Puddle Lights

Discussion in 'DIY Instructables' started by Superglue, Feb 24, 2026.

  1. Superglue
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    Superglue Well-Known Member

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    Have been wanting these for a while now, in an attempt to "modernize" my 2011 Sti.
    This should be the same across the entire 08-14 Impreza and probably other platforms?

    Tools Needed:
    Subaru puddle lights (I got mine on eBay)(there's a bunch of different logos you can get or you can have a custom one)
    Screwdriver
    Wire cutter/crimping tool
    Extra 18g wire
    Wire connectors (I like the little heat shrink solder in place connectors)
    18g connectors (I like the waterproof quick connects, to keep it clean and replaceable)
    wire shrouding (only if you want it to look pretty)
    fiberglass wire puller rods
    lighter/heat gun
    Trim panel tool

    Theory was to connect the puddle lights to the footwell lights as they turn on when you unlock the car.
    There is unfortunately no constant power in the door, and the door open/close switch is mounted to the interior B-pillar so wiring that way would be a mess.
    Either way you need to pull wire through the grommet in the door, which is a huge pain, but the fiberglass rod puller helps a ton with that.
    I pulled power and ground from the footwell lights to keep everything on the same circuit as some of the ground circuits in the door are switched depending on what buttons you're pushing and the fact that Subaru is classically ground switched signals.

    -Started by removing the kick plates and accessing the tunnel to the door grommet.
    -you can remove the door cards at this point too. four screws and a bunch of pull pins.
    careful pulling up the control switch part as it can scratch the door card. and/or you can break the rear pull tab. pull up mostly straight.
    -Measured the wiring and connected all the interior wire connectors without connecting to the footwell light. did that last as I didn't disconnect the battery (because I'm so wild)
    -pulled the wire through the door with the sheath on
    -attached the quick connect on the door side and cleaned it all up
    -drilled the hole for the light closest to where the door closes just in case it stays on and you can see it when you're in the seat, I didn't want it to be a distraction. the door seals there, so you can't see it from inside, so no need to take that precaution.
    -wired all the connection for the puddle light
    -set the puddle light to my preferred angle
    -then attacked the footwell light (there's not much wire here so using extra wire would be really smart, I did that on the passenger side to give some breathing room.)
    -finished by connecting all the quick connects
    -reinstall door cards and tweeters and kick panel plate
    -reconnect the grommet for the door (biggest pain of the whole project)
     

    Attached Files:

  2. tangledupinblu
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    tangledupinblu Event Coordinator Staff Member

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    Wow, those are pretty bright and clear(easy to read)!
     
  3. Superglue
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    Superglue Well-Known Member

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    yeah, there's a bunch that I've seen that are really stupid or kind of blurry. I splurged and spent ~55$ on these instead of the other "Chinese brand" for 30$ because that crisp is really nice.
     
  4. Krazylegz1485
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    Krazylegz1485 Well-Known Member

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    Link to these?

    I put some puddle lights in my old WRX many moons ago, but installed them under the dash to light up the foot area instead. Looked pretty sweet until the glass lenses seemingly shattered over time. Haha.
     
  5. Superglue
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    Superglue Well-Known Member

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