Introduction to Installing Aftermarket License Plate Lights
Upgrading your vehicle with aftermarket license plate lights can enhance its appearance and improve visibility. The installation process is relatively straightforward and can be completed with minimal tools. Always ensure that any modifications you make to your vehicle comply with local regulations.
Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials
Before starting the installation, make sure you have the following:
- A set of aftermarket license plate lights compatible with your vehicle.
- A screwdriver or socket wrench set (depending on your vehicle’s requirements).
- Electrical wire (if not provided with the lights).
- Wire stripper/cutter.
- Electrical connectors or soldering equipment (if necessary).
- Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.
- A multimeter to test connections (optional but recommended).
Steps for Installation
Step 1: Remove Existing License Plate Lights
Using a screwdriver or socket wrench, remove the screws or bolts that secure the factory license plate lights. Carefully disconnect them from the vehicle’s wiring harness.
Step 2: Prepare the Aftermarket Lights
Unpack your aftermarket lights and ensure all required components are included. If there are no plug-and-play connectors available for your specific vehicle, you may need to prepare wiring and connectors.
Step 3: Test the Aftermarket Lights
Before fully installing the lights, connect them to the vehicle’s wiring and turn on your lights to ensure they work properly. Use a multimeter to ensure you’re connecting to the correct wires that power the factory lights, typically when the headlights are turned on.
Step 4: Connect the Aftermarket Lights
If the aftermarket kit is a direct plug-and-play, simply connect them to the vehicle’s existing wiring harness. If not, use wire strippers to remove a small section of insulation from the existing wiring and connect your aftermarket light wires using electrical connectors or by soldering—ensuring you match positive to positive and negative to negative wires. Protect all connections with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.
Step 5: Secure the New License Plate Lights
Once your aftermarket license plate lights are tested and working, secure them to the vehicle where the factory lights were mounted, using the provided hardware or the factory screws or bolts.
Step 6: Test the Lights Again
After installation, test the lights again to ensure they’re working as expected and that they’re secure. Check the alignment of the lights to make sure your license plate is well illuminated.
Important Considerations
- It’s important to disconnect the battery before beginning any electrical work on your vehicle to avoid the risk of electric shock or damaging the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Make sure your aftermarket lights are legal in your area. Some regions have restrictions on the color and type of lights used on vehicles.
- If your new license plate lights are LED and they don’t seem to work correctly, check if they require resistors to operate properly with your vehicle’s electrical system.
- If you do not feel confident about performing this installation yourself, consider consulting a professional mechanic or an auto electrician.
Conclusion
Installing aftermarket license plate lights is a simple process that most car owners can undertake. Just follow the steps carefully, always test connections before finalizing the installation, and ensure that your new lights comply with the law. Regular checks and maintenance post-installation will guarantee that they continue functioning correctly and safely.