Simplified Installation Instructions for rear footwell lights for cars with front footwell lights

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by otatrant, Sep 30, 2025.

  1. otatrant

    otatrant Active Member

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    I installed rear footwell lights from translated instructions and made my own simplified instructions that I have tested on my own car. I am attaching both versions of the instructions.

    Original Translated Instructions

    My Version
     
    #1 otatrant, Sep 30, 2025
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2025
  2. Hammersmith

    Hammersmith Senior Member

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    Looks like you did the same thing I did. You just tapped into the front footwell light and ran the rear one off of that? (left front to left rear, and right front to right rear)

    I did some testing during install and found that doing it this way reduces the light intensity of the front lights by a tiny bit. If they were incandescent, I'd probably worry about overloading the circuit, but these are really small LEDs. Honestly, the hardest thing about the project was cutting the seat fabric and getting those damn plastic holders clipped.

    When I swapped my seat covers to convert my interior to the black/red, I pulled the front seats out and used the opportunity to run the wires under the carpet.
     
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  3. otatrant

    otatrant Active Member

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    How did you test? I am thinking since they are wired in parallel each should get the full 12 Volts.

    Drew some blood trying to get some scissors through a hole I poked in the fabric. New fabric floor mats made it easy to wipe up. Pretty puzzled by the translated instructions but remembered reading that you cut up the harness in your post here and that there is no 13 pin harness in US Prii like the instructions mention.

    I pulled all of the panels as instructed in the Japanese instructions. Was able to get the wire under the couple inches of carpet by using some of the wire I cut off the harness to pull it through. A lot of work for a little light but I like it.

    Here is a some pictures of the rear footwell lights.

    IMG_2169.jpeg

    IMG_2168.jpeg
     
  4. Hammersmith

    Hammersmith Senior Member

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    Basically just by plugging and unplugging the rear light and watching the front. I guessed that it might be happening because the lights are on a dimmer and the car's computer was limiting total power or something. The change was barely noticeable(maybe 2% dimmer with both), so I just moved on.
     
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