[Montauk17]

I am looking for some accessories for our new 2010 CT EX-L 4WD w/Navi and am pondering installation of the ambient lighting. I am curious if anyone has the ambient lighting and if so do you use it, could you live without it or was it just a nice to have...awe factor type accessory that the novelty has since wore off?

Just looking for some feedback.

 

[RyansQuick6]

I've been debating the same thing. To be honest, the lighting is very nice, hard to find a dark zone. I see the kit basically being a neat little novelty, but at least it's cheap.

 

[ifonline]

I have it and keep it turned on. That way, when the headlights are on (because it's dark outside) the ambient lighting in the footwells turns on automatically. Do I like it? Meh... I actually don't like the blue interior lighting. I think it's too cheesy. But, I like the idea of the ambient lighting, if that makes sense. That's why I got it despite the blue light.

 

[jmiller284]

I have the ambient lighting and I love it .. a definite improvement to the already blue ambient console lighting and backlit gauges .. Makes the car feel more "sporty" and expensive. I just leave it on all the time with the Auto headlights..

 

[Xaque]

I've been considering it as well... although not to intently.


(I do wish there was a way to turn on *all* the interior lights instead of just the respective map lights.)

 

[Lobbyist]

I also have been interested in the factory ambient lighting. Is this a diy project?

 

[jmiller284]

Here are the installation instructions ..

http://www.collegehillshonda.com/instructions/crosstour/2011/interiorillumination.pdf

I chose to have the dealer do it because he offered the Honda 3-year warranty on it (same as the car) and I didn't want to cut the wire harness accidentally or break the under covers during the installation ...

 

[Montauk17]

Thanks for the input. Today I ordered the ambient lighting kit, roof rack, door pockets, touch-up paint and a 6 pack of oil filters/washers. I plan on installing all of the options I just ordered myself. Although the roof rack will be installed, I will keep it removed and the caps installed until I need the roof rack. I like the shape of the car and don't want to permanently break it up by leaving the roof rack rails on all the time. I sort of wish the rails were low profile. They appear to stick up pretty high.

 

[gmcc]

Montauk17 - When you install the lights post some info. The instructions look pretty straightforward, but your input would be good.

 

[Montauk17]

I will snap a few pictures as I install the lights and report back the ease or difficulty of installation. The instructions seem pretty straight forward.

 

[Montauk17]

Well, today I installed the Honda Roof Rack, Door Pockets and Ambient Lighting. I said I would take pictures during the ambient lighting install. However, the directions were so accurate and the illustrations so descriptive that I didn't take any pictures.

I do want to make note of something that I thought was unusual but made sense toward the end of the install. While removing interior panels the instructions did not require removal of the passengers center console forward kick panel. The instructions DO have you remove the drivers side center console forward kick panel. When I got to the step where I needed to pass the cable through from the drivers side to the passengers side I discovered that you can reach your fingers down into the passengers side kick panel and grasp the ambient lighting wire harness and pull it through. No big deal, makes sense that the panel doesn't need to be removed.

The only other thing I should make note of is the wire pass through tunnel/passage from the drivers side to the passengers side. When you are ready to pass the harness through you will need to stick your head and shoulders into the floor area on the drivers side to see the tunnel/passage the harness will pass through. Honda really planned this out and designed this area with the mechanic in mind...

Now I am waiting for it to get dark outside so I can see the visual effect the ambient lighting produces.

 

[gmcc]

Sounds like you had a fun day, Montauk17. Thanks for the feedback on the lights. I will order them soon. I have a couple of thngs to do to the CT, but I need a warm day. I have aquestion about your screen name - any tie to the Boston Whaler Montauk 17? It was a good boat.
Gil

 

[Montauk17]

Sounds like you had a fun day, Montauk17. Thanks for the feedback on the lights. I will order them soon. I have a couple of thngs to do to the CT, but I need a warm day. I have aquestion about your screen name - any tie to the Boston Whaler Montauk 17? It was a good boat.
Gil

Yes, I did have a good day. Installed the roof rack bars today as well. Those were a little more difficult. Especially the partial removal of the plastic roof trim. But, once I got rolling it wasn't all that bad.

Yes, I have a 1995 Boston Whaler Montauk 17. Hence my screen name. I try to keep the same screen name everywhere I go. It is an awesome boat although on rough days it can beat the heck out of you. I love Whaler's because they are so dependable and I really trust the hull.

 

[gmcc]

Yes it is a good boat. I have had many boats (mostly sail) on the Chesapeake over the years. Cars are fun to work on, boats are better.

 

[leek69]

I am looking for some accessories for our new 2010 CT EX-L 4WD w/Navi and am pondering installation of the ambient lighting. I am curious if anyone has the ambient lighting and if so do you use it, could you live without it or was it just a nice to have...awe factor type accessory that the novelty has since wore off?

Just looking for some feedback.

I have the factory ambient but added a LED strip on each side and used existing wiring to switch cause factory is almost invisible and of no use.

 

[Montauk17]

I have the factory ambient but added a LED strip on each side and used existing wiring to switch cause factory is almost invisible and of no use.

You must like your interior to be bright. I am very satisfied with the ambient lighting and like how it throws a nice blue glow without being too bright and distracting.

 

[Montauk17]

Yes it is a good boat. I have had many boats (mostly sail) on the Chesapeake over the years. Cars are fun to work on, boats are better.

Totally off topic... I to do all my boating on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. I have never been sailing...looks like too much work.

 

[veasnalong]

did any one have done any mod installing ambient light to rear on both passenger/driver side??

 

[leek69]

You must like your interior to be bright. I am very satisfied with the ambient lighting and like how it throws a nice blue glow without being too bright and distracting.

No, actually looks 100% better than the one LED blue on each side...yes a person could add too much and end up looking like a glowing spaceship inside. For us the factory was way way too dim and the extra punch worked very well. Replaced doors with blue LED and looks great with many compliments.

 

[Montauk17]

No, actually looks 100% better than the one LED blue on each side...yes a person could add too much and end up looking like a glowing spaceship inside. For us the factory was way way too dim and the extra punch worked very well. Replaced doors with blue LED and looks great with many compliments.

Do you think you could post a picture and some specifics on the LED strips you added (# of lights and any additional electrical work you might have done)?