Natwerk Designs

Lighting up climate controls at night via small LED?

My climate controls in my Taurus don't light up at all (by design -- it's an aftermarket panel). I was thinking of somehow mounting an LED (or really tiny CCFL) there to light 'em up a bit -- any ideas on how to wire it? Hhow would I do it to be as unobtrusive as possible? And finally, is it legal (Minnesota)? Thanks. I bought the car locally and it came with an aftermarket stereo -- who knows how long the previous owner had it :P Due to the Taurus's crappy radio design, the climate control panel is part of the radio. Thus they had to replace it with an aftermarket panel, which just happens to not be lit up. They run for over $60 in most stores and don't light up -- not much of a choice here :P

Public Comments

1. if its inside the car, then it wont be illegal as long as its not blocking any ports that they need for inspection, or interfering with yours or other people's driving. so if its just a rocker or pannel switch, no worries. i personally wont have any idea on how to hook it up but if its anything like my jeep, its just a plug into the back of a knob. theres no way to change the bulb or anything like that. if its still under warranty, you could take it into the dealership. the other option is ordering a new panel. that would be the cheaper option too. if it doesnt work you can most likely return it to where you got it. the dealership should be able to fix it.