CoolKit #5: CHI Cup Holder Illuminator

 Contents

   History of CHI Development

   What is it?

   Owner Photos

   Installation Instructions

   Contact Information

History Of CHI Development

None

What is it?

CHI is just what is says, a cup holder illuminator!  Others and myself have had trouble finding the cup holder in the dark!  (Laugh now; wait till you’re over 40!)  This easy to install kit places two LEDS in the ‘Handle’ area of the cup holder making it easy to put the cup back in the dark.

Owner Photos

Video of Dimmer Function


 

Fig. 1

Installation Instructions

Contents

            Automatic Shift Installation Instructions

            Manual Shift Installation Instructions

 

Automatic Shift Installation Instructions

Tools Needed

  1. Drill and 5/16” and 1/8” bits
  2. 10mm Offset Wrench
  3. Stubby Phillips Screwdriver
  4. Regular Phillips Screwdriver
  5. Regular Slip Joint Pliers
  6. Sharp knife
  7. Small box

Installation

  1. Start by putting all the consoles contents into the small box.  Leave the cup holder liners in place.
  2. Now slide both front seats as far back as possible and remove the front two screws holding the console in place.    The stubby Phillips helps here or the offset 10mm wrench!
  3. Now slide the front seats all the way forward and remove the two rear bolts holding the center console. 
  4. The console will now slide out easily.
  5. Place the console right side up on a workbench.  Referring to Fig.2 drill a 1/8” starter hole as indicated in each cup holder.  Drill right through the liner then through the console.  It’s OK to drill the hole at an angle.  (You really have no choice!)


Fig. 2

  1. Change to the 5/16” bit and enlarge the holes you just made.
  2. Now remove the liners and using the sharp knife if necessary clean up the holes in the rubber liners.
  3. Locate the 2 black plastic Led holders.  Insert the holders into the consol by pressing them into the holes until they are flush.
  4. Turn the console upside down on the bench. Use a soft towel or rag to prevent scratches to the top.
  5. Locate wiring harness A with the two LEDS.  From the underside of the console carefully insert the LED with the shortest lead into the front LED holder until it snaps into place.  Refer to Fig. 3.


Fig. 3

  1. Repeat for the rear holder.  Note: This one is harder as the support bracket is in the way.  Just take your time.
  2. Attach the wire clip to the bottom of the front cup holder as shown in Fig. 3.
  3. Route the wires as shown and set the console aside.
  4.  Locate the wiring harness in the Xterra as shown in Fig. 4.  Using the sharp knife, slit the harness cover about 4 inches. 


Fig. 4

  1.  Find the Pink wire with the Black stripe.  Using the slip joint pliers and referring to Fig. 5 crimp a T connector to the wire. Then find the Blue wire with a red stripe.  Using the slip joint pliers and referring to Fig. 5 crimp a T connector to this wire.

Fig. 5

  1.  Locate wiring harness B.  Plug the wire with the white stripe and with the label BL/R into the T-Connector crimped onto the Blue wire with the red stripe.  Plug the other wire with the label PK/B into the T-Connector crimped to the Pink wire with the black stripe.  It is important to get this right or you can damage the LEDS!!!   Refer to Fig. 4 & 6.


Fig. 6

  1.  Place the console back into position and plug wiring harness A into B. 
  2. Test the LEDS!  Turn on the park lights and put the dimmer on full bright (control rotated all the way ‘up’.) The LEDS should be full bright.  By rotating the control ‘down’ they will dim as the other dash lights dim.  If they don’t work immediately turn off the park lights.  Some trucks have been found that may be wired wrong!  Reverse the connections in step 4 and try it again.  If it still doesn’t work see the Trouble Shooting section. If all checks out then press the dimmer back into the dash, neaten up your wiring and replace the console.  Enjoy!

 

 Manual Shift Installation Instructions

  1. Follow the above steps through Step #13.
  2. Remove the dimmer control from the dash using the knife.  It just press fits in but can be a pain to get out!  It helps to remove the fuse panel door and reach in from the back and push while prying.  Be careful not to scratch the dash or switch!
  3. Find the Pink wire with the Black stripe going into the back of the dimmer.  Using the slip joint pliers and referring to Fig. 5 crimp a T connector to the wire. Then find the Blue wire with a red stripe.  Using the slip joint pliers and referring to Fig. 5 crimp a T connector to this wire.
  4. Locate wiring harness B.  Plug the wire with the white stripe and with the label BL/R into the T-Connector crimped onto the Blue wire with the red stripe.  Plug the other wire with the label PK/B into the T-Connector crimped to the Pink wire with the black stripe.  It is important to get this right or you can damage the LEDS!!!   Refer to Fig. 8.
  5. Take the wiring harness labeled ‘D’ and route it from the dimmer switch, over top of the steering column under the dash, then under the carpet to the center console area.  MAKE SURE TO USE THE TIE WRAPS TO SECURE THIS WIRE FROM ALL MOVING PARTS UNDER THE DASH!!!!!!!!!!!
  6. Plug harness ‘B’ into harness ‘C’.  Place the console back into position and plug wiring harness ‘A’ into ‘D’. 
  7. Test the LEDS!  Turn on the park lights and put the dimmer on full bright (control rotated all the way ‘up’.) The LEDS should be full bright.  By rotating the control ‘down’ they will dim as the other dash lights dim.  If they don’t work immediately turn off the park lights.  Some trucks have been found that may be wired wrong!  Reverse the connections in step 4 and try it again.  If it still doesn’t work see the Trouble Shooting section. If all checks out then press the dimmer back into the dash, neaten up your wiring and replace the console.  Enjoy!

Contact Information

Email: coolerman@qx.net with any questions or suggestions.  I am always looking for new ideas!

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