Ambient lighting color

[BlackSEL]

I understand that one of the options is a variable-color setup fo the footwell and interior lighting... unfortuately my SEL doesn't have this option.. but usually these days the "hard work" is already done (easier to build all vehicles with something just leave out the switch to make it work)... with that in mind, anyone have any idea about doing a mod to add this?

 

I'm wondering if the wiring, etc. is in place and just needs a control... for those of you that have this option, where is the adjustment knob?

 

thanks.

[bbf2530]

I understand that one of the options is a variable-color setup fo the footwell and interior lighting... unfortuately my SEL doesn't have this option.. but usually these days the "hard work" is already done (easier to build all vehicles with something just leave out the switch to make it work)... with that in mind, anyone have any idea about doing a mod to add this?

 

I'm wondering if the wiring, etc. is in place and just needs a control... for those of you that have this option, where is the adjustment knob?

 

thanks.

 

Hi BlackSEL. :D Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Since it is a "late availability option" for the 2008 models, nothing is there yet. Not only is the wiring and switch not there, but the lighting is not there either. You would need to install/replace all of the lighting, wiring, console, switches, connections to the electrical system and fuse box, etc, etc.

 

Sorry. But best of luck with your Fusion! :beerchug:

[BlackSEL]

Ok.... oh well... if it's not there it's not there.

 

But hey- I love the car. I turned in a 2005 F-150, the Fusion runs circles around it- and that's with 200 miles on it. Can't wait to see how it does after about 5 or 6K miles. And, it's 4cyl to boot! I think the 5-speed auto helps a lot.

 

So, I love the car. Bought some Meguiar's Gold Glass paste wax today and am going to wax it tomorrow. I want to get at least 3 coats on it.

[bbf2530]

Ok.... oh well... if it's not there it's not there.

 

But hey- I love the car. I turned in a 2005 F-150, the Fusion runs circles around it- and that's with 200 miles on it. Can't wait to see how it does after about 5 or 6K miles. And, it's 4cyl to boot! I think the 5-speed auto helps a lot.

 

So, I love the car. Bought some Meguiar's Gold Glass paste wax today and am going to wax it tomorrow. I want to get at least 3 coats on it.

 

Hi BlackSEL. :D I also use the Meguiar's Gold (I use the liquid though) on my MKZ. Excellent choice!

 

If I can make a recommendation though. Just do two coats. Anything more than two and you are getting into the "law of diminishing returns". No extra protection for a lot of extra work.

 

Instead of doing three coats of wax, start off with one coat of Meguiar's Polish (not a polish/wax combo, just the pure Meguiar's Polish). Think of it as "hand cream for your paint" Follow the Directions and apply and buff the Polish before waxing, then apply your two coats of the Gold Wax. You will be amazed at how much deeper and glossier your finish will look. Especially with a black car like yours, it will look amazing.

 

Give it a try sometime. Good luck! :beerchug:

[BlackSEL]

Hi BlackSEL. :D I also use the Meguiar's Gold (I use the liquid though) on my MKZ. Excellent choice!

 

If I can make a recommendation though. Just do two coats. Anything more than two and you are getting into the "law of diminishing returns". No extra protection for a lot of extra work.

 

Instead of doing three coats of wax, start off with one coat of Meguiar's Polish (not a polish/wax combo, just the pure Meguiar's Polish). Think of it as "hand cream for your paint" Follow the Directions and apply and buff the Polish before waxing, then apply your two coats of the Gold Wax. You will be amazed at how much deeper and glossier your finish will look. Especially with a black car like yours, it will look amazing.

 

Give it a try sometime. Good luck! :beerchug:

Is that what they call the "22" or "24" polish? Do you put it on by hand or does it require a machine polisher?

[BlackSEL]

Is that what they call the "22" or "24" polish? Do you put it on by hand or does it require a machine polisher?

[bbf2530]

Is that what they call the "22" or "24" polish? Do you put it on by hand or does it require a machine polisher?

 

Hi BlackSEL. :D No, it is the "Deep Crystal System" Polish. It is actually the 2nd step in the 3 step "Deep Crystal System". It can be applied by hand or orbital polisher. I then finish with the "Gold Class Liquid" wax.

 

Good luck! :beerchug:

[Sir Charles]

Hi BlackSEL. :D No, it is the "Deep Crystal System" Polish. It is actually the 2nd step in the 3 step "Deep Crystal System". It can be applied by hand or orbital polisher. I then finish with the "Gold Class Liquid" wax.

 

Good luck! :beerchug:

 

 

That is some good hand wax to be using. The shine is awesome!

[vstarbob]

I understand that one of the options is a variable-color setup fo the footwell and interior lighting... unfortuately my SEL doesn't have this option.. but usually these days the "hard work" is already done (easier to build all vehicles with something just leave out the switch to make it work)... with that in mind, anyone have any idea about doing a mod to add this?

 

I'm wondering if the wiring, etc. is in place and just needs a control... for those of you that have this option, where is the adjustment knob?

 

thanks.

 

Got the ambient lighting on my 08 SE w/SAP and Moon & Tune

can't answer you about the wiring... the switch sits just to the left of the shifter...

I'd honestly wish there was just a little more available in the rear.

[Drake]

Liquid Glass is really awsome stuff too.

[FusionFanatic]

I understand that one of the options is a variable-color setup fo the footwell and interior lighting... unfortuately my SEL doesn't have this option.. but usually these days the "hard work" is already done (easier to build all vehicles with something just leave out the switch to make it work)... with that in mind, anyone have any idea about doing a mod to add this?

 

I'm wondering if the wiring, etc. is in place and just needs a control... for those of you that have this option, where is the adjustment knob?

 

thanks.

I doubt there is any pre-installed wiring for it, it's not a complicated system, it's just a bunch on LEDs with a control module.

 

if you feel like wasting $279 you can buy the factory "option" as an add-on from a dealer's parts dept (it's available in the Ford accessories catalog). IMO it's a complete waste of money and the only part of it that looks good is the cupholders. the floor lighting from what I have read is only a single LED per footwell (for $279 I would expect a full LED light strip under the dashboard on both sides, and under the seats to illuminate the back foor).

 

it wouldn't be very hard to add your own ambient lighting, and it would cost alot less than the overpriced factory kit...

 

for a single color system you can get a couple LED light strips or flexible LED light strips (to mount under the dash) for less than $20 each.[/li]

light strips would provide a much better looking, uniform ambient lighting in the footwells than they factory system's single LED could ever do.

 

for the cupholder, buy a small/thin acrylic sheet (~$5 on eBay) and cut an opening to match the cupholder opening, then light up the acrylic sheet with LEDs. an [easier] alternative would be put washers inbetween the "cups" and the console panel to leave a gap for light to pass through (no acrylic needed) and wrap a flexible LED light strip (or strips) around the opening. with multiple LEDs all shining in would light anything in the cupholders up pretty good.

 

for a multi-color system you would need RGB LEDs and a color change controller (you can buy them pre-made or buy a kit to make your own).

 

you can also add a dimmer to either setup to adjust the light intensity.