I have wanted to do this since I bought the car.
Whenever I pull into my driveway at night and reach up to open my garage doors, I always end up either accidentally turning on one of the map lights or opening the sunglass pocket.

I picked up a set of 12-volt bulbs from Radio Shack and went to town today.
It took me about 3-hours to do the work and tomorrow I will mount the assembly back into my car.
I am hooking it up to the rear view mirror circuit so that it will go ON/OFF with the ignition.

Here are three shots of the install:

This is the finished product after the install………


The (2) bulbs actually light all three buttons because the “program” indicator in the center glows a bit from the lights under the cover.


It’s hard to take a photo in the dark, this is the best I could do…………


Follow this link for (11) pictures of the install process.
PICTURES

Now I don’t have to fumble in the dark for those tiny black buttons to open my garage doors.

What do you think?
Good idea?

Shawn S

------------------
Speed limits are for CARS and DRIVERS whose limits are easily exceeded !!!!!

2001 CL Type S - NAV - San Marino RED / Parchment - Spoiler - 35% Tint - Roof Visor - PIAA Lamps
GOLD Emblems & Grill - V1 w/remote - KICKER ZR-360 w/(2) 10" Alumapro Subs - Shine by ZAINO
For Pictures see: PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 V1 & SUBS

 

errrr... Im gonna re-type this again.

Looks great!!!

Post some instructions on how-to do this and I'll put it int he Garage.

I think a lot of people will do this... including me. I hate fumbling for those buttons.

I cant believe you re-posted this 3-times just trying to fix a link!

------------------
2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S
San Marino Red (Navigation)
PIAA 19173 Ion Yellow Fog Lights
Aftermarket Black Wood Trim Kit

 

Great info !! I think this is something everyone is going to do

------------------
2001 Nighthawk Black CLS Type S - Xephyr Performance CAI, PIAA 19173(Yellow) Road Lamp Upgrades, Full Wood Trim, Spoiler, 1/4 Mile in 14.424@97.23 MPH Atco Raceway Best GTECH Sprint 6.05 Xephyr Performance Intakes

 

ok i posted something in this thread, and it has disapeared.

and soopa, you see how many times people edit something???????

damn, you must think i am DUMB DUMB DUMB

------------------
2001 CL-S
Black/Black
Moonroof Visor
Black Wood Dash Kit
Currently on TL rims with Nokian Winter Tires
My Bitch

 

I can write up some instructions later, but this is definitely not a DIY project for someone who is not confidant working with electronics.
It is WAY more difficult then the V1 install.

Directly below where the holes are drilled there is a circuit board and ribbon cable with all the electronics for the “Homelink” system.
If you slip with the drill…..KABLOOIE !!!!
I used a small handheld finger powered jewelers drill for the holes.
They are just large enough to hold the bulbs snugly without adhesive.

Also, before anyone else tries this, let me check it out for a few days and make sure there aren’t any unforeseen problems.

Shawn S


------------------
Speed limits are for CARS and DRIVERS whose limits are easily exceeded !!!!!

2001 CL Type S - NAV - San Marino RED / Parchment - Spoiler - 35% Tint - Roof Visor - PIAA Lamps
GOLD Emblems & Grill - V1 w/remote - KICKER ZR-360 w/(2) 10" Alumapro Subs - Shine by ZAINO
For Pictures see: PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 V1 & SUBS

 

Awesome setup, Now if I could only live in a place w/ a garge...

------------------
CL-S
White/Ebony/Navi/Spoiler/Visor/Full Bra/Mud Guards/Cargo Net/Acura Car Cover/Tint 20%,35%,5% on Sun Roof, Rockford 250a2 Amp w/JL10w6 / K&N Drop in Filter. Comptech Springs. Polarg m-6.
Comptech Headers, Comptech Sways, Eurolite Xenon Crystal high beams.
AEM CAI once they decide to make the dame thing.
235/40/17's or 225/45/17's once I found out which one works for me.

gtech 0-60 6.03 w/ 438 pound load. preheader.

 

That's cool. It's also something that I would do if I had a garage to park my car in.

------------------
2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S - San Marino Red / Parchment
non-nav - wheel locks - splash guards - PIAA 19169s
#26519

 

Thank God Shawn I am not the only one that can't see where those freaking buttons are in the dark. I thought my eyes are shot. Thanks so much for beating HONDA to what they should have done in the first place !



------------------
2001 CL Type S Black/Ebony w/NAVI, PIAA bulbs, Tinted windows, JL Sub-woofer/Fosgate 250 watt amp, otherwise pure stock
1998 Accord Coupe EX-V6
Black Currant Pearl, PIAA bulbs, tinted windows, Fosgate 500 watt amp, Eclipes 6X9's,JL Sub-woofer, otherwise PURE stock !

 

That's a pretty cool idea. But, in my opinion(not a flame), why would you even need to look for those buttons? They're always in the same spot and made of rubber. Everything else up there is made of hard plastic. Doesn't even take a second to reach up there and locate the buttons. Helps too if you program all 3 buttons for your garage door. That's what I did. I just reach up there and stab any of the 3 buttons...presto

 

I agree with you on this, BUT, HOWEVER, What shawn did is very nice and will add "elegance" to the car. I personally would do it not because I NEED lights to see the buttons, but because I CAN DO IT and HAVE THE TOOLS to do it.

