Installed backlighting on windows switch

I did this primarily because I can't see the darn door lock button at night and my wife complained about it too. I used micro LEDs from Amazon. It was pretty easy, but the micro led wires are so small that I broke 2 during the soldering. I used 4 3v LEDs total so I didn't need a resistor. I will only use 3 on the passenger side when I install them this weekend. I found 4 to be overkill, but the trade off is not needing a resistor. The passenger side will need a resistor. Also added a 2pin harness to make it easily removed if I need to pull the door panel.

It's not as bright as the pic makes it out to be.
I can post a more detailed how to if anyone wants.

Pic to show size of led.

 

So always ON?

 

https://cartrimhome.com/Door-Switch-For-Toyota-Tacoma-2012-2015?search=tacoma

 

Only when the truck is on. It draws 80mA, so it's very miniscule.

 

So tapped 30 amp window juice?
How about the rest of the doors?

 

I didn't even know those existed. Oh well. If I had bought 2 sets, That's still a lot more than I spent on my back lighting.

 

Yes. The window switch doesn't draw a full 30A, so 80mA isn't going to do anything. I'll be doing the passenger side this weekend. The LED pack from Amazon came in a 20 pack. I don't plan on doing the rear doors.

 

Ya could assemble this and use the extra LED's to illuminate the door handle (Passenger's side) cubby and the switch.

 

I don't want to do any drilling into the door panel though. I don't generally have an issue finding the door handle. It's just the locks that are always hidden. Thanks for the idea though.

 

Reading material:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/led-lighting-on-door-locks.185338/

 

haha. Thanks. I don't need those illuminated. Just the lock switches. I have my truck set up to unlock all the doors when the driver door opens anyways, so it's really for when my wife is in the truck. I've done hobby electronics for 2 decades and haven't done it in a while, so this was just to fix a problem and make me feel good about myself for a short time. lol

 

With the exception of the driver's "auto" window: dark window and power door-lock switches are my biggest, and maybe -only- major complaint about my Tacoma. It's rediculous. My mid '80s vehicles had back-lighted window switches on every door. (-and- illuminated door lock and heated power outside mirror switches, AND the switch controls for them as well)

 

This looks sharp!