impossible to find anything even during the day. Clearly this would be a fairly easy mod but I wanted a lot of light, low current, low heat, and it had to match the Tundra dash panel lights. I also wanted it to be switched with the interior lights for convenience. I was ready to solve this one after a quick trip to Walmart and 10 minutes of studying the wiring diagrams.

Photos
(click on any photo to see a larger version)

Parts & Cost

One three-element LED marker light, found in the automotive section of Walmart, $5.67.

Note: DO NOT use a traditional light bulb. Make sure to get an LED unit. Traditional light fixtures typically use more power and they can get really hot which is a bad thing for small lights that will be enclosed in crowded spaces, plus who wants to mess around with replacement bulbs anyway?

Tools
(just the major items, not a complete list)

Drill
Exacto knife

Install Process

Start by removing the center console components:

Remove the long narrow map compartment lid which is beside the shift knob.
Remove the cup holder assembly by pulling straight up.
Remove the larger console body which sits under the cup holder assembly. Open the console lid then grasp the top lip which makes up the front edge of the console compartment and pull straight up with a firm grasp on both sides. As the console body comes up a few inches you will also have to pull it to the rear so the front portion will clear the dashboard climate control panel.
For most work this is all you need to do, however you can also remove the shift knob cover by removing the single black plastic screw at the bottom left corner. Pull up on the back of the shift knob cover and as it comes up a few inches you will also have to pull it to the rear so the front portion will clear the dashboard and slide over the shift knob. This may be easier if you remove the shift knob but you can do it with the knob in place.

Hold the LED fixture in place against the front wall of the center console, centered evenly and just about 1" below the accessory outlet, and mark the location where the red power wire exits on the back.
Verify that the mark for the wire is in the correct location then drill a small hole completely through the front wall in this spot.
Some LED lights have two power leads, a hot and ground, but others that are made for vehicles will only have a hot wire since they assume you will mount the light on a grounded metal surface. If your LED light doesn't have a ground wire then you need to connect a thin gauge wire to the metal back plate or mounting bolts on the back of the LED light.
Run the power wires through the hole and stick the light in place with 3M accessory tape. The tape usually holds better if you clean both surfaces with rubbing alcohol first and let them air dry before applying the tape.
Connect the power wires to the wires coming from the white plug that is just in front of the front center console wall. On my vehicle I think the White wire was ground and the Blue wire was hot when the parking lights are turned on. If you are not sure which wires to use then just follow the wires that come from the small LED light which shines on the front cup holders. This allows the center console light to come on automatically whenever your running lights are turned on.
Test it out and secure any lose wires with wire ties, then replace the center console components and enjoy.

Total Time: ~2 hours including prep and cleanup

Comments

Bright: This little light is pretty powerful and it is very convenient when opening the console at night. No switches to fumble with, plenty of light to get to the gear, and the color matches the Tundra dash lights so it looks like a factory option.
Safer: You no longer need to turn on the overhead light which is a big win since it would normally cast a huge glare on the windshield and distract the driver. The orange color also helps to preserve your night vision and it doesn't illuminate the entire cab, just the console area.
No Batteries Required: The hard wiring is easy to do and it eliminates the need for a manual light switch. True, the light will stay on all the time whenever the running lights are on (even when the console lid is closed), however this isn't a problem since the LEDs use a very small amount of power and they don't generate any significant heat like a traditional light bulb would. And no, the light does not leak out through the cracks in the console lid since the lid is designed to seal pretty well.

Disclaimer: this information has been shared for entertainment purposes only. The ideas, methods, parts, and products represented may not be compatible or safe for your vehicle or driving circumstances. The author is not responsible for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, misuse, etc. No guarantees, warranties, or support are provided or implied. Use this information at your own risk.