Great idea/work SHawn. I like it.

I'll be adding a light in my coin tray soon and tell ya guys about it.

But one ? Why is one light green, and the other red? In the X-mas spirit still?

 

Great job Shawn. I looked over your info and I think it is something that I can accomplish. The lights will definitely come in handy and our course it will make my CL different than the rest.

For some reason I cannot program all three buttons to the same device. Why? I don't know but whenever I program the next button, the previous button loses its programming if identical. So the colours will be helpful (I'll go with a blue, do they have that?) and of course it looks good. How does it look at night? Are they just spots or does the light project throughout the car and cast shadows?

I'll wait for more detailed instructions and to see if they are issues. Thanks again.

------------------
* 2001 Acura CL Type S * Blk/Blk * Navigator * Spoiler * Moonroof Visor * V1 *
* Since 3/31/2000 *
* Road Warrior *

* 500 posts on h/a.net *** 400 posts "insane poster" on the "old" acura-cl.com *

 

When I first read the topic, i thought Shawn was able to turn on his house lights with the button.

Can we do this? Is there any way to press the button and turn on lights in your house?

------------------
2001 CL-S
Black/Black
Moonroof Visor
Black Wood Dash Kit
Currently on TL rims with Nokian Winter Tires
My Bitch

 

Yes, you can do this.

You will need to buy a remote receiver from somewhere like Sears for about 20-30 dollars.
You can then plug a lamp or any other kind of light into it.

I think they also make units that can be connected to things like hardwired porch lights and outside spotlights.

Just look for the “Homelink” logo and it is designed to work with our system.

Shawn S




------------------
Speed limits are for CARS and DRIVERS whose limits are easily exceeded !!!!!

2001 CL Type S - NAV - San Marino RED / Parchment - Spoiler - 35% Tint - Roof Visor - PIAA Lamps
GOLD Emblems & Grill - V1 w/remote - KICKER ZR-360 w/(2) 10" Alumapro Subs - Shine by ZAINO
For Pictures see: PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 V1 & SUBS

 

If you have lights that can be activated by a remote (a RF remote) then yea... you can.

I have a Acura video they gave out when they released the TL... in the video the guy turns the house lights on.

Someone here has it programmed to turn their Home Theater system on.

Check out X10.com... they prolly make the receivers youll need to turn on your lights and such.

------------------
2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S
San Marino Red (Navigation)
PIAA 19173 Ion Yellow Fog Lights
Aftermarket Black Wood Trim Kit

 

i'l check it out, thanks shawn and soopa

------------------
2001 CL-S
Black/Black
Moonroof Visor
Black Wood Dash Kit
Currently on TL rims with Nokian Winter Tires
My Bitch

 

I mounted the assembly back into the car today.

I changed my mind and decided to get the power from the driver’s side vanity mirror instead of the rear view mirror.
That way the new lights will only come on when the headlights or parking lights are on and they wont be running all day.

I added these three new photos to the library showing the connections & final view in the car.







Shawn S




------------------
Speed limits are for CARS and DRIVERS whose limits are easily exceeded !!!!!

2001 CL Type S - NAV - San Marino RED / Parchment - Spoiler - 35% Tint - Roof Visor - PIAA Lamps
GOLD Emblems & Grill - V1 w/remote - KICKER ZR-360 w/(2) 10" Alumapro Subs - Shine by ZAINO
For Pictures see: PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 V1 & SUBS

 

To answer some of the questions above:

Yea, they will probable copy my idea for 2003 and advertise it as a new “feature”.

After having the car for 9-months I still have problems finding these buttons easily at night.
This will make it MUCH better.

I have two of the buttons programmed for the (2) doors of my detached garage.
The other one I haven’t yet decided what to do with yet.

I only needed to use (2) bulbs and I thought the Yellow might be too bright.
The package comes with Red, Yellow & Green.

I haven’t seen it in complete dark yet because my garage has windows in the doors and the sun is shining right now.
I doubt it will be too bright because the bulbs are tiny and there is only a 1/16” drill hole that it is shining through.

That’s just CRAZY.

Shawn S


------------------
Speed limits are for CARS and DRIVERS whose limits are easily exceeded !!!!!

2001 CL Type S - NAV - San Marino RED / Parchment - Spoiler - 35% Tint - Roof Visor - PIAA Lamps
GOLD Emblems & Grill - V1 w/remote - KICKER ZR-360 w/(2) 10" Alumapro Subs - Shine by ZAINO
For Pictures see: PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 V1 & SUBS

 

I'll give this a BUMP for those that didn't see it over the weekend.

No problems found yet with the install.

Shawn S



------------------
Speed limits are for CARS and DRIVERS whose limits are easily exceeded !!!!!

2001 CL Type S - NAV - San Marino RED / Parchment - Spoiler - 35% Tint - Roof Visor - PIAA Lamps
GOLD Emblems & Grill - V1 w/remote - KICKER ZR-360 w/(2) 10" Alumapro Subs - Shine by ZAINO
For Pictures see: PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 V1 & SUBS

 

------------------
01 CL-S NightHawk Black/Ebony Bowling Ball Interior

 

Shawn, since you seem to be electrically inclined, how difficult would it be to change the color of our instrumentation gauge lights??? or is this a bad idea???

------------------
Sundance,Navi,
Spoiler, mflaps, wheel well trim, dark dark tint, nose mask, polarg m6's, lead foot

 

You would have to get new bulbs and pull the dash out. Webtoker pulled his dash out. Looked pretty simple.

 

I was thinking the exact same thing. I'd want to get red or orange...looks badass in the Bimmers and Audis.

Oh and Shawn S, good job!! If I was actuallly able to use HomeLink I'd install those lights(err---pay someone to do it for me )

------------------
~Phil~!
2K1 satin silver CL-S since 6/13/00 named Laetitia! ~#10,029!!~ ~Navi!~ ~XEPHYR PERFORMANCE CAI~ ~Quantum tint~ ~Hiper Hibrid Plasma Xenon road lamps AND high-beams~ ~spoiler, baby!!~ ~Uniden LRD 6599SWS Radar Detector~ ~Shine by Meguiar's Gold Wax~ ~Member of the Scratched Rims Club~ ~Getting a red Acura badge shortly.~
Former post count : Over 500!! FREAK!

 

Guys,

Hold off on doing this yourself.
The one bulb (RED) went out on me today.
I don’t know if the bulb blew or if something came loose.
I will try replacing the RED bulb with the extra YELLOW one this weekend.
I should be able to switch it out in about 20-minutes.

Either I got a bad bulb or possibly the area is too tight and it is getting too HOT for the bulbs.
If this is the case, I will retrofit the small bulbs with two small 12-volt LED’s.

I will keep you updated.

Shawn S


------------------
Speed limits are for CARS and DRIVERS whose limits are easily exceeded !!!!!

2001 CL Type S - NAV - San Marino RED / Parchment - Spoiler - 35% Tint - Roof Visor - PIAA Lamps
GOLD Emblems & Grill - V1 w/remote - KICKER ZR-360 w/(2) 10" Alumapro Subs - Shine by ZAINO
For Pictures see: PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 V1 & SUBS

 

I would've done that to begin with , just so I'd never have to worry about 'em burnin out. I suppose you had your reasons...very nice idea though.

------------------
The Red Rocket

bone-stock, and now she's Dented and Miserable!

 

LEDs are the way to go so you don't have to worry about them burning out or getting too hot.



------------------
2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S - San Marino Red / Parchment
non-nav - wheel locks - splash guards - PIAA 19169s
#26519

 

I was originally going to go with LED’s, but the selection of the 12-volt ones at Radio Shack is slim.
Most are colored RED and are too big for mounting in the confined space.
Also, the ones I was looking at are meant to be panel mounted on a circuit board or placed into a holding socket.
No room for either of these methods.

The 3-pack of bulbs I found were nice and small and the signal wires were insulated.
I didn’t think they would get too HOT.

Learning is half the fun.

Shawn S

PS….I’m a Mechanical Engineer, not an Electrical one.


------------------
Speed limits are for CARS and DRIVERS whose limits are easily exceeded !!!!!

2001 CL Type S - NAV - San Marino RED / Parchment - Spoiler - 35% Tint - Roof Visor - PIAA Lamps
GOLD Emblems & Grill - V1 w/remote - KICKER ZR-360 w/(2) 10" Alumapro Subs - Shine by ZAINO
For Pictures see: PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 V1 & SUBS

 

That seems like way too much trouble... After six months of owning the car I can find the garage door buttons just fine. Just stick your hand up there.... SImpleer than glueing all sorts of LEDs and soldering this and that.

------------------
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...698&a=11616550
Red 3.2 CL-S.
"Life is too short not to be Italian." -Paul Sorvino
"How do you expect your date to turn over if your engine doesn't?" -Original

 

Hey.....That's no fun
Where's your sense of adventure ???????

Shawn S



------------------
Speed limits are for CARS and DRIVERS whose limits are easily exceeded !!!!!

2001 CL Type S - NAV - San Marino RED / Parchment - Spoiler - 35% Tint - Roof Visor - PIAA Lamps
GOLD Emblems & Grill - V1 w/remote - KICKER ZR-360 w/(2) 10" Alumapro Subs - Shine by ZAINO
For Pictures see: PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 V1 & SUBS

 

It goes beyond just the enhanced function of the mod and the trouble in getting there, it's showing off your creativity and ingenuity and sharing it with others. Experimentation IS FUN!!!


------------------
The Red Rocket

bone-stock, and now she's Dented and Miserable!

 

I second that, and that's why I'm going to do it too when the final solution is confirmed.

------------------
* 2001 Acura CL Type S * Blk/Blk * Navigator * Spoiler * Moonroof Visor * V1 *
* Since 3/31/2000 *
* Road Warrior *

* 500 posts on h/a.net *** 400 posts "insane poster" on the "old" acura-cl.com